The Office of Student Affairs
The Office of Student Affairs enhances the student experience through the development, delivery and evaluation of policies, programs, services and facilities that complement the academic mission of South Texas College and addresses issues of retention and graduation through ongoing assessment, interpretation and response to changing student needs. Additional information can be found online at https://studentservices.southtexascollege.edu/ or by calling 956-872-3535.
Academic Advising
Academic advisors assist students in developing realistic academic goals and provide the guidance, tools, and resources necessary to support their achievement. Student persistence and completion of higher education are strengthened through the variety of services offered at the Advisement Centers. Prior to registration each semester, it is essential that students contact their advisor for assistance with course selection and degree planning.
Notice: Students are responsible for seeking academic advisement, understanding and complying with South Texas College and Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements for their declared program, and enrolling in courses in the proper sequence to ensure progress toward their educational goals. First-Time-In-College (FTIC) students are encouraged to meet with an advisor each semester, while continuing students should contact their Guided Pathway Specialist (GPS), Student Success Specialist, or Academic Coach for academic advising.
For more information, please contact your advisor or call the Advising Office at 956-872-8372.
Advising Centers
The Advising Centers provide essential academic support to assist all students in progressing toward their educational goals. Services include:
- Academic Planning and Goal Setting: Guidance in identifying academic goals and developing plans aligned with program requirements.
- Course Selection and Guidance: Assistance with choosing appropriate courses and preparing for registration each semester.
- Degree and Certificate Progress Review: Monitoring academic progress and reviewing program requirements to support timely completion.
- Career and Educational Pathway Guidance: Support in exploring academic programs to ensure alignment with long‑term objectives.
- Referrals to Campus Resources: Connection to tutoring, transfer center, counseling, and other support services to address student needs.
My Advising Plan (MAP) for First Time-in-College Students
My Advising Plan (MAP) supports FTIC students by connecting them with an academic advisor for educational planning throughout their first year. The Advising Department maintains ongoing communication to provide continued academic guidance, connect students to appropriate resources, and share important reminders—such as enrolling only in courses within the selected career pathway and using DegreeWorks to monitor progress toward certificate/degree completion. Advisors also inform students about stackable credentials, when applicable, and available college support services to promote persistence and success.
Providing Academic Support to Students (PASS) Program
The PASS Program began in 1993 as Project HOPE. The original goal of Project HOPE was to support single mothers in completing a postsecondary education by providing assistance with childcare costs. As the program grew, it became clear that participants faced a wide range of challenges, including financial, academic, and emotional barriers.
To better address these needs, the program was redesigned and expanded. Project HOPE evolved into two initiatives: Together in Achievement (TIA) and Striving Towards a Non-traditional Degree (STAND). As demand for the services offered through TIA and STAND continued to increase, the program was further broadened. By Fall 2000, it was expanded to include all Technical and Vocational majors. With this transition, the program received a new name and became known as the PASS Program, the name it still carries today.
The PASS Program, funded through the Perkins V grant and awarded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, focuses on:
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
- Student persistence and completion
- Eliminating barriers for special population students (single parents, displaced homemakers, non-traditional students, economically disadvantaged and individuals with disabilities).
- Graduation support
PASS provides specialized case management services to students enrolled in Career and Technical Education majors, Associate of Applied Science programs, or Certificate programs. Eligible CTE students may receive support services in the following areas:
- Case Management
- Career/Academic Advising
- Referral Services
- Child Care Assistance (for students enrolled full-time)
- Lending Library (textbooks, laptops, and tools)
Additional information can be found online at https://studentservices.southtexascollege.edu/pass/ or by calling 956-872-6315.
Counseling and Student Accessibility Services
At South Texas College we understand different life and academic situations can make it difficult to grow. Our Counseling and Student Accessibility Services were created to provide students the higher education and support they require to reach their academic and professional goals.
The Path to Success
The staff at Counseling and Student Accessibility Services provides support in a confidential and comfortable atmosphere to help students feel at ease when discussing their concerns about their educational and personal success.
If you’re ready to start a discussion with our counselors, you can do so on a walk-in basis or by appointment at any one of the South Texas College campuses. For more information contact the Counseling and Student Accessibility Services office at 956-872-2173.
Counseling Services
- Academic and Career Counseling Services
- Mental Health Counseling Services
- Academic and Personal Growth Workshops
- Mental Health Screenings and Monthly Events
Student Accessibility Services
- Classroom Accommodations and Assistive Technology
- Pregnant and Parenting Services
Our institution offers reasonable accommodations and assistive technology services to eligible students with documented disabilities to ensure everyone receives an equal opportunity.
For more information, visit us at https://studentservices.southtexascollege.edu/counseling/.
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)
The Behavioral Intervention Team at South Texas College is a district wide threat assessment and behavioral intervention team that monitors threats to the campus community and intervenes in the concerning behaviors of all individuals who work at, attend or who have business with South Texas College. The Team serves the district-wide community by providing threat assessment, case management, intervention strategies, educational opportunities and training for all students, faculty and staff.
Collaboration, Assistance, Resource and Education (CARE) Team
South Texas College CARE Team plays a crucial role in supporting students who may be experiencing emotional, psychological, or other types of distress. By taking a proactive, preventative approach, the team focuses on providing assistance through confidential consultations and connecting students to appropriate resources, both on and off campus.
Student Activities and Wellness
The Department of Student Activities and Wellness enhances the student experience through the development and delivery of programs and services complimenting South Texas College’s efforts towards student access, retention and ultimate graduation ensuring that students are engaged and receive a complete college experience. Additional information can be found online at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/life/ or by calling 956-872-3530.
Student Activities
Student activities aim to promote active student participation through events geared towards social responsibility, leadership, education, cultural and civic engagement, etc. Such activities support and enhance the student’s collegiate experience and their education outside the classroom.
Student Organizations
Student organizations at South Texas College contribute to a vibrant college community by providing invaluable experiences and opportunities for students to grow as individuals, leaders and community members. Each year, student organizations sponsor conferences, seminars, lectures, debates, cultural and social events, and fine arts programs. These programs allow students to meet and interact with local, state and nationally renowned scholars, artists, politicians, academicians and other professionals.
First-Year Experience
The First Year Experience at South Texas College is the combination of orientations, services, programs, curricular and co-curricular activities that support a student’s transition from high school to South Texas College, while providing a foundation for academic success.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association at South Texas College is the representative organization for the student body at South Texas College. The Student Government Association provides a forum for open discussion of matters affecting students at South Texas College.
Student Leadership Academy
The Student Leadership Academy encourages and aids in the development of student leaders. Through interactive workshops and seminars, this prestigious program allows students to develop their personal leadership style and put their leadership skills into practice, allowing them to gain experience, confidence and positively contribute to the community through volunteering opportunities.
Intramural Sports
Intramural Sports provides opportunities for students to positively use their leisure time to engage in recreational sports and activities in a supportive and safe environment that enhances personal development, increases physical and mental health, encourages social interaction and develops lifetime patterns for healthful living.
Future Jaguars Leadership Camp
The South Texas College Future Jaguars Leadership Camp is a program for incoming Freshmen that aims to assist them in making the transition from high school to college. Students that join will network with other incoming Freshmen and take leadership skills workshops like leadership style, group development, self-awareness and development, and relationship development and communication.
Student Food Pantry
The Student Food Pantry has locations at the following campuses: Pecan, Mid-Valley, Starr County, Technology and Health Science Professions. Services to current students extend beyond food donations. By connecting them with counselors as well as staff at the college, students can have potential access to a wide range of assistance that can enable them to succeed while attending school. Enrollment for the pantry is done through the Student Activities and Wellness Department.
Office of Student Conduct
The Office of Student Conduct develops, influences, and enforces South Texas College policies to promote a safe and supportive learning environment that treats each student fairly, equally and with respect. The Office of Student Conduct nurtures student learning and growth by encouraging student accountability, academic integrity and responsible decision-making.
Office of Ombuds Services
The Office of the Ombuds at South Texas College serves as your first stop, last stop, and all the traffic lights along the way. The Ombuds provides confidential, impartial, independent and informal assistance with school-related issues to the South Texas College community. Speaking with the Ombuds is voluntary.
Career & Employer Services
The Career and Employer Services office assists currently enrolled students and alumni in developing the skills necessary to locate and secure employment. Services include a free on-line job search system, assistance with resume preparation, writing job search letters and improving interviewing techniques, job fairs and employment referrals.