Eastview campus is all about community

Of all the Austin Community College campuses, the one to feel more like a community rather than college would be the Eastview campus. So much so, that after students complete their degrees at ACC, they often return to the campus manager Juanita Mendez' office to give her a copy of their graduation picture.

"We really get to know students who come to this campus," said Mendez.

At first glance at EVC one may think it was built just yesterday. In fact, half of the current campus was first built in 1999. The second half was completed by the start of fall classes in 2004. The new buildings were constructed with the same style as the first building as to not make the campus look as two separate structures.

The second part of the campus, which was just recently erected, gives EVC its identity. The Health and Sciences building now houses all of ACC's medical programs. Programs ranging from Pharmacy Technician to Emergency Medical Service Professions now reside at EVC.

The latest addition to the Health Science programs is Dental Hygiene. The dental students' classroom is designed to resemble the workspace of a private practice. The 16-chair lab allows students to provide dental hygiene services to low-income residents.

"Our dental hygiene students see patients in our clinic for dental cleanings, examinations, ex-rays, sealants, etc.," said ACC associate professor and clinic coordinator Susie Pearce. "The services are provided at a very reduced rate, but a nominal fee is charged to help us recover the cost of expendable materials used for each patient. Students do receive a 50 percent discount so they can frequently have a cleaning, exam and x-rays done for approximately $25."

Another room in the Health Sciences building is the Surgical Technology Lab, which houses the Surgical Technology program. This lab helps students gain valuable experience in a hospital-like environment.

Aside from the medical aspect of EVC is the only ACC campus to offer culinary arts, criminology, and a childcare center.

It also is the only campus to have a work source center inside the campus. The center is run on its own and not by ACC, but is an added bonus for many ACC students.

As far as student participation, EVC is high on the chart with providing student events on campus. Once a year, they hold a job fair along with other social events. To go along with its trademark, the campus holds a health fair for students, where a wide arrange of medical tests are administered free of charge.

Another way EVC builds on its community-feel is by taking in its surroundings. At nearby Oak Hill Elementary School, students and staff at EVC take time to mentor the young children and organize special events for them.