Student Success and Resources

Freshman Seminar
Freshman Seminar (FSEM 0101) is designed to help students make a successful transition to college. The course covers topics essential to college success: getting organized, time management, goal setting, test taking, note taking, and personal communication. Students are introduced to a wide variety of campus resources. Some sections of the course are organized for specific majors.

Developmental Courses
Some students have a need for further work toward building a strong academic foundation. It takes courage, determination and a lot of will power on the part of the student to postpone career plans while doing developmental work in English, mathematics, or reading. The student will be paying tuition for these courses, the grades earned will be reflected on the permanent transcript; and yet, in most instances, they will not count toward a degree.

The student who takes academic enrichment courses at Del Mar College and works hard to benefit from them will find it easier to succeed in courses taken for credit. Through these classes the student should develop good study habits, improve reading comprehension, increase ability to analyze what is read and develop reasoning powers. This is what building an academic foundation is really all about.

Student Identification Cards
Student identification cards will be issued free of charge to all students upon initial registration. Identification cards must be validated each registration period. This card is required for admission to selected College functions, for obtaining library materials and for using recreational facilities. The card is nontransferable. It should be carried at all times and presented upon request of College officials. A charge will be made for replacements. Identification cards may be obtained at the White Library (East Campus) or the Barth Learning Resources Center (West Campus) by showing proof of registration. Identification cards are made during all library hours except the first and last 30 minutes of operation.

Telephone Calls and Messages
Students will not be called to the telephone during class hours except for a dire emergency. 

Lost and Found
Items found on both campuses should be turned in to the Student Activities Offices located in the Harvin and Coleman Centers. Items may be claimed by checking with these offices. If books or other items are turned in and they have your name and phone number, a Student Activities officer will attempt to contact you.

Library Facilities
Del Mar College library facilities include the William F. White, Jr. Library, which supports the instructional programs taught on the East Campus and the Howard E. Barth Learning Resources Center, which has materials pertaining to the technical, safety and allied health programs taught on the West Campus. The libraries contain over 180,000 bound volumes, about 16,000 periodical titles in print and electronic format and 13,000 audiovisual items, including microfilm, motion pictures, video and audio recordings, pictures and slides. The libraries have 300 Internet-accessible computers available for use. Handbooks, detailing the services and policies of the libraries, are available at the Circulation Desk of each library.

The library’s automated catalog, DMCNet, provides online access to Del Mar College’s collection. Students with a valid college identification card  also have borrowing privileges at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Kingsville and Coastal Bend College. These library catalogs are also accessible from the Del Mar Library Web site. Staff and students may request a TexShare library card, which provides direct borrowing privileges at many public and college/university libraries throughout the state.

Both the White Library and the Barth LRC provide access to a variety of electronic databases. Student Technology Centers in each facility contain computers, instruction-based and general software and Internet access. Other library services include classroom delivery of audiovisual equipment and in-library viewing and listening carrels for all media titles, interlibrary loan for research materials found in other libraries, formal library instruction as well as reference desk services and printed library research guides. The library Web site (http://library.delmar.edu) offers a wide variety of reference resources and training guides for off-campus users. Library hours are available on the library Web site.

Del Mar College Library is a member of the AMIGOS Bibliographic Council, the Coastal Bend Health Information Network, TexShare and the Texas Library Association.

Library materials may be borrowed upon presentation of a valid Del Mar College ID card. Prompt return of borrowed materials is expected so that others may use them. Students cannot register for the next semester nor get a transcript unless library records are clear.

Technology Centers
Technology centers available in both libraries provide open access to personal computers, a variety of software and the Internet. A valid Del Mar College ID card must be presented when using the Centers.

Del Mar College Computer and Network Resources Use Policy
Students are granted the privilege to use the computer and/or network resources of Del Mar College and accept the responsibility for reasonable and legitimate use only. Legitimate use of these computer and network resources are limited to College-related instruction, independent study, research, official college work of students and other specific uses as expressly authorized by the College. The computer and network resources may not be used for personal, commercial, illegal, or for-profit purposes. Students must be currently registered to use these resources and consent to being monitored. If monitoring reveals possible evidence of any activity violating the Del Mar College Computer and Network Resources Use Policy, appropriate disciplinary action - including suspension and/or dismissal from the College - will be taken. 

A copy of the Computer and Network Resources Use Policy may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President of Student Development.

Counseling and Advising Center Special Services Staff
The Special Services staff within the Counseling and Advising Centers are committed to provide equal access to College services, programs and activities for qualified students with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Texas state laws. The ADA and Section 504 prohibit discrimination against qualified students with a disability. Students shall not be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity at the College.

The Special Services staff will evaluate a student’s disability through submitted documentation by the student (mental, psychological and/or psycho-educational assessment reports) and identify the reasonable accommodation(s) which will be effected to enable the student to perform academic requirements or participate in other activity at the college in compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Texas state laws. The accommodation(s) may involve assignment of a notetaker, sign language interpreter, extended testing time, tape recording a lecture, assignment of a reader, or other reasonable accommodation(s).  Students, faculty and staff may contact a Special Services staff member  and/or review the Reference Guide for Faculty and Staff: Educating Students with Disabilities, available on the Del Mar College Web site, for further information and assistance. Reference: Board Policy Manual A7.8.1.1

The Special Services staff within the Counseling and Advising Centers are located on the East Campus in Room 188, Harvin Student Center; on the West Campus in the Coleman Student Center.

Populations served include the following:

1. Students with Disabilities Del Mar College is an “open door college” to students with disabilities who have a high school diploma or General Educational Development Certificate. Available services include:

   • designated registration time
   • interpreter services
   • note takers
   • information and referral
   • assistance technology
     
2. Senior Citizens Education Program The Senior Citizens Education Program encourages lifetime learning for older adults by offering: 
   • tuition-free auditing for people age 65 and older
   • free or minimal charge, volunteer-taught classes for people age 55 and older

Participants that have ID cards and are in ongoing programs (such as Water Exercise) may use the College’s swimming pool during recreational hours and attend most campus events. 

Stone Writing Center
The English Department's Stone Writing Center has two components:

The Virginia Stone English Learning Lab: TThis facility, located in Room 104 of the Stone Writing Center Building on the East Campus, provides help to anyone, with or without a teacher referral, who seeks to improve writing skills. Use of the ELL resources and services, including Internet service, are free of charge and are available to all college students. Emphasizing the writing process - not the written product - as the key to successful composition, the SWC is committed to helping students become better writers by strengthening their writing skills.

Qualified and experienced tutors are available for tutorial appointments or for online tutoring at any stage of the writing process. Students are encouraged to bring an assignment sheet or a draft of current work. In addition, a range of instructional materials including multimedia packages and computerized instruction is available. 

The SWC offers a variety of workshops on various writing topics. Listings of these special workshops are posted on campus bulletin boards.

The One-Hour Writing Labs:All English 0305, 0306, 0307 and 1301 students work for one hour per week in one of the English Department’s four computer Writing Labs, located in E-104, E-105, SW-202 and SW-206. Together, these four labs contain 84 workstations with color monitors and laser printers. During their first weekly labs, students are introduced to this hardware and its software; throughout the semester they practice writing and thinking that will empower them to succeed in their writing classes and other college classes. The curriculum for English 1301 students includes using the Web as an academic tool for developing research and communication skills. Students enrolled in English 1301 may enroll in the Virtual Lab, which offers students with an Internet connection the opportunity to fulfill their lab requirement off campus.

All Del Mar College students are encouraged to visit the Stone Writing Center on campus to use its facilities throughout their careers or to visit us on the Web at www.delmar.edu/engl/wrtctr.

Reading Lab
The Reading Lab is located in Room 121 in the Coles Classroom Building on the East Campus. The Lab provides instruction to students enrolled in reading classes.  It also provides tutoring to students who want to improve their reading skills in order to complete classroom reading assignments.

All students enrolled in Reading 0305 and Reading 0306 attend the Reading Lab one hour per week to receive additional instruction and practice in the computer lab.  The Lab contains multiple computer workstations.  During the first week of class, students attend an orientation session during reading class.  After the orientation session, students return to the lab for additional lessons on the computer.  These lessons provide instruction and additional practice on skills students are studying in their reading classes.  

Students seeking tutorial assistance with their college reading assignments may call (361) 698-1535 to make an appointment.

The Reading Lab offers workshops which provide instruction on reading topics.  Notices of these workshops are posted on campus bulletin boards and are announced in This Week on Campus.

ESOL Lab
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Lab is located in Rooms 102 and 104 in the Coles Classroom Building on the East Campus. Students in most ESOL courses attend the lab to receive additional instruction and practice on material covered in their ESOL classes.  

The Lab has available a variety of instructional materials, including books, audio and videotapes and computer assisted instruction.  The Lab has multiple computer work-stations.  Tutors are available to help students with their ESOL courses.  Tutorial sessions are organized on special topics throughout each semester. 

Resources for Excellence in Communication Center
The Resources for Excellence in Communication (REC) Center aids students and faculty in the creation and performance of any speech activities across campus. The REC Center has personal computers, video viewing equipment, a conversation area and three practice rooms equipped with computer units with which clients may incorporate presentation software into their presentations and video cameras with which to record themselves for self-analysis.

The REC Center is located in the Memorial Classroom Building Room 211 and is available to all college students and faculty. 

Languages Lab
The Languages Lab is located in the Coles Classroom Building, Rooms 106 and 108. The Lab provides language instruction to students enrolled in Spanish, French and German. The lab provides computerized instruction, review materials and conversational practice. Students can use computers, audio players, videos and camcorders. Lab assistants lead conversational practice groups which emphasize oral interaction and proficiency. 

Math Learning Centers
Del Mar mathematics students who need help are encouraged to attend the Mathematics Learning Centers. The Centers are located in the Memorial Classroom Building, Room 210, and the Coles Classroom Building, Room 116, on the East Campus. Both Centers have weekday, evening, and weekend hours. Call (361) 698-1960.

TRiO Student Support Services Program
To enhance the educational experience, Del Mar College offers the TRiO Student Support Services Program. TRiO is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and offers eligible student participants a variety of support services. Among the services available through TRiO are tutoring, financial aid information, mentoring, college transfer assistance, career exploration, assistance with goal setting and attainment and academic and social activities. The goal of TRiO is to assist students in their efforts to successfully accomplish their educational and career objectives.

The TRiO Program is located in the Harvin Student Center on the East Campus. For more information and/or to obtain an application, call (361) 698-1589.

Learning Communities
In order to enhance both students’ learning and their academic experience, Del Mar College encourages the development of communities of learners. Learning Communities consist of students and faculty who are interested in making connections among differing courses and differing ideas. Such learning communities are encouraged through the linking together of certain courses. Students who enroll in these courses become part of a group of learners - both students and faculty - who are interested in breaking down some of the barriers that often exist among college courses in different subjects. Through such linked courses, students and teachers have the opportunity to explore these apparent barriers and to discover some of the common ideas found among the different fields of knowledge.

At Del Mar College, Learning Communities take three forms: clustered classes, paired classes and Title V classes.

Clustered Classes:Students in clustered classes enroll in three classes that are “linked” together by teacher collaboration and content coordination. Interactive assignments and projects allow students to sharpen academic skills and to discover relationships among course content. Clusters may include (1) Freshman Seminar and two developmental classes, (2) a combination of developmental and college-level classes, or (3) a set of college-level classes from different subject areas. Clusters permit students to explore ideas and information from different perspectives, thus making learning more accessible and relevant.

Paired Classes: Students enrolling in the College’s various paired classes participate in learning that emphasizes collaboration among students and faculty and that seeks to help students realize the many connections among academic subjects. Paired classes often explore ideas and themes common to both courses and may involve team teaching.

Title V Classes:This collaborative program is designed to increase retention and graduation rates of Del Mar College students. Students meet regularly with supplemental instruction (SI) leaders, peer mentors, faculty and staff. High school students engage in college advising through the Go-Centers located at the high school campuses. Both research and college experience suggest that linking of classes, combined with mentoring and support, improve student learning and success.          

Title V Web site: www.delmar.edu/titlev

Tutoring Service
Free tutoring is offered to students who have trouble with any of their courses. Each student is allowed up to four hours of tutoring a week and the tutoring is done by other students who have earned an “A” in the course. 

Students needing assistance should go to Room 109 in the Harvin Student Center on the East Campus, or the Counseling and Advising Center in the Coleman Center on the West Campus.

Civic Engagement and Service Learning
Del Mar College offers a variety of courses and registered student organizations (RSOs) which involve students in organized community service while developing academic skills, a sense of civic responsibility and commitment to the community. For more information about those classes, RSOs and the faculty members who include service-learning components in their programs and internships, please call the Coordinator of Service Learning at (361) 698-1336. Web site: www.delmar.edu/slp