August 2012
Eagle Ford Shale Expo Page 4 CDL Courses @ CBC Page 8
Coastal Bend College
Volume 6, Number 13
FAA Licensure for Airframe Program Page 12 Cougar Days 2012 Recap Page 14
CBC Forum 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399
CBC
NEWS & EVENTS
Fall 2012 Payment Deadlines From July 25 through August 22, students will have to put a down payment of at least 25% for their tuition. From August 23 and onward, the down payment will be 50%. Please note that all payment plans require a $25 set-up fee. For more information please contact Daniel Benavidez at (361) 354-2220 or at (866) 722-2838 ext. 2220. Student Loan Sessions The Coastal Bend College financial aid office is offering fall 2012 loan sessions on August 10, 2012 and August 17, 2012 at 4 p.m. at all campuses. These loan sessions are mandatory for any student who will be obtaining a student loan from CBC during the 2012-2013 academic year. Sessions last approximately one-hour. For further information about student loan sessions, please call (361) 3542238. Loan Session Room Numbers: Beeville Campus: E115 Alice Campus: A205 Kingsville: K131 Pleasanton: P139
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For more information call toll free and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 1-866-722-2838 ext. 2570. 50+) for both runners and walkers. CDL Truck Driving School Coastal Bend College now offers CDL Truck Driving School in partnership with Excel Driver Services. This was started to meet the demands of the current oil boom of the area. For more info, got to www.coastalbend.edu/ce.
The first 250 registrants are guaranteed to receive a T-shirt! Register before August 31, 2012 for $18 or from September 1, 2012 and onward for $23. All proceeds from this event will go to the Coastal Bend College Athletics Program.
CBC Alice Open House The CBC Alice faculty and staff want to showcase the Student Success Center inside the LAC. The Student Success Center offers resources such as tutoring, a study area, help with using software, and testing. The center is also equipped with computers, printers, scanners, and other supplies that students can use for their coursework. Instructors, staff, and students are welcome to experience the Student Success Center from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on September 12. For more information contact Carolyn Rains at 361.664.2981 ext. 3045.
Registration is online ONLY at: http://tinyurl.com/BeevilleFiesta5K
Photoshop CS6 Courses Participants in this course will master techniques to make the most of digital images and add a professional polish to their work. This course offers Weekend College If you have ever considered getting simple, step-by-step instructions for a bachelor’s degree but your life’s correcting flaws, enhancing the final schedule has not allowed you to take product, adding text, and preparing courses during the week or at night, images for email and the Web. Coastal Bend College is now offering you another option to take the first 2nd Annual Fiesta 5K Fun Run step and earn your associate’s degree. The 2nd Annual Fiesta 5K presented This Fall semester, CBC is starting by HEB & Bee County Fiesta Diez y weekend classes. The CBC Weekend Seis will take place on September 15, College program will make it possible 2012 at 8 a.m. There will be awards for students to take a full load of classes for first overall male and female as while meeting on designated weekends. well as winners in each age group (19
CBC Forum is a publication of Coastal Bend College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, Texas. View this and previous issues online at www.coastalbend.edu. Coastal Bend College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age or disability. For more information about Coastal Coastal Bend Bend College, visit the website at www.coastalbend.edu or call toll free (866) 722-2838.
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Basic Motorcycle Safety Class A basic motorcycle safety class will be held the following weekends: August 24-26, 2012 September 14-16, 2012 October 12-14, 2012 The course is on Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The course is $195 and motorcycles and helmets are provided. For more information, contact Nora Cartwright at (361) 362-2633. Photoshop CS6 Courses Participants in this course will master techniques to make the most of digital images and add a professional polish to their work. This course offers simple, step-by-step instructions for correcting flaws, enhancing the final product, adding text, and preparing images for email and the Web. Your Event Here! Submit your upcoming news and events to Monica Cruz, CBC Public Relations Officer, at mcruz@ coastalbend.edu or (361) 354-2258.
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CBC Forum
THANK
YOU:CBC Receives $6K in Donations The Coastal Bend College oil and gas technology program would like to thank Carl Evans from ConocoPhillips for donating stairways and landings to be utilized by students in the program. The delivery of these items was made possible through the generosity of Arnold Alaniz from Duval Lease Service. Combined, the stairways and landing, plus delivery, would have cost CBC over $6,000. Red Ewald supplied the stock tanks for the program at a discount of about 20%, or $4,000, to the college. The generosity of these local businesses allows the oil and gas technology program to allocate its funds to help the program grow stronger and produce quality employees Dr. Bruce Exstrom, Dean of Institutional Advancement; for the Eagle Ford Shale, said Roy Coley, CBC Oil and Gas Roy Coley, Oil & Gas Instructor; and Jack Young, Drafting Instructor. & Design Instructor get ready for the new equipment to be delivered.
For more information about our oil and gas technology program, please contact Roy Coley at (361) 354-2551.
FILM
COURSE: Study Classic Films @ CBC Beginning fall 2012, Coastal Bend College students can enroll in a new film elective where they will study films ranging from Hollywood classics to modern favorites. The course is being offered as an English elective and will transfer as an elective course to a university. Kathleen Cuyler, a full-time English professor at the Beeville campus, will be teaching the course and says, “In this class, students will enjoy the entire moviewatching experience—complete with popcorn! They will learn to analyze films based on the major film elements: mise-en-scene (scene elements), cinematography, editing, and sound.” The course will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Students who wish to enroll in this new and exciting elective during fall 2012 should visit with an advisor to register for English 2341: Topics in Literature: Film. To speak with a CBC advisor about registering, please call (361) 354-2266 or toll-free at 1-866-722-2838 ext. 2266 for more information.
CBC Forum 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399
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seems to be the catch phrase in the Coastal Bend area due to its huge economic impact on the community—about a $25 billion dollar impact in 2011 alone according to EagleFordShale.com. The Eagle Ford Shale spans over 30 counties in the South Texas area, and it shows no signs of slowing down for many years to come. It’s no wonder then that Coastal Bend College has chosen to be a pioneer in providing safety training, college courses and commercial driver’s license (CDL) courses that will help people in its service area obtain employment in this booming field.
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Coastal Bend College’s commitment to the Eagle Ford Shale industries led to the creation of an annual Eagle Ford Shale Industry Expo that allows the college to showcase to the community the various programs and courses offered such as: Airframe and Powerplant, Automotive, Commercial Driving Licensure (CDL), Safety Training, Drafting and Design, Machinist, Oil and Gas Technology, Welding and a wide variety of office support from accounting and office management to computer programming and networking.
www.coastalbend.edu
shortage of options if they choose to attend CBC. Furthermore, the Industry Expo brought in oil and gas industry businesses, leaders and safety trainers for a one-stop shop for all those wanting to get their foot in the door. “The more you learn, the more you earn,” said Dr. Beatriz Espinoza, Coastal Bend College President, as she addressed all the people in attendance at the inaugural Eagle Ford Shale Industry Expo on July 19, 2012 at the Beeville campus.
John Rodriguez was one of those Students interested in entering the people in attendance, and said he Eagle Ford Shale workforce have no attended because he was curious
CBC Forum
about how he could get a job in the oil field. Rodriguez has been looking for work in the oil field for a few months, and thinks taking some college courses could give him an edge over other candidates. Coastal Bend College is close to home and convenient. “It’s nice to be able to come and get so much done in one afternoon, and I also learned about financial aid. Everyone was very nice,” he stated. Attendees were able to talk directly to companies who provide training in occupations related to the Eagle Ford Shale. Excel Driver Services spoke to people interested in obtaining
CBC Forum 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399
their CDL license, and they also brought their state-of-the-art CDL simulator (see page 8) for everyone to experience what it’s like to be behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler.
CBC’s workforce programs helps students succeed and become topnotch employees in their fields.
Besides being able to chat with representatives at the Industry Expo, Dean of Instructional Services, Dr. Bruce Exstrom, also coordinated for most of the workforce programs to hold demonstrations for prospective students. The demonstrations allowed students to see what the classroom and learning environment would be like if Firebird Bulk Carriers out of George students were to attend CBC this West, Texas was also present at the upcoming fall semester. Industry Expo to provide information about employment opportunities “At CBC, we are all about providing with their company, and they also hands-on training so students can donated $300 to the college for a confidently enter the workforce,” CDL scholarship. Local support for Exstrom told attendees.
“CBC is all about providing
hands-on training.”
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Overall, the inaugural Industry Expo was seen as a success by many of the people who attended the event. Attendees were able to experience all that CBC has to offer. Anyone who would like more information about college courses at CBC or about the Customized and Continuing Education training options available should call Amberlee Johnson at (361) 354-2348 or toll-free at 866722-2838 ext 2348. Coastal Bend College would like to thank the following companies for participating in the Industry Expo: Excel Driver Services, Workforce Solutions, Firebird Bulk Carriers, SafeLand Trainer Terry Kirkpatrick, PEC Premier, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Henrickson Law Office.
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CBC Forum
CBC Forum 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399
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Excellent Driver Services How CBC Plans to Meet the Demands of the Truck Driving Industry
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“Oh my gosh, this is so fun!” exclaimed Coastal Bend College President Dr. Beatriz Espinoza as she got behind the wheel of a stateof-the-art CDL simulator at the Eagle Ford Shale Industry Expo on July 19.
the needs of the Eagle Ford Shale industry by offering CDL courses. The demand for truck drivers is growing daily, and there are many opportunities to find employment in the field.
The simulator is one of two simulators that will be utilized by Excel Driver Services in their CDL courses at all four Coastal Bend College campuses. In addition to utilizing a simulator, students who take the truck driving courses will also log 1,500 miles of truck driving experience and 3,000 miles of observation time in the truck.
The college strives to provide quality training and courses for the Eagle Ford Shale industry via college courses or Customized and Continuing Education. Because of this dedication to the Eagle Ford Shale, the George West Chamber of Commerce awarded Coastal Bend College the Distinguished Member of the Year award on June 26, 2012.
“It is impossible to learn to safely drive a large truck by only using a simulator. We use it as a tool, and actually get the students behind the wheel and on the road, too. That’s what will make for good drivers,” said Jason Emery, CEO of Excel Driver Services.
CBC Forum
driver’s test for the student making it a stress free experience from start to finish. “At Excel Driver Services, 100% placement is always ours goal, and the overall pass rate is 92% for students who have taken CDL courses at Coastal Bend College ,” Emery said. While CDL courses are not eligible for federal financial aid, there are opportunities for scholarships or grant funds from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). If interested in learning more about these programs, please contact your local Workforce Solutions center.
Current labor and wage statistics show that a person who is straight out of CDL courses can reasonably expect to make about $12$14 per hour or about $32,000 a year. Many of these employment opportunities also have insurance benefits and paid time off.
The company is based out of Colorado, and has a reputation for providing quality “I would say that nearly education for people every single one of our who aspire to be truck students has been able to Dr. Beatriz Espinoza, Coastal Bend College President, drives the drivers. The courses easily find employment focus on creating drivers CDL simulator at the Eagle Ford Shale Industry Expo on July 19. in the area. For some who are well-trained to of our students, being not only drive 18-wheelers, but to “We are very excited about this honor a truck driver gives them a much drive them safely. This commitment and will continue to do all we can to needed second chance at a career,” to excellence has led to a strong meet the needs of the communities said Angela Santos, Southern Region partnership with Coastal Bend we serve,” Espinoza said. Director for Excel Driver Services. College. The CDL courses are $4,200 per To find out more information about The Coastal Bend College Board student, and upon completion of all enrolling in CDL courses at Coastal of Trustees voted unanimously at course requirements and the driver’s Bend College, please contact Angela their June 21 meeting to continue test, the student will be able to jump Santos at (361) 664-2981 ext. 3005. their partnership with Excel Driver start their career in the Eagle Ford Classes are offered as needed on any Services for the 2012-2013 year. The Shale or other related industries. Coastal Bend College campus. Board saw an opportunity to meet Excel Driver Services schedules the
CBC Forum 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399
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SLAM DUNK
The Coastal Bend College basketball coaches held a week long summer camp in July for youth to learn the fundamentals of playing basketball. The participants started off camp by stretching and warming up, then proceeded to practice their basketball shooting skills. At the end of the day, participants scrimmaged against each other for some friendly competition. If interested in learning more about any of Coastal Bend College’s athletic programs, please contact the Athletic Coordinator, Estevan Vasquez, at (361) 354-2721 or toll-free at 866-722-2838 ext. 2721
CBC Forum Community Colleges Present Legislative Agenda to Coordinating Board
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Association and Coordinating Board Take Steps To Collaborate on Legislative Objectives
The Texas Association of Community Colleges provided significant testimony today before the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which oversees statewide implementation of higher education policy and financial aid programs. The testimony signifies progress in discussions of the important role community colleges play in Texas. In its testimony, the association for the first time publicly presented its 5-point campaign for the 83rd session of the Texas Legislature. This campaign is the product of a recent strategic planning effort by the association’s 50 member colleges and addresses: ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
Workforce and Skills Alignment Measuring and Funding Success College Readiness Transfer and Articulation Texans in Community Colleges
“We view today’s invitation as a step toward improving communication and developing a collaborative approach to the Legislature,” said Dr. Bill Holda, Chair of TACC and President of Kilgore College. “Higher education is under great scrutiny. We have to work together to ensure we meet the needs of our students, keep Texas competitive and ultimately move the needle forward.” According to the Coordinating Board itself, community colleges represent the largest sector of higher education in Texas, enrolling 50 percent of the state’s students. The invitation by The Coordinating Board to present the 5-point plan marks a new era of communication and cohesiveness between two entities whose shared objective is student success. “The 5-point campaign creates a new opportunity for community colleges to fully participate in the current higher education discussion. The receptiveness of the Coordinating Board reinforces that our vision and goals are shared,” said Dr. Richard Carpenter, Chair-Elect of TACC and Chancellor of Lone Star College System. “We are optimistic and we will work together.” Added Marie Flickinger, Chair of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT), “The campaign addresses the interests and objectives of the 50 community colleges, CEOs and trustees focusing on student success. Together CCATT, in collaboration with TACC and The Coordinating Board, can make great improvements within our institutions and within the communities we serve.” For more information on the Texas Association of Community Colleges legislative campaign visit www.TxSuccess. com. About Texas Association of Community Colleges The Texas Association of Community Colleges is a non-profit association that includes all 50 public community college districts in the state. TACC was formally created in 1947 to serve as a voice for all member colleges.
Soaring to New Heights he Airframe and Powerplant Technology division at Coastal Bend College received an Air Agency Certificate with ratings approved for Powerplant Maintenance training in college faciliities. This designation comes straight from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which operates under the U.S. Department of Transportation, and designates the college facilities and equipment met government standards during the May 17, 2012 inspection. At the Eagle Ford Shale Industry Expo on July 19, 2012, Raymond Carolan, Airframe and Powerplant Instructor, presented Dr. Bruce Exstrom, Dean of Instructional Services, with the Air Agency Certificate. Students can begin taking FAA certified curriculum courses in fall 2012 at the Beeville campus. What this means for incoming students is that after completing the curriculum and passing their licesnsure exams, they will be ready to enter the airframe and powerplant industry as an airframe
mechanic. Carolan explains that once as the Oil and Gas Technology classes. students finish the program, they will Senator Cornyn himself is set to visit be able and ready to work pretty much campus on August 21. anywhere. Carolan explained the importance of “They’ll have 1,150 clock hours, so they Senator Cornyn’s upcoming visit and can go work for Boeing in San Antonio interest in his program, “What happens or the airliners up in Houston. However, on the floor of Congress effects my this line of work is a lot of responsibility, program. The rules and budgets they set which is why we do everything by the effect my program.” book,” Carolan explained. The 12 spots for this year’s program are The program is limited to 12 students so almost filled up, and students have to talk that everyone gets individual attention with Carolan to get registered. Students and is able to fully learn all the hands-on who enroll in this program have classes skills they will need on the job. Granvell from 2-9 p.m. and have to adhere to Coffey recently graduated high school, strict attendance procedures to remain and he will be one of the first 12 students compliant with FAA policies. to enroll in the new FAA certified program. Coffey has been taking airframe courses “It takes a special kind of person to do as part of the dual credit program and this line of work. They need to have wants to continue embarking on this passion for it. They have to learn the career path. process and know the answers in order to be successful,” Carolan said. “I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was in high school. I have friends and And with over 24 years of experience family who do this kind of work, and now as an airframe mechanic, in addition I know I have made the right choice, “ to 14 years of teaching, Carolan knows Coffey said. what it takes to be successful in the field and wants every single student in his The news about the Airframe and program to succeed. Powerplant program, as well as other CBC workforce programs, caught the “We work as a crew in my program. attention of U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a We depend on each other. I really look Republican who is up for re-election in forward to the future and what’s to come 2014. Senator Cornyn sent two members for this program and my students.”
CBC’s new FAA licensure takes the airframe program to a whole new level. of his staff for a planning meeting with CBC President, Dr. Beatriz Espinoza and Dr. Bruce Extsrom, Dean of Instructional Services, congratulates Airframe Instructor Raymond Carolan other CBC administration and faculty to take a tour of the facilities used for on receiving a FAA certification. Airframe and Powerplant classes as well
Students interested in enrolling should contact Raymond Carolan at (361) 354-2512 or via email at rcarolan@ coastalbend.edu.
CBC Forum 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399
C
ougar Days 2012 wrapped up on July 28, and ended up serving over 250 students combined at all four Coastal Bend College campuses. Cougar Days is the major recruiting event for CBC, and brings together prospective students and CBC staff for a full-day of activities, learning and fall class registration. Maria Garcia and her son Joseph Garcia attended Cougar Days in Beeville, and she was very impressed with the quality of services and facilities CBC offers. “My son will be the first to go off to college, and I like that CBC [staff ] wants him to be successful,” Garcia said. She also found the parent session to be of great value. The parent session covers important topics such as financial aid, payment plans and housing. CBC staff from each of those areas were available to directly answer common questions parents have before sending their son or daughter off to college. Having this information earlier helps parents and their student have an easier transition into college, and they may be less likely to miss important college deadlines.
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“It’s great that parents ask questions at Cougar Days rather than a week before classes start. It’s less stressful for everyone involved. Payment deadlines may have passed or they may have to pay more up-front. Cougar Days helps give students a jump start, which is always a good thing,” said Financial Aid Advisor Candy Fuller. But parents weren’t the only ones able to absorb lots of knowledge at Cougar Days. Student services staff presented information sessions at each campus that covered topics such as study skills, appropriate classroom behavior and how to make the transition from high school to college. “The session was cool because I needed to hear that college will not be as easy as high school. Apparently I’m going to have to study a lot!” said incoming CBC student Stephanie Lopez. Students attending Cougar Days also learned how to use the online bookstore system. Roxanne Blankenship, CBC Bookstore Manager, gave an in-depth presentation to students on how to order books online with or without financial aid. CBC computer staff also gave brief overviews of how to use Campus Connect and Blackboard.
While Cougar Days 2012 may be over, students who didn’t attend can still receive the same information and guidance by stopping in and visiting with an advisor at any CBC campus. “If a student missed out on Cougar Days, they should definitely attend the new student orientation held at every campus in early Fall. They’ll learn a ton, and we’re always here to help them every step of the way,” explained Lindsey Hagen, Career Development Advisor for CBC. Student services staff develop and present workshops for students throughout the academic year at all four campuses that focus on helping students succeed in and out of the classroom. Registration for fall 2012 is underway, and with so many workforce and academic programs being offered, your future can start here. And now. To register for fall 2012 classes, contact your local advisor or counselor at a CBC campus near you or call (361) 3542266 or 1-866-722-2838 ext. 2266.
Cougar Days
2012
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CBC Forum
CBC Forum 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399
What’s Happening
@CBC
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Congratulations to the July 2012 Coastal Bend College retirees, from left to right: Mary Galloway, LVN Instructor; Gloria Garza, Child Development Teacher; Bob Roberts, Division Chair for Technology; and Glynis Holm Strause, Dean of Institutional Advancement.
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CBC Forum
Alice Beeville Kingsville Pleasanton
Have a Seat Thank you to Pioneer Natural Resources for donating the four new benches located in the courtyard of the Fred C. Latcham, Jr. Academic-Sciences Building on the Beeville campus. The benches are in a shaded area where students can enjoy a lunch break or some study time.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn August 21, 2012
U.S. Senator John Cornyn will visit the Coastal Bend College Beeville campus on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 from 4-5 p.m. Senator Cornyn, a Republican, has represented the state of Texas in the Senate since 2002 and is up for re-election in 2014. Senator Cornyn sent representatives from his office to meet with CBC administration and staff back in July to plan for this visit. During his brief visit to the Beeville campus, Cornyn will spend most of his time learning more about the oil and gas technology program, airframe and powerplant program, and the commercial driver’s license (CDL) simulator. More details will be released soon about this exciting visit.
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