2016-2017 INFORMATIO N PACKET Page 1 of 13
MOBILE GO CENTER TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW...3 SERVICES...3 Types of Activities and Events...4 GENERAL INFORMATION...5 Coordinating MGC Events...5 Reserving the MGC... 5 MGC Requirements... 5 Staffing the MGC...5 Equipment... 5 EVENT COORDINATION...6 DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION...7 CANCELLATION POLICY...8 RESOURCES...9 GENERAL FORMS...10 MGC Reservation Request Form...11 MGC Policies Agreement Form... 12 MGC Photo Release Form...13 MGC Evaluation Form... 14 HOW TO CONTACT US 210-485-0769 (Telephone) Mobile GO Center 210-486-9871 (Fax) 201 W. Sheridan, Suite C-14 dst-mobilegocenter@alamo.edu San Antonio, TX 78204-1429 alamo.edu/district/mobilego Adelina S. Silva, Ph.D. Margaret L. Quintanilla, M.A. Ruth Prieto Vice Chancellor for Student Success Director of Student Access and Support Services MGC Coordinator The do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation with respect to access, employment programs, or services. Inquiries or complaints concerning these matters should be brought to the attention of: Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator, 210/485-0200. Address: Human Resources Department, 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. A, San Antonio, Texas 78204. Page 2 of 13
OVERVIEW The Mobile GO Center (MGC) is an extension of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board s campaign s efforts to achieve the student participation and success goals of the 60x30TX initiative by 2030. The MGC provides college and career related services to individuals and their families, ultimately increasing the number of students enrolled and succeeding in higher education programs in Texas. The target audience includes high school, middle school, and elementary school students, as well as, parents and other community members. The Mobile GO Center is also available to organizations and other community agencies within Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, and Wilson counties. SERVICES APPLYTEXAS PROCESSING Participants will receive personalized assistance using the ApplyTexas website to submit their online application to any of the. In order to create an ApplyTexas profile, participants will need a personal e-mail account. FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION SESSIONS Participants will receive assistance as they apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Participants must bring the necessary documents to fill out the FAFSA. They will also explore other financial aid options such as scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. COLLEGE AWARENESS Participants will gain information and insight on the pre-college path. Participants will learn what they can do now to prepare for college. They will learn what to expect and how to make their college dreams come true. CAREER EXPLORATION Participants will explore career options and will receive assistance to determine the necessary skills for workforce success. They will better understand the link between higher education and setting career goals. Bilingual presentations are also provided upon request. Page 3 of 13
SERVICES Types of Activities and Events: is available for College Awareness and Career Day events. Students in the lower grade levels utilize the MGC services to explore and plan for future college and career goals. Students in the upper grade levels receive assistance and information about preparation for college, admissions, and financial aid (grants, scholarships, and loans). They are provided information about the Alamo Colleges College Connection program, dual credit, and other college preparation programs available to them while in high school. High SchoolsThe Mobile GO Center is available for precollege school events and class activities. The MGC provides information about preparation for college, career inventory, and scholarship assistance. Students focus on career exploration to help them determine where they want to attend college. They review the process and skills required for obtaining a higher education degree (i.e., setting goals, utilizing the internet for researching colleges). They are informed about courses they can take in middle school to prepare for high school and beyond. Middle SchoolsThe Mobile GO Center participates in festivals, shopping mall activities, and community events to provide college awareness to the community-at-large. These events provide prospective students and their families the opportunity to gain information on preparing for and succeeding in college. The MGC promotes and provides information about degree programs offered at all of the : Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, and St. Philip's College. Information is provided about special programs and initiatives which have been developed to provide educational opportunities for prospective and former students of the. Community EventsThe Mobile GO Center Additional activities or events are available upon request. Page 4 of 13
GENERAL INFORMATION Coordinating MGC Events Contact the Mobile GO Center (MGC) staff at 210-485-0769 or dst-mobilegocenter@alamo.edu to coordinate dates, times, location, and services. The MGC can be available for consecutive dates if the MGC calendar permits. Reserving the MGC Complete and submit the MGC Reservation Request Form, the MGC Policies Agreement Form, and the MGC Photo Release Form (optional). Forms are located on pages 11-13 of this packet and may be faxed or sent electronically to the MGC office. Provide a minimum of 2 weeks notice for a reservation. MGC Requirements 3 hours minimum per event 50 participants minimum per event Staffing the MGC The MGC office requires adequate staff/volunteers to be available to assist the staff member in the MGC during the scheduled event. Responsible adults must be available at all times in the Mobile GO Center to ensure the proper use of the MGC and its equipment. Equipment The MGC is a 43-foot-air-conditioned/heated trailer with accommodations for 20 participants. The MGC has 20 laptop computers, a printer, and satellite capabilities for internet access. The MGC is ADA compliant and equipped with a wheel chair lift. Page 5 of 13
EVENT COORDINATION Prior to the Event The event requester must submit the MGC Reservation Request and Policies Agreement forms to the MGC office. If the event date is approved, the event requester will be sent a confirmation letter electronically from the MGC office. If the event date is not available, the MGG staff member will contact the event requester to arrange for an alternate date. The event requester is encouraged to promote the MGC activity. The event requester must plan for adequate staff/volunteers to assist with crowd control on the day of the event. The event requester must review and inform the event staff/volunteers and MGC participants about the MGC policies and procedures. The event requestor should guarantee that the MGC will have approximately 100 feet of parking space and be 30-60 feet away from any building or obstruction during the event. The event requester should coordinate with MGC staff about entrance and exit routes for the MGC. They should inform MGC staff of any emergency plans that they need to be aware of. The event requester will need to ensure that the MGC be visible and near or as close to the event site as possible to ensure participant accessibility to the MGC. The MGC WILL NOT relocate once it is set up and ready for participants unless an emergency should arise. The event requester should coordinate scheduled visit times for groups so that all participants have an opportunity to use the MGC services. The schedule should allow enough time between groups for the MGC staff to prepare the MGC for the next group session (sanitize laptops, reset websites, etc). The event requester must consider that all day events will require a one hour lunch break. If there is more than one MGC staff member present this break will not be necessary. During scheduled breaks for the MGC staff, the MGC will be locked and the alarm will be set. The event requester must inform the MGC staff if photos will NOT be permitted. If applicable, coordinate to have participants separated by those who can have photos taken and those who cannot. The MGC Photo Release Forms are available in the MGC. Page 6 of 13
DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION Arrival of MGC to Event Site The MGC will arrive to the event location one to two hours before the event starts. The event requester and/or event staff/volunteer must assist the MGC to enter the designated parking space at the event site. The event requestor must ensure there are no participants or other staff/volunteers around during set up, allowing the MGC staff to prepare the MGC for proper use without incident. The event requester must meet with the MGC staff upon arrival to review the event logistics. The MGC staff member will inform the event requester when setup is complete and ready..for visitors. Groups Arrival and Departure from MGC The MGC staff will meet groups outside of the MGC and briefly review MGC Policies and Procedures. Allowed time in the MGC will be announced and participants will be asked to log in. Participants will enter the MGC through the designated entrance in a single line and sit at a laptop station. Participants needing assistance with the wheelchair lift will enter the MGC first and exit last. The event staff member with the group needs to assist in making sure the other participants do not interfere with this process. The MGC presentation will be conducted. MGC staff will provide the event requester with a notebook containing resources used during the presentation. Participants who are disruptive may be asked to leave the MGC. When the presentation/work session ends, the MGC staff will ask the participants to get up one at a time, form a line and exit from the designated door. Event staff may exit first and make sure participants exit safely. Departure of MGC from Event Site The event requester and/or event staff/volunteer must assist the MGC to exit the event site. Page 7 of 13
CANCELLATION POLICY The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Success reserves the right to cancel the Mobile GO Center participation at a scheduled event due to any of the following unforeseen circumstances: Inclement weather conditions; thunderstorms, flooding, extreme winds, snow, or ice, etc. Lack of program participation or attendees (50 person minimum) Unavailability of staff/driver Recommendations to cancel a Mobile GO Center event will be made by the Mobile GO Center staff with the final decision to be made by the Vice Chancellor for Student Success and/or the Director of Student Access and Support Services. The Director of Student Access and Support Services has the discretion to end a MGC event early if there are no MGC participants after two hours at an event. In the event that the Mobile GO Center participation is cancelled due to any of the above circumstances, the event requester will be notified. The event requester/primary contact will be responsible for contacting and informing all appropriate individuals and contacts at the event site. Any cancellations initiated by the event requester will require a minimum of 3 days notice to the MGC office. A new reservation form will be required when rescheduling cancelled events. Page 8 of 13 Revised September 20, 2016
RESOURCES Web Resources: A variety of web resources have proven to be of value to the MGC. A few of the more utilized resources are listed below: www.alamo.edu Information about the and links to the colleges. http://www.alamo.edu/alamoenroll/ - Application to the. http://www.myalamocareer.org/ - and Workforce Solutions Alamo s Virtual Career Center http://www.emsicareercoach.alamo.edu/ - Browse careers and degrees using the most current local data or create a quick resume using the Resume Builder. www.act.org This site offers information regarding the ACT. www.aie.org This site offers information for college planning. www.collegeboard.com This site offers information regarding the SAT. www.collegeforalltexans.com Information about admissions and financial aid in Texas. www.fafsa.gov Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.scholarships.com A scholarship search service and financial aid information resource. (Additional scholarship websites are available in the MGC). www.tgslc.org Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TG). Access to this website will require a counselor s name, e-mail address, telephone number, school name, and address. This information is also needed to order publications. Telephone Resources: Professionals at the Texas Financial Aid Information Center, 1-888- 331-8881, can answer financial aid and general college admissions questions Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bilingual representatives are also available at this number. Printed Resources: College for All Texans offers a variety of print materials that are useful. Each of the documents listed below are available free of charge at www.collegeforalltexans.com under Student Helpful Info Checklist Preparing for College Texas Common Applications 4-Year Plan to Go to College College Planning Financial Aid Guide ApplyTexas Code Book Page 9 of 13 Revised September 20, 2016
GENERAL FORMS In order to secure the use of the MGC for an event, the Mobile GO Center forms must be completed, signed, and returned to the MGC office at least two weeks prior to the anticipated scheduled date. An event confirmation letter will be sent to the requester electronically confirming the requested date, times, location, and services. The following is a brief description and purpose for the MGC forms: MGC RESERVATION REQUEST FORM* This form provides the MGC staff with contact and event information necessary to coordinate an event. The primary contact person noted on the reservation form will be referred to as the event requester on the day of the event. MGC POLICIES AGREEMENT FORM* This form lists more specific policies and procedures established for the proper use of the MGC. These policies are in place to ensure the safety of the participants and MGC staff during the event as well as to prevent any damage to the MGC during its use. Please acknowledge that the policies and procedures are understood and that the requester will assist in seeing these guidelines are followed during the event. The MGC Computer Lab Policies Manual can be made available upon request; a hard copy is available in the MGC at all times. MGC PHOTO RELEASE FORM (Optional) This form gives permission to the to print, publish, and release photos taken during Mobile GO Center events. These photos may be used in and Mobile GO Center publications, and/or advertisements (website, brochures, flyers, etc.). Please inform MGC staff if photos cannot be taken during the event. MGC EVALUATION (Optional, Sent Electronically Following Event) This form will provide the MGC office with constructive feedback on the participant's MGC experience. The evaluation will provide the MGC staff with insight on how to improve the services provided by the MGC. Making it a safe and fun learning experience for all users. Contact us at 210-485-0769 or email at dst-mobilegocenter@alamo.edu for additional information. Page 10 of 13
SUBMIT THIS FORM TO: - Mobile GO Center Fax: 210-486-9871 OR E-mail: dst-mobilegocenter@alamo.edu RESERVATION REQUEST FORM For further information, please call: 210-485-0769 Primary Contact/Event Requester Information: Name: Title: Organization: Email: Today sdate: Office Telephone: Cell phone for day of event, if available : Office Fax: Secondary Contact: Name: Cell/Office Telephone: Event Information: (Minimum of 3 hours per event required.) Event Title: Event Date: Day of Week: Start Time: AM PM End Time: AM PM Services Requested: (Please Select) Financial Aid Presentation ApplyTexas Processing College Awareness Career Exploration Other: Audience (Age/Grade): Expected/Estimated Number of Attendees (Minimum of 50 Participants): Location Information: (Please include a map of your location site, designating the area to be used by the MGC.) Event Address: Parking Location/Entrance for MGC: City: State: Zip Code: Reservation/Cancellation: Please provide a minimum of 2 weeks notice for a reservation. Please provide a minimum of 3 days notice for a cancellation. Additional Comments/Information: Please use back of form. (Instructions, Directions, Requests, etc.): Date Request Received: Date of confirmation : For Office Use Only Reviewed by: Review ed by: Page 11 of 13
POLICIES AGREEMENT FORM The policies and procedures for the proper use of the Mobile GO Center were established to ensure the safety of the MGC participants and to prevent any damage to the MGC during its use. 1. The MGC will not exceed its maximum capacity of 20 participants per presentation/session. One MGC staff and 1 adult event staff/volunteer should be present in the MGC at all times. 2. Do not enter or allow participants to enter the MGC prior to the event start time or until the MGC staff clears the unit for proper use. The Mobile GO Center staff must ensure the hydraulic system is evenly placed prior to guests entering the unit. Even if laptop computers and chairs are set up it does not mean the MGC is ready for visitors. Only MGC staff members are allowed in the unit prior to start time and after the end time of the event. 3. The Mobile GO Center will need approximately 150 feet of parking space and must be 30-60 feet away from any building or obstruction during the event. Parking must not be in a fire lane (per Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 541: http://law.onecle.com/texas/transportation/chapter541.html). Space must be blocked off with orange safety cones. Please ensure there is space available to allow the Mobile GO Center to enter, park, and exit the event site in a safe manner. 4. Do not allow participants anywhere near safety cones. These cones are placed as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents (due to electrical cords, wheelchair lift in use, etc.) from occurring in the designated area. 5. Participants who are disruptive may be asked to leave the MGC session. I,, acknowledge that I have read and understand all the material in the Mobile GO Center Information Packet and will follow all the guidelines established. As event requester, I will assist in seeing these guidelines are adhered to by staff/volunteers and MGC participants. Event Requester (Signature) Date MGC Staff (Signature) Date Page 12 of 13 Revised September 20, 2016
PHOTO RELEASE FORM I authorize the to use my photograph/video footage for publications and/or advertisements promoting the. Signature of Requester/Participant Print Name Telephone Number Date 201 W. Sheridan, Ste. C-14 San Antonio, TX 78204-1429 210-485-0769 Page 13 of 13