This is the first newsletter since our Austin conference last October; therefore, I want to thank all of those who attended. We had a really great time, and I heard many compliments of the various workshops. So, a hearty “Thank You” to the workshop presenters.

Next year’s conference will be in El Paso on October 12, 13, and 14 at the Camino Real Hotel. For those of you who remember the last time we were in El Paso, I believe you will agree that a good time was had by all. So, gear up and get ready for great experience!

I have some terrific news for all J/CCSPAT members, prospective members, as well as the student personnel profession. J/CCSPAT, the only state wide organization representing community college student personnel, is moving swiftly into the 21st Century. WE NOW HAVE OUR OWN WEB SITE! Just go to www.jccspat.org and enjoy this new service. In the future, the newsletter will be posted here, as well as conference updates and other J/CCSPAT information.

I want to personally thank Carmen DeLuna-Jones, board member and Vice President, for the long hours she spent on this project. With her hard work and persistence, this dream became a reality. Newsletter information will still be sent to Paula Vastine at paula.vastine@tccd.edu; she will compile and format the newsletter and send it to Carmen. So, Paula, thanks so much! You’ve edited the newsletter for quite a while and deserve a rest, but I am truly thankful that you will continue a bit longer. You do such a professional and terrific job.

So, I will see you all in Austin!

John Bicknell, President
J/CCSPAT

College News Around the State:

Central Texas College

The Disability Support Services has initiated research on color lighting.  This will evaluate the effects of blue lighting for students with reading comprehension weaknesses and test anxiety problems.  According to Denise Pergl, CTC learning disability counselor, the research will be conducted over the summer and fall semesters and the outcomes of the research will be submitted for publication in the spring of 2006.  Blue lighting and blue overlays have been used for students as well as workers with dyslexia and Scotopic Sensivity Syndrome with success for many years. 

Workshop Information:

Can Freshman Orientation be provided successfully within an online environment?

On April 27, at 3:00 AM join Jon Arriola of Tyler Junior College exploring his experience and research towards placing Freshman Orientation online. To participate in this 90-minute web conference, all youll need is access to the Internet and a telephone. All costs are being covered by the Perkins-funded project, Online Student Support at Every College.  Participation is limited to the first fourteen registrants at https://www.tjc.edu/vctsecure/vctform-combined.asp. You can also get to the registration page through the project website for the Texas Center for Online Technology at http://vc.tjc.edu.

Career Counseling for Your Online Students Program

On May 19, at 9:30 PM join Bryan Baker of Tyler Junior College exploring strategies, software, and resources for conducting online career counseling. To participate in this 90-minute web conference, all you'll need is access to the Internet and a telephone. All costs are being covered by the Perkins-funded project, Online Student Support at Every College. Participation is limited to the first fourteen registrants at https://www.tjc.edu/vctsecure/vctform-combined.asp . You can also get to the registration page through the project website for the Texas Center for Online Technology at http://vc.tjc.edu.

For more information, contact:
     Jan Adams: jada@tjc.edu
     Vickie Geisel: vgei@tjc.edu
     Mickey Slimp: mickey.slimp@netnet.org

Darrell Truitt Research Award

The purpose of this prestigious award is to promote and generate current, relevant, and topical research in community colleges and to encourage faculty and graduate student interest in J/CCSPAT. In recognition of the importance of research by student service professionals at the community college level, the Darrell Truitt Research Award was established in 1985 in memory of Darrell Truitt, a former President of the J/CCSPAT Board of Directors. The goal of the award is to recognize individuals in the field who have promoted the profession through original efforts, e.g. theses, dissertations, published articles, or other related research. Research must have been completed during the period of September 1 to July 31 of the preceding year. To be considered for the $500 award, which is presented at the annual J/CCSPAT Conference, applicants must submit two copies of research by August 15to:

     Dr. Deborah Kelley
     P.O. Box 9020
     Tyler, TX 75711
     903-510-2036

The recipient of this annual award is expected to present a summary presentation at the following annual conference and to provide an abstract to the newsletter editor for publication in the quarterly J/CCSPAT Newsletter. Participants in the award must be current J/CCSPAT members.

2005 Board Meeting Notes:

     Thursday, February 17, 2005 (PDF: 23k)
     Friday, October 14, 2005 (PDF: 14k)

2004 Board Meeting Notes:

     Wedneday, October 13, 2004 (PDF: 26k)
     Thursday, October 14, 2004 (PDF: 22k)