TYLER, Texas — One of the first stresses for students entering college is registering for classes. However, Tyler Junior College is offering a program to help ease the process for students.
TJC Director of Academic Advising Chris Fontaine says TJC's 'Fast Track Days' allow students to take their pre-assessment testing, speak with an academic advisor and sign up for their classes ahead of the fall semester.
"All departments that serve students, especially early on the process all just come together and we're all available in one location. So especially during the summer months, students don't have to go out and 100-degree weather and then or wonder and worry about parking or trying to determine which building they need to go to," Fontaine said.
Fontaine says it is not uncommon for the initial registration process to be confusing for some students, so that is why TJC has implemented 'Fast Track Days.'
"Individuals can take their TSI test if it's required, they can then come and see an academic advisor and be assigned an advisor for the first semester," Fontaine said. "And they can take their courses for the fall that they're being advised for and go to a computer lab that we have set up all in one building. And individuals are available to help them register.”
According to Fontaine, the academic advising portion of these 'Fast Track Days' is the most crucial to student success.
"The advising is really to start building that relationship and to make sure that the major is correct that the students have selected; that they're truly following their heart and their desires early on. So they don't waste time or money or energy taking anything unnecessarily," Fontaine said.
This streamlined process is something new TJC students say they appreciate.
"I was excited I got it all taken care of and now I feel a lot less stressed," incoming freshman Katie Kennedy said.
"I didn't know the difference between speech classes I need to take and because of their help, I was able to pick the right one I'm needing to take for my degree," incoming freshman Anjel Trujillo said.
Fontaine says at the end of the day, events like these are meant to ease the minds of incoming students.
"There's that normal fear and anticipation especially for kids coming out of high school or non-traditional students that maybe haven't been in school for 20 or 30 years," Fontaine said. "They just need help and know what to do. And so what we do is we have all of the resources, and that includes financial aid, here in one setting just to help them get all those help in the services that they need."
Fast Track Days will take place Wednesday, July 10, and Wednesday, July 17.
The junior college will hold testing from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Advisers will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students will also need to complete a TSI Pre-assessment.
For testing, students will need to bring a photo ID and $35 for the test. Students may also pay $12 per section.
TJC recommends students arrive 30 minutes early.
You can visit the TJC website for more information on test exemptions and RSVP for testing.