Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Navigating a new way of keeping students connected and engaged, Texas Southmost College is finding innovative ways of hosting virtual activities and events during this time of remote learning due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“We’ve always had a strong student life and engagement on our campus,” said TSC Executive Director of Student Life and Civility Armando Ponce. “And we need to continue ensuring that our students are feeling engaged and connected to the college and with each other during these unprecedented times.”
Using technology such as social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok, and teleconferencing services such as Zoom, TSC students have a daily dose of activities they can look forward to.
The most popular activities according to TSC Student Government Association parliamentarian and Campus Activities Board Vice President of Philanthropy Angelique Treviño, are Social Distancing Bingo and Tip Tuesday.
Both activities are hosted on social media and allow students to receive and share tips about studying, fitness and remote learning. Social Distancing Bingo allows students to engage with each other through videos and photos as they complete the tasks on a bingo card.
“Student activities is something our students look forward to on campus, so we want to continue offering the same services online, of course modified,” said Treviño. “We want them to know we are thinking of them and that they’re not alone during this time.”
Other activities organized by Student Life, in collaboration with Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association, TSC Recreation Center and TSC Continuing Education, are virtual yoga, virtual group fitness programs, We Lead Wednesdays, TEDX Talks watch parties and Family Feast Fridays.
Last week, the SGA hosted a virtual Town Hall meeting so students could connect with TSC President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez and other administration.
“We’ve received an outpouring of positive feedback from our students,” said Treviño. “They’ve enjoyed connecting with each other and some even making new friends. It’s been great to see such high participation.”
One student, who has been involved with the creation of these virtual events and an active participant, is Joel Escalare.
“These events give students a sense of belonging even though we’re not on campus,” said the SGA Historian and Campus Activities Board member. “Having this type of outlet available to us as students makes a positive impact on our college experience.”
Ponce said Student Life will continue to provide engaging content for its students through the summer.
“We will continue to host activities that are engaging and allow students to connect, while promoting healthy lifestyles, as well as TSC resources and tips that will allow them to be successful,” said Ponce. “It’s inspiring to see how our student leaders have embraced these new changes to make a difference in others’ lives and I’m proud of everything they have done. I encourage every student to keep moving forward and stay Scorpion Strong.”
