2008 Woodie Awards
Training in progress:
Jones assists, advises students for a day
Melissa Bennett
Issue date: 12/3/04 Section: Front Page
- Page 1 of 2 next >
|
The staff won an auction to benefit the State Employees Charitable Campaign that resulted in Amarillo College President Dr. Steven Jones being "employed" in the Assistance Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"There is a lot to this job," Jones said. "There are no breaks."
Jones donned a trainee badge and had a "training in progress" sign at his desk.
He worked alongside Gala Carpenter, an ACcess Center specialist.
"We thought it would be awesome to have him here," Carpenter said. "He can interact with the students and see what it's like on the front lines."
The Assistance Center works as the hub for several departments. "We work with all departments in some way, and we assist the students," Carpenter said. "We also do a lot of referrals and act as a gatekeeper for the students."
Jones said, "I learned that the staff in the Assistance Center handle a very broad range of duties and activities every day. The work is difficult and critically important to both the college and the students."
Theresa Bowman, Assistance Center supervisor, said, "You have to have people skills to be successful in the Assistance Center. Typing skills are vital, too.
"Not only are there skills you need, but one also has to be able to continuously give to the students."
"People constantly need from us. When we interview a prospective staff member, we look at their skills and their heart."
Typical training for a new staff member is six to eight weeks.
"And that is just to get your feet wet," said Kathy Wheeler, a specialist at the center.
"It takes about a year to feel comfortable with everything to know and to do.
"We cover everything from housing to scholarships and everything in between. We also advise the students, but there is a limit to what we can advise."