TSTC welcomes new, returning students to Sweetwater campus

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Classes for Texas State Technical College’s fall semester begin Monday, August 29, but it is another day that excites Lupe Navarrette, the Sweetwater campus’ housing director.

On Friday, August 26, Navarrette and his student resident assistants welcomed new and returning students to campus during move-in day. Navarrette said 84 students will be living on campus for the fall semester.

“It is always an exciting time to be able to meet our new students and welcome them to campus,” he said. “I am looking forward to getting to know them better while they work toward a career.”

Navarrette said he will rely on the resident assistants to enforce rules for on-campus living.

“I have a really good group of resident assistants coming back,” he said. “They will be able to assist students and make sure all of the rules and regulations are being followed.”

During Friday’s check-in, Navarrette reminded students of the most important rules of on-campus life.

“We do not allow firearms, hot plates or anything with an open flame,” he said. “Safety is our top priority. That is the reason our regulations are in place.”

Personal safety is also important to Navarrette, especially if a student is not feeling well.

“I want them to stay home because their health is a top priority,” he said. “We have a healthy and safe environment on campus. We know people get sick, so we want them to feel better before returning to school.”

Students were able to learn about the extracurricular activities scheduled for September by Joni Coons, intramural programs coordinator. Among the events are bingo, a basketball tournament, a chess tournament, a cookout, a popcorn bar and Wiffle ball.

Kati Bewley, TSTC’s advocacy and resource coach, also provided students and parents with information.

“I wanted to be able to share information about our Perkins programs, which are a real benefit to students,” Bewley said.

Among the benefits is the lending library, which can assist students with books and tools that they might need for class.

Bewley offered parents information about TSTC’s Culture of Caring initiative, which helps students with child care, clothing, counseling, food, housing assistance, medical needs, transportation and utility bill assistance.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.