ELC, Library Undergoing Enhancements

Over the past several months, the Student Success Management Team have developed plans to consolidate the services of the college's Learning and Testing centers into the Library on the first floor of Building F. This move will not only create efficiencies in operations of both these critical student services, but it will provide for additional space in Building C for other vital services for students.
Even though the bond referendum failed in 2013, our traffic in Building C has continued to grow. Serving more students with no additional space is a challenge. For several years, there's been a need to update and remodel the library with more of a focus on technology. There is a reduced demand for collections, and an increased demand for technology and service. I challenged the Student Success management team to blend the Learning Center into this new environment, and they've done an excellent job in doing so. This summer, these renovations will take place in advance of the fall 2014 semester. This will open up space on the 2nd floor of Bldg. C that can be used to address one of the major issues that came from our 2011 visioning sessions - lack of privacy with our advisors as they meet with students. Other functions that will move to the 2nd floor of Bldg. C will be Veterans Services, International Services, and Disability Services along with the existing TRAC Center.

This solution will save thousands of dollars in part-time salaries, give us greater ability to case manage students during the critical first year of enrollment, and allow us to shut buildings down on weekends and in the summer as appropriate, saving even more in efficiencies.

Heights of Excellence

Please save Friday, April 25, from 1:30-3 p.m., on your calendar. This is the date of our annual Heights of Excellence celebration. We will recognize many who have contributed to the college's 10 strategic goals, as well as the student-nominated & selected Students' Star, Rising Star, President's Star, and group-focused Constellation Award. The reception begins at 1:30 p.m. with our traditional red carpet entry into the mainstage theatre in Bldg. D. We will distribute this year's Summer Spirit Challenge item as well. Don't miss it!

Commencement

There is a lot of energy surrounding this year's Commencement, which will take place on Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. at The Woodlands Church - Fellowship Campus. We expect a record number of students to participate in Commencement, thanks to the tremendous effort of our graduation committee. They have been working hard to encourage our graduates to walk in the ceremony. A graduation orientation will take place on Thursday, April 24, at 5 p.m. in the main stage theatre. As you know, this is the capstone event of the academic year. If you've attended, you are aware of the excitement on behalf of the graduates, their families and friends, as well as our own faculty and staff. If you've never attended, I strongly encourage you to do so. After all, graduation represents all that we are about!

Maverick 'Que-st! 

Dean Search Updates

We are currently in the search process for two academic deans - BELS (Behavioral Sciences, English, Languages and Speech) and BASS (Business & Social Sciences). Here is the expected timeline for both searches:

BELS: 

BASS: 

Flyover Update

It's been impossible to miss the progress being made on the Hwy. 242 flyover connector, which will land close to the eastern-most entrance to our campus. According to the project managers, PTP Transportation, the flyover is due for completion in late fall 2014. In early 2015 the toll features will be added, although the exact amount of the toll is still being determined. It will be a variable toll depending on the time of day drivers access it. Interestingly, the drivers coming down the flyover will have a separate traffic light from those drivers heading west on 242. The good news is that flyover drivers will be able to enter the campus via the east entrance, and we've been told that westbound drivers on 242 (separate from the flyover) will also have an option to turn into the campus at that entrance. In the meantime, there will be several weekend shutdowns of the I-45/242 intersection, with detours available for those needing to access the campus from the east. We will communicate any of these closures to you in order to minimize any inconveniences.

Healthier U in Full Gear

If you haven't already, please stop by the Atrium of the Health Science Center to experience one of the college's longstanding traditional events - Healthier U. This event helps to provide much-needed scholarship funds for our students while, at the same time, provides education and resources for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Wednesday was the chili cook-off and bake-off, as well as the start of the silent auction. Thursday is the big Health Fair & Career Expo and conclusion of the silent auction, followed by the fifth annual Healthier U golf tournament on Friday at The Village Golf Club in Panorama. For more information about Healthier U, visit www.lonestar.edu/HealthierU.

CareerFest 2014 at Conroe Center

 

On Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the LSC-Conroe Center will host CareerFest 2014. This event will highlight the workforce programs we offer at the center, including automotive technology, welding, CNC machining, and health occupations. Additionally, we have invited many of our employer partners - those who hire our students in these programs - to attend as well. It's a great way to build enrollment and show the community how we are meeting the employment needs of Conroe-area businesses. Please spread the word about this important event. There are scholarships and grant funding available for those who qualify, and there will be free lunch served to those who attend. K-STAR Radio will broadcast live from the event, as well.