By Julian Hadley
The Scene staff
Each and every student attending Forest Park has access to campus programs with capable staff members who can help him or her graduate.
With today’s tight job market, graduates need degree-specific knowledge and marketable skills, such as networking and public speaking. They also need to dress professionally to enhance their appeal.
“Take advantage of your education,” said Keith Ware, coordinator for the African-American Male Initiative at Florissant Valley and Forest Park. “Don’t take it for granted.”
Smart Start
Smart Start: Student Success is a three-credit course designed to enhance a student’s transition into Forest Park by building on foundational knowledge that he or she acquires in the New Student Registration Workshop and the New Student Orientation. There are novice, apprentice and expert levels. Students build portfolios that showcase their best work and inspire them to continue working to reach their goals.
“I am giving students a roadmap that they will need in order to know where they are going,” said instructor Kelli Harris.
TRIO
The purpose of TRIO Student Support Services is improve retention of low-income, disabled and first-generation college students. It includes tutoring, financial-aid and other types of advising, workshops and educational and cultural events.
“TRIO is seeking academic-minded students,” said Kim Walker, director on the Forest Park campus.
There are 30 openings for males and females remaining this semester. Offices are in G Tower, Room 311. For more information or to sign up, speak to Kawaii Brown, lead educational assistant.
African-American Male Initiative
The African-American Male Initiative was founded in 2008 to combat the declining numbers of young black males at St. Louis Community College. It is based on the Forest Park and Florissant Valley campuses. All male students, regardless of ethnicity or race, are encouraged to apply as program participants and youth mentors.
Each campus has a Student Resource Center with computers, printers, research materials and dedicated tutors in math, English, reading and writing. AAMI has an open-door policy that allows participants to confidentially speak to staff about classes and personal concerns.
“You can do well if you open your mind,” Ware said.
Access Office
The Access Office provides support services to Forest Park students with temporary or permanent disabilities. It helps to minimize barriers between students and instructors, so effective learning can proceed. Assistance also is offered for testing, registration and veterans issues. Disabilities may include learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic-stress disorder, blindness or deafness. It is suggested that those seeking services apply six weeks before a semester starts. The office is in G Tower, Room 223.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” said Deborah Carter, Access Office manager.
Everyone seems to know where the Career and Employment Services office is located on campus. Finding work is a top priority among college students. Did you know that alumni and full-time or part-time students can use these services for free if they have completed or are taking at least three credits at Forest Park? Take advantage of the eRecruiting system to post and search job openings and to apply for internships.
Library Services
Stress takes on new meaning when you step inside the library, anxious to edit your homework and print it out for class, and find that no computers are available. Guess what? All you need is your student identification card to check out everything from iPads and laptop computers to Kindle book readers and digital tape recorders. The iPads and laptops have a two-hour limit and can only be used inside the library. Check with the librarian on duty for more information.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound is an “academic-enhancement program” that answers questions incoming freshman are likely to ask. Staff members advise high-school students on how to get the most out of college while also helping them develop academic skills essential to success.
One component is after-school tutoring in foundational subjects like math, science and English and twice-monthly workshops on career and professional development. Another component is a six-week, intensive summer program that reinforces what students have learned during the regular school year. It ends with field trips to colleges and sites of historical interest.
Emergency services
Forest Park has a campus police department that can help with safety, weather-related or other concerns. Reach an officer by calling 314-644-9700. Students are encouraged to pick up a copy of the emergency response pamphlet at police headquarters in Tower C, Room 13 for instructions on how to best handle emergencies.
Winter weather is right around the corner. If you are at home and need severe-weather updates, call the Severe Weather Hotline at 314-951-0000. You may also tune into KMOX radio at 1100 AM or TV channels 2, 4, 5, 30 for school closings.
Campus alerts
Lynn Venhaus, Forest Park public information and marketing communications specialist, suggests that all students and staff sign up for “alert” messages related to crime, evacuations, lockdowns, severe weather and other emergencies via SMS.
You can also text “FOLLOW STLCCAlert” to 40404. You may get several messages when you first sign up that are not from the college. To discontinue receiving these messages, reply with the words SET DISCOVER OFF.