Spring Break
Open house draws crowd to services
At least 300 people toured the Student Services Center in the 10th Street garage
Alvin M. Morgan, Daily Staff Writer
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According to Mel Brown, a learning skills specialist and a former San Jose State University graduate, at least 300 visitors showed up to tour the different program areas and take part in the presentations and refreshments on hand in each unit.
"I thought it was a good turnout. I think we got a good cross-section of students and staff. This was an opportunity to show everybody what we are all about," Brown said.
Greeters were employed at each unit to assist open house visitors.
Brown said the greeters were necessary to make open house visitors feel welcome in addition to giving directions to the different programs on display.
"It is going good. A lot of people are coming by and asking about all of the different programs," said Patricia Santiago, an undeclared freshman who was working as one of the greeters.
Among the many programs displaying its services was the ASPIRE/ McNair Scholars Program.
According to Connie Baker, director of the program, which is named after Ronald E. McNair, a former astronaut killed during the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, its function is to support students and help them to stay in school and graduate.
The McNair program, which was founded in 1995, is a vehicle for students who want to earn a doctorate degree, Baker said.
"The program prepares undergraduates for study at the doctorate level," Baker said.
Aside from the tours and PowerPoint presentations of the facilities, Baker said they were offering curious open house participants a chance to inquire about the programs.
"Lots of people have come by to look at the environment and ask questions about the program," Baker said. "A few students came by and asked about applying."
Venturing further into the offices of the Student Services Center, participants were encouraged to visit the computer lab and tutoring services presented by the Learning Assistance Resource Center.
The center's director, Alice Ting, said the center offers tutoring for students on a drop-in or appointment basis.
Ting said she advises students to make an appointment to guarantee themselves a chance to consult with a tutor.
"This was a good opportunity for people to see the facilities and they seemed to be impressed with the services that we offer," said Nancy McLain, a math tutor at the center.
"Some people didn't even know we were here and that tutoring is offered in a number of different courses."
McLain said she felt most of the visitors were impressed with the multitude of free tutoring services offered as well as the computer lab.
"We have a variety of services to offer the students at a no-cost situation," McLain said.
Despite the foot traffic brought about by the presence of open house visitors, some of the tutors at the center continued their business of helping students.
"I used to use the services here, that is how I found out that it was an awesome place," said Denise Ferguson, a senior majoring in and tutoring chemistry.
"Before I knew about this place, I was really frustrated. I had no idea where to turn to for academic help."
Ting said the number of visitors that toured the facilities encouraged her.
She said she is hopeful for future use of the center.
"This was a good chance for students to discover the services and ask questions and I hope that they will start using the center soon," Ting said.
Frank Castillo, associate director for Pre-College Programs, said his program is geared toward getting pre-college aged students excited about college.
"I lot of young kids are really not exposed to the college atmosphere, so our job is to get them excited by bringing them out to campus tours and we do a lot of academic advising for high school students," Castillo said.
Prisicilla Peebles, director of the Pre-College Program, said although the event attracted a lot of students and staff, she was discouraged by the lack of faculty in attendance.
"I have not seen very many faculty or administrators come through, it has been mostly staff," Peebles said. "It would be nice to see more faculty come around so they will know exactly what services we offer so they can pass that information on to the students."
Damaja Jones, a freshman majoring in criminal justice, said the number of services available to students impressed him. He said he's a frequent visitor to the center for tutoring help.
Some students were simply impressed with the entire operation.
"I think it is really awesome. I think they do a bang-up job here," said Alley White, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering.
"They are always available whether you have a lame question or an important one and we appreciate it."
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