Expect to take on new challenges

The beginning of the fall semester is always an exciting time for all of us. Each year I look forward to this period of high activity when the parking lots fill, when the smell of fresh-baked bread from our Subway cafeteria infiltrates the hallways, when our Follett bookstore shelves neatly display a broad array of supplies and textbooks, and when so many students arrive on campus to reach for their dreams. It is a time of renewal when we return from summer vacations refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.

So, what challenges might present themselves this year? The primary challenge does not change—we all must keep our sights set on excellence in teaching and learning. You see, that is the reason we are all here. As a North Lake College student, your focus must be on learning as you participate in class discussions, complete assignments, and build a network of friends and educators who want to help you succeed. This network can include student organizations from the Student Programs and Resources (SPAR) office, tutors and academic coaches, the Student Resource Center, the Writing Center, the Library, faculty members, advisors, student services professionals, college staff members, and other students. There are many resources for you at North Lake College if you are willing to ask questions and learn about what is available.

Construction will be another challenge. There will be times when you will hear loud construction noise or you may have to take a different path to get to your destination on campus. Be assured that we are working hard to keep disruptions to a minimum while at the same time keeping the projects on schedule. Campus construction projects include waterproofing of several of our buildings to keep water from leaking in, and remodeling in the T building to accommodate the nursing program.

The $450 million Capital Improvement Bond Election was overwhelmingly approved by the voters of Dallas County last May. This bond election will allow all of the Dallas community colleges to build capacity for growth in the years to come. North Lake College will be constructing two new Education Centers designed for easy access by the community. The challenge here will be to find the right location for the South Irving Education Center and begin construction as quickly as possible. Offerings at this center will include GED preparation, workforce development and corporate training. Another Education Center for the Northwestern part of Dallas County is also planned.

Evaluating our Core Curriculum will be a challenge that is part of our commitment to educational excellence. If you are not aware of why the core curriculum is important, please visit with a college advisor. Many of our students begin at North Lake College and then transfer to area universities such as UT Arlington, University of North Texas, or SMU. Your completion of the core curriculum, which consists of a prescribed set of courses that add up to 48 semester credit hours, is very important if you plan to transfer.

And, finally, we are challenged by continuous change in our technical and career programs which are designed to meet the dynamic needs of employers. We are always monitoring the pulse of the workplace, looking for high demand occupations so that we can provide programs to prepare professionals for these occupations. If you plan to enter the workforce upon completing your certificate or degree, be sure to touch base with our Career Center and with your program advisor throughout the semester.

I wish you a successful semester and I anticipate that you will have a great educational experience here. Thank you for choosing North Lake College.