Palo Alto looks for ways to maximize its capacity to serve

Palo Alto College’s core values stem from the belief that education is the central element to the success of our community. Supporting our students both inside and outside of the classroom with resources and learning opportunities is imperative to their long-term prosperity.

As we embark on a new academic year this month, our dedicated faculty and staff are once again offering first-rate transformational programming, instruction, and support services.

We remain committed to keeping students first and helping them fulfill their academic goals and achieve success. We have resources, plans, and support available to help prepare students for the upcoming semester. In partnership with UT Health, students can visit with a medical professional at our Wellness 360 Clinic in the Student Center or via telehealth from the comfort of their homes. Students can make an appointment by calling 210-485-0571. This service is available to both students with insurance and those who are uninsured. The Alamo Colleges is committed to working with students who may have a financial barrier limiting their access to medical care.

Additionally, the Alamo Colleges District offers no-cost textbook rentals through the AlamoBOOKS+ program during the Fall 2022 semester. In collaboration with Barnes & Noble College, this program ensures students will have all required textbooks and instructional materials across all courses by the first day of class.

There is so much in store for the campus this fall that will enhance the experiential learning opportunities for students. Students will soon have access to an outdoor classroom and amphitheater, a first-of-its-kind space for the campus where students can meet, relax, and learn. The college will also officially open the Vineyard & Hops Yard for students in the Viticulture and Enology program. This unique program focuses on the wine industry and labor side of the workforce while providing a thorough, scientific understanding of the wine-making process.

To round out the year, we are getting closer to opening the new bond-funded Rio Grande building. This joint-purpose building will serve as the primary entry point to campus and be home to a new Student Engagement & Welcome Center. It will also include specialized spaces for various academic programs to expand training for high-wage, high-demand occupations in our region, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber security, logistics, criminal justice, and dental hygiene, with plans to open a dental hygiene clinic to the community in the future.

Part of impacting lives in our community means providing access to learning opportunities and promoting the sharing of ideas with one another. Exceptional instruction, innovative ideas, and a commitment to excellence are what we do in service to our students and our community.

This column by Dr. Robert Garza, president of Palo Alto College, was originally published in the San Antonio Express-News’ Southside Reporter and mysanantonio.com.