Director's Comments
by Kay Williams, Director, Open Door Project

Set your academic goals and stay focused .  My staff and I are available and willing to help you achieve your goals. “None of the secrets of success will work unless you do.” 

My door is always open so come by and visit with me. 

Stuff for Students
by Meda Moore, Administrative Assistant

“Knowledge is power and enthusiasm pulls the switch.”

                                                                                          Steve Droke

There is a short thought provoker on PBS that I love to watch.  It says everything I feel about education.  It opens with one man - an aura of light surrounding his head - getting on an elevator.  Think of that aura of light as enthusiasm.  That man speaks to those on the elevator and when they get off they all have the aura of light around their heads and each of them meet others and the aura spreads.  Another version has a child getting onto the school bus and spreading it until it goes home with each of them - and the enthusiasm for learning spreads like crazy; but only among those with the openness to learning new things.

A joy of learning new things can change a life in ways the unlearned will never know.  It brings a new way to view everything, a new way to think, a new way to live - and a way to earn a better living, but if the money is the only reason you are here the wonderment of this aura of enthusiasm will never light your fire or teach you the joy of learning.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
                                                                        —William Butler Yeats

There are so many students taking advantage of the resources available to them through the Open Door Project.  They are coming into my office to strengthen their math skills and they are making the time to take advantage of the resources available.  These resources include: Norfolk Tutoring Center, Math Lab, Writing Lab, Open Computer Lab, and the Library.  I am so glad that these students have decided to take charge and overcome their fear of failure. If you have not made an appointment to meet with me, it is not too late. I am available Monday through Friday in Room 1103 to meet with you.  I am here to help you have a successful semester. You can reach me at 822-1221, or by email at tcjackk@tcc.edu. 

At the beginning of each semester, take the time to drop by my office.  We can work together to access your need so you will not fall behind in your classes. 

NOTE:  My goal is to make you aware of the many resources available so you can walk through the Open Door of Success. 

 TUTORING BEGINS ON

AUGUST 25, 2008

Without much “ado,” counseling plays a vital role in the students’ gradual educational progress.  Counseling includes all factors and processes that impact students’ academic success. 

The Open Door Project was established as a student support component of TCC so that students who are of limited income, first generation and/or disabled can have the help they need with academic and personal concerns.

The Open Door Counselor provides students with intrusive academic advising and with timely intervention when they find themselves in academic jeopardy.   We also provide a variety of workshops to meet their academic, psychological and emotional needs. Our services also include career counseling, financial counseling and transfer counseling, and cultural enrichment and scholarships are even made available for qualified students.

Feedback and evaluation from the faculty and staff play a vital role in tracking and advising our students.  Please don’t hesitate to call or email me with your input, concerns and/or suggestions for improving our students’ academic performance.  My phone number is 822-1284 and my email address is JOlukanni@tcc.edu. 

Mentors Needed!

The Mentoring Component for the Open Door Project provides guidance, time management and study skills to our first-year students to assist them in achieving their academic goals.  The program is currently recruiting ODP students who have at least 24 college credits with a 3.0 GPA, and who know that when they help others they help themselves.  Volunteering to be a mentor will also help you meet the new criteria for grant aid. 

Please call and/or email Kristen Carnes, Mentor Assistant, at 822--1269/ kcarnes@tcc.edu, if you have any questions.  We look forward to your participation to ensure the continued success of the Mentoring Program.