(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Students may struggle with many different situations while attending college. Those attending Texas State Technical College can feel at ease knowing that they have guidance and support through the services of the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC).
Formerly called Student Services, the Advocacy and Resource Center offers an inclusive environment that embraces the diversity of students and helps them achieve success in their academic and career goals.
This semester, the center plans to host an open house on Feb. 4, March 2 and April 8, which gives students the opportunity to connect with an ARC coach on their campus.
“The ARC is designed to assist students with nonacademic barriers and help them get back on the path toward graduation,” said TSTC Student Life coordinator Belinda Palomino. “The office functions as a resource and referral center. When life happens, we have resources that can help.”
There are a variety of resources shared with students who turn to the center, such as TSTC’s lending library, food pantry, and child care assistance.
“TSTC is known for being a family-oriented campus,” said senior staff assistant Lisa Garza. “We are always happy to welcome our students with open arms and help guide and support them every step of the way.”
TSTC’s mission of ensuring that students are equipped with everything they need to thrive in the Texas workforce goes beyond academics, an objective that the ARC represents well.
“The staff is passionate and genuinely cares about helping students reach their academic goals,” Palomino said. “Our coaches know the students by name and will work with them until whatever situation they are in gets resolved. The student experience matters.”
Garza added that the size of the campus also makes for a positive learning environment for those who want more personal guidance through their college journey.
“TSTC is the perfect campus for one-on-one guidance and education,” she said. “Being that we are a smaller campus, we have the opportunity to offer more direct instruction and support.”
To learn more about the Advocacy and Resource Center, visit https://www.tstc.edu/student_life/caring.
