Texan Mosaic

This story was written by students in COMM 2311.001 (Levelland). The students conducted an interview with Ryan Fitzgerald, dean of enrollment management, chose quotes, wrote and edited their articles. As a class, we choose the pieces that would come together to make this piece. The students include: Chloe Crittendon, Fabiola Carrion, Amber Froese, Garrett Nowlin, Nolan Laminack, and Zane Rubio.

South Plains College welcomes surrounding high school seniors to plug into campus life and open their minds to the opportunities that await them. Senior Sneak Preview will take place on Friday, Feb 7 at the SPC campus in Levelland.

“We want to let students know, that no matter what’s going on in your life and educational journey, we can fit it in any shape or form,” Fitzgerald said.

Registration for Senior Sneak Preview will begin at 9 a.m. in the Texan Dome. Pre-registration is also available online alongside an event schedule. At 9:30 a.m., SPC President Dr. Robin Satterwhite will give a welcome speech to start off the event. There will be structured tours and activities, including lunch at noon, Students will have free rein to explore their areas of interest.

“We will have all of our student clubs and organizations. They’ll have a booth set up to help recruit students, show them opportunities for on-campus activities, residence life and things they can do and be involved in when they get here,” Fitzgerald said.

The event will continue with campus tours of the different programs at SPC. Students and parents are invited to attend this event since there will be information for both to better navigate the college journey expectations.

“Senior Sneak allows us an opportunity to get all regional high school seniors in one place at one time to be on campus, to explore different programs, to talk about different career options, to visit with advising, visit with financial aid, all of our students support services will be available to visit with students and parents,” Fitzgerald said.

This year, Fitzgerald commits to provide an informational session where students can have a clear idea of which path they need to follow to achieve their professional goals.

“We’re trying to do a better job of aligning careers to academic pathways. So that’s kind of our big focus this year is to simplify the process for students by making this career oriented as opposed to just pick a major.” Fitzgerald said.

Seniors will have the opportunity to get a head start on understanding the programs offered and how advisors play a crucial role in the process. Students who attend will get a behind-the-scenes look and meet the people who help make it possible.

“Our faculty want to interact, they want to recruit, they want to talk to students, they want to visit, they want to be very clear with them about what they’re going to expect.” Fitzgerald said.

This is also a way for SPC programs to gain more exposure, providing information to visitors and allowing themselves to be available brings more traffic into the larger college community. Initial communication and future relationship building are the foundations for SPC’s educational growth.

“When it comes to involving faculty, yeah, it’s an opportunity for them to ask students to come see their program, to recruit, right? But at the end of the day, it allows them to establish relationships to get to know their students. To have, you know, personal connection and conversation, and a thing that creates a better educational experience overall.” said Fitzgerald.

Senior sneak preview welcomes all high school seniors to find a place of community on campus. There are many resources students at SPC can rely on. Whether that’s a need for a tutor, a medical issue, someone to talk to, or a place to take a deep breath, get snacks, and study, South Plains College aims to support any student who walks through itsdoors.

“It’s all about making sure students know they have an advocate, no matter what your experience is like,” Fitzgerald said.

Senior Sneak Preview aims to start building connections with potential future students and help them become familiar with key staff and faculty members with whom they will interact constantly if they choose South Plains College.

“So, recruiting to me, yes, there’s a business function to it, but that’s just that’s just a small piece of it. It’s all about establishing relationships and connections. It’s all about making sure students know they have an advocate.” Fitzgerald said.

Senior Sneak Preview is one of SPC’s recruitment events that allows the college to connect with potential future students from the South Plains region.