Texas Border Business
TSC Staff
The Texas Southmost College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a comprehensive care package during last night’s meeting, which includes six free semester credit hours during the summer for all in-district Texas residents.
Trustees gathered for the special meeting to review initiatives TSC designed to provide assistance for students, adjunct faculty, dual enrollment students and school districts during the COVID-19 crisis.
This local package complements the $400 per student grants announced Thursday, which qualifying active TSC students will receive from federal funds designated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
TSC Board of Trustees Chair Adela Garza said during this global pandemic the financial situations of many have changed and many are facing disruptions that could put their education at risk. We want our students to move forward with their education and be able to join the workforce as the Texas economy reopens. Thus it is important for TSC students to know their TSC Family is here to help.
“We will always help our students in any way we can,” she said. “The initiatives passed last night are designed to help our students get through this difficult time. It’s important for our students to know that we, as a college and board of trustees, are here for them and they are not alone.”
Take 6 On Us, is an initiative that waives a portion of tuition and fees during the summer. Texas residents within the college’s taxing district will have their tuition and fees waived for up to six semester credit hours during the Summer 2020 semesters.
For Texas residents outside of TSC’s taxing district, TSC will waive 50% of tuition and fees for up to six semester credit hours during the summer semesters.
“Because of TSC Board of Trustees exceptional stewardship of resources, we are in a position to provide some financial relief for students who are facing severe disruptions while delivering quality education that will help them stay on track to graduate,” said TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez. “Even though we are experiencing an 18% increase in enrollment for the summer semester over last year, we do not want our students to put their education on hold. We want to ensure students maintain momentum and are ready to enter the workforce.”
In addition to free or discounted tuition and fees, eligible students will still receive their full financial aid disbursement to help with educational materials or other necessities.
The TSC Board passed another initiative to increase adjunct faculty pay through a Summer 2020 stipend.
Salaries were increased by $150 per work unit, meaning adjunct faculty teaching a three-hour lecture course will now earn $3,000.
TSC Vice President of Instruction Joanna Kile said the initiative is designed to attract and retain the best instructor talent. It also helps support adjunct instructors and their families facing difficult economic times.
“With summer enrollment trending upward and the Take 6 On Us initiative expected to attract even more students, we want to ensure we have enough highly qualified faculty available to meet the demand,” Kile said. “We also know that adjunct faculty often seek extra course loads during the summer months to make ends meet. This initiative will provide a win-win situation for students and adjunct faculty.”
In addition to helping adjunct faculty, the TSC board also approved a Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment test fee credit, which contributes to TSC’s strategic goal to Foster Student Success.
Students take the TSI test to determine the appropriate level of college course work for incoming students. Students who take the TSI prior to August 31, 2020 and enroll in TSC during the Summer and Fall 2020 will receive a $10 credit per section of the test they take, with a maximum of one attempt.
“Because COVID-19 has brought financial challenges to our communities, we wanted to show our support,” said TSC Executive Director of Academic and Student Services Vanessa Vasquez. “Crediting testing fees is another way we are lending a helping hand and giving back to a community that supports the college.”
As part of giving back to the community, TSC will also waive the $20 per session TSC proctor fee for dual credit students from surrounding school districts that will take their TSI tests at the college.
“With the TSI testing now taking place via teleconferencing, we’ve received numerous requests from districts for testing their students at TSC,” said Vasquez. “We currently proctor testing for at least 15 students a day via Zoom. With this fee waiver, we want to relieve the burden on our school districts that pay the fee and continue to foster our partnerships.”
Rodriguez said TSC, as one of the fastest growing community colleges in Texas, continues to seek innovative solutions to serve students and the greater communities.
“Through this innovative and comprehensive care package that the TSC Board of Trustees approved last night, we are able to support our students and communities financially while delivering quality education,” said Rodriguez. “Especially during this trying time, our students need to know their TSC family is here for them. We are their community college and we remain Scorpion Strong.”
