Long lines, new services greet returning college students

McALLEN — Swarms of students withstood long lines at Hidalgo County’s two colleges today, as each institution tried to accommodate booming populations at the start of fall semester.

Twisting processions crowded the Student Services building throughout the day at South Texas College. And while some students said they understood the delays on the first day of school, others, like 25-year-old Yolanda Garza, became anxious during the more than an hour she spent waiting to register for classes.

“I should’ve done this earlier,” she said. “Why don’t they have more people working? ... There’s just one line after the next.”

She and other students reported hassles with proper documents and financial aid distribution, delaying payment for classes.

College officials said the federal government required STC to double-check the financial records of more students than it did last year, causing the backlog in processed payments. Administrators advised students not miss class to wait in line and that they could receive emergency, temporary loans to pay for classes until grants and scholarships are disbursed.

Lines were also formidable at the University of Texas-Pan American, but junior Lupe Salvador didn’t mind waiting to buy textbooks. He said he had a new sense of freedom at the university and was taking things calmly ever since he moved from home and on to campus over the weekend.

“I want to take advantage of everything and staying on campus helps my homework and studying,” the 22-year-old said. “I’ll still help my parents financially but just don’t want to be so distracted all the time.”

Salvador admitted there might be new distractions in the dormitories, especially since university officials said the residence halls are full this semester.

Due to a 10- to 15-percent jump in students opting for on-campus housing, UTPA opened the doors and rooms of Troxel Hall, a dormitory typically used only during summer camps and special events.

Isis Rodriguez, 19, sat with friends at the UTPA student union and said she was invigorated by the crowds.

“You feel a community, and we’re all here to get better jobs and learn a lot,” she said. “I hope to find friends to study with. It’s hard for me to do it alone…The groups are good for me.”

New services also awaited students at STC like a new park-and-ride shuttle service between the campus and a nearly finished, 600-spot parking lot off of the intersection of Ware Road and Pecan Boulevard.

Returning student Justin Gonzalez, 20, said he was grateful for the stress-free ride.

“The other parking lots are always packed, and I don’t have to fight for a spot,” he said. “I’ll know I’ll get to class on time, so this is a good idea.”

Though he focused on education, Gonzalez said there were a lot of reasons everyone looked so excited and anxious on Monday.

"It’s the first day, why wouldn’t you be excited," he said. "Besides education, I like seeing how many new girls are here."

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Neal Morton covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956)683-4472.