VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 5
November 21, 2019
Cheating worries faculty By CAYLEE HANNA Staff Reporter
Nearly 70 percent of college students admit to cheating on tests or assignments, according to the International Center for Academic Integrity. Some students say cheating is a good way to pass their classes, but Amarillo College faculty members disagree. “Students who copy test answers are foolish,” Rebecca Easton, the dean of liberal arts, said. “They are paying good money for a better future, only to throw it away.” Easton said students who cheat could hurt the college’s reputation. “As for cheating on purpose, I just hope that the student doesn’t give Amarillo College a bad name in the community because the student didn’t care enough to learn what we tried to teach.” Some faculty members say they see academic cheating as the student cheating themselves. “The purpose of college is to learn and experience new information, but if you cheat then you have only learned how to cheat,” Elizabeth Rodriguez, a psychology instructor and
Illustration by DANIAR ONOZ | The Ranger
program coordinator, said. “I mean they have paid for this education and when they cheat they are not getting their money’s worth. Students who cheat to make it through their academic career have only wasted their own time and it says a lot about their character.” Other faculty members admit that cheating is inevitable so they don’t take cheating as a major threat. Nevertheless, they still hold students accountable for their
“I know that students are stressed and overwhelmed They are paying sometimes and cheating good money for a becomes too appealing to resist. I do feel that students better future, only need to be held accountable to throw it away, for it, however. It’s a tough lesson to learn for some.” – Rebecca Easton, Although the faculty dean of liberal arts members try their best to prevent academic cheating, actions. some students manage to “I try not to take it personally cheat anyway. when I find out a student is “I did have an issue one cheating,” Stefanie Decker, the semester when I found out history department chair, said. that my textbook publisher’s
test bank was uploaded into Quizlet,” Decker said. “Students were just searching Quizlet for the answer. That is cheating, in my opinion. However, it’s also on me to make sure that the test questions are not out there. That taught me to not rely solely on test banks—I had to go in and rewrite all of the test questions.” Rodriguez said some students don’t understand what is allowed and what would be considered cheating. She pointed out that using the internet for help with class assignments is not necessarily cheating. “I do not think that using the internet on assignments is cheating, unless the instructor has specifically said, ‘Do not use the internet.’ The internet has so much information that it would be silly not to use all the knowledge that is out there to complete an assignment to the best of your ability,” Rodriguez said. “When it comes to exams, using the internet is cheating. The purpose of the exam is to assess the knowledge you have gained through assignments and lecture, not to test how fast you can copy and look up answers online,” she said
Partnerships create pathway New education programs bring opportunities for students
By CLIFTON SARTOR Staff Reporter
The Amarillo College education department is creating new opportunities through partnerships. The department is finding ways for students to explore the teaching field and complete their degrees through collaborative agreements with the Amarillo Independent School District and Texas Tech University. AC’s partnership with AISD makes it easier for students to find out if they want to pursue a career in education, Dennis Sarine, education department chair, said. In the past, students needed 60 college credit hours before they were eligible to substitute teach for AISD.
Recently, however, district officials agreed to look at substitute candidates from AC with just 30 college credit hours, Sarine said, adding that this change will make it easier for students who are not education majors to see if they enjoy teaching. Substitute teachers can work in the morning or afternoon. While AC is having fall break, AISD is in session and “students that substitute on Friday can make more money,” said Sarine. He said there are many substitute opportunities available. AISD has created a job posting that reads “Amarillo College students only.” Students must turn in their college transcripts showing they have completed at least 30 hours to be
eligible for consideration. Another way students can explore careers in education is through a new, faster course at AC. “One of the changes coming to the education department for Spring semester 2020 at Amarillo College is that the education department will be piloting an eight week course in education - 1301-001, Introduction to the Teaching Profession,” said Rochelle Fouts, education instructor at Amarillo College. She added that previously all sections have been 16 week sessions. This push to make it easier for students to learn about teaching comes as the demand for qualified teachers has increased.
Sarine said that schools throughout the Texas Panhandle are looking for teachers. “Those districts are specifically looking for bachelor certified teachers qualified in critical area components,” he said. He went on to emphasize that the districts are actively recruiting qualified candidates for critical areas of academic content that are most in demand. “What we are seeking is students in content areas of English as a second language, foreign languages, science, mathematics and special education,” Sarine said. A new partnership between AC and Texas Tech will make it easier for students to become
certified in these high need areas, Sarine said. Students who complete an associate degree in education at AC can take a oneyear course through Texas Tech to become certified teacher candidates in these in-demand content areas. Texas Tech will align its program to meet area school district needs. Montaisha Brown, an education major, said she is excited about these new opportunities. “I graduate in December with an associate in education. I want to teach kindergarten at AISD,” Brown said, adding that she has received a lot of help and support from the staff in the education department to develop a plan and stay on track to be successful.
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Opinion
2 | The Ranger November 21, 2019
Immoral action, or using your resources?
EDITORIAL
Academic cheating is discussed every semester, in every school, in every class. But, what really is cheating and are situations involving cheating really as black and white as we are made to believe? It is no question that academic cheating is considered morally wrong in our society. Those who choose to cheat are robbing themselves of actually learning and retaining the information. But the line between cheating and honesty can become quite blurred, and statistics from college students have shown their thoughts on the issue are quite mixed. Nevertheless, academic cheating happens in every school. It is inevitable. Statistics from the Open Education Database (OEDb) show that more than 60 percent of college students admit to cheating. Cheating isn’t new to most students. A study done by the Ad Council and the Educational Testing Service showed that 75-98 percent of college students who cheat started this behavior in high school or earlier. It doesn’t seem unreasonable to suggest that some forms of
cheating are just students using their resources. What would be considered an “open note” test or a “group” assignment in one class, may be considered cheating in another. Unsurprisingly, it has been found that the average cheater has a higher GPA, averaging about 3.0 and up. Most students who cheat say they feel that cheating is essential. The OEDb even stated, “College students that don't cheat still think it a valuable strategy to scoring the best grades.” After all, making higher grades is honestly the true end goal of, not only a cheater, but all students. Some students just turn to cheating to achieve that goal. Some of the reasons that students tend to cheat are pressure, unfair grading or even the drive simply to finish school. All these factors are similar in that the cheating is motivated by the desire to do better. Today, college is more important than any other time in history, and more students are feeling the stress and anxiety over being the best that they can be. Many students feel that their best isn’t enough and the evergrowing expectations put on
Illustration by BAILEA DOOLEY
them confirm their fears. Though it may be a terrible method for approaching college, it is easy to see why students feel the impulse to cheat. Professors, administrators and parents must understand the pressures students face and strive
to build an environment that can help combat them. If cheating is an issue at most colleges, the schools must deal with the factors that lead students to cheat. The system itself ultimately is the reason behind the cheating and that’s the problem
that should be addressed. In the meantime, it is also important for students to know that cheating only robs them of what they came to college for, knowledge, so try to rise above the stress and work toward an honest academic career.
Debating the necessity of core classes By EMILY REEVES
By SHAWN McCREA
Staff Columnist
Staff Columnist
You walk in, set your stuff down, listen to the first five minutes of lecture and you’re out. Whether sleeping, being on your phone or doing work for a different class, we often all have better things to do with ourselves than pay attention to classes we need to take to graduate but are not major specific. What do you really get from all the science classes you have to take as an English major? They say there are core skills that are taught by specific classes, and I understand that much. My issue comes from when there’s one specific skill I need and there are 20 options for me to get it from and I can guarantee some of those classes don’t even teach that skill. I appreciate that classes in history and government are required. They’re specific classes that have a clear link between student and content matter, and the same applies with composition classes. But some of the required general education core classes are unnecessary. While most students will need to write business emails, not all students will need to speak in public or need to know that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. I suggest that the required classes for each degree should be more degree specific. General studies would take a little of everything, as per usual, but if you’re not a business or mass media major, a speech credit wouldn’t be required. I also suggest having fewer options for required classes. This way we narrow down the skill set administrators want us to have and eliminate the frustration struggling to get into blow-off classes that fill up within a week of registration opening. If we offer fewer choices and make it clear why those classes are required, I expect students will pay more attention to lectures and make better grades in these classes. Eliminating unnecessary general education core classes would put an end to the frustration of students not paying attention and making bad grades. I’m honestly just fed up with taking classes that have nothing to do with my major, you know? But I do believe that having more major-specific required classes, fewer general education core classes and fewer choices in those that are not major specific would be a good option all-around.
How many of you wonder why your degree plan requires that you take core classes, particularly ones that might not have anything to do with your major? I mean, if you’re a nursing major, why should you have to take an English literature course? And what about taking algebra when you’re an English major? Did somebody say ‘YEET’? Don’t dropkick your algebra textbook just yet, friend. Taking that dreaded algebra class might not get you on the quickest (and cheapest) path toward your dream career. But when core courses like biology, English literature, algebra and philosophy are implemented in our college curricula, they help cultivate critical thinking skills. Now, if you’re thinking to yourself, “Critical thinking skills? Pffffh, I do know how to critically think already.” Pump the breaks. Because if you’re wanting to disregard this column without even reading to the end, this column’s purpose has just been proven. As humans, much of our thinking, left to its own devices, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or down-right prejudiced. Taking core courses also gives the opportunity to rub elbows with students from all over the major spectrum. But the mixing of majors in core classes helps bring all kinds of different experiences, thoughts and opinions from others who you wouldn’t normally be in contact with. When you’re in a room with 20-something other people with opinions, there’s a reason why it’s become part of the American culture to not talk about politics in public. Arguments erupt. But when faced with opposition, critical thinkers seek to improve their positions in an argument logically and with respect for those with opposite views. This is how conflict can be transformed into conversation. There’s more to your personality than just what you want to do as a career. Well-rounded individuals with a wide range of interests are more interesting to be friends with. And who knows: by getting out of your comfort zone and taking that chemistry class might lead to an exciting career change.
Get in touch with us Page Editors VOLUME 90 | SPECIAL EDITION
August 22, 2019
For a complete staff listing, please visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com therangereditor@gmail.com Twitter @acranger Instagram @acranger Facebook @acrangerpaper
Editor-in-Chief Lauren Ebben Page One Jessika Fulton Page Two Nathaniel Montoya Page Three Jillian Johnson Page Four Faythe Reeves
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Student Media exists to serve you — the students. The Ranger is an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos, writing, videos and telling us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting is open to the campus community on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in PH 214 or you can reach us via email at therangereditor@gmail.com. The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, Panhandle Press Association, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association. For a complete staff listing, visit us at acranger.com. The Ranger is an independent student publication. Material published in The Ranger does not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or employees.
News
The Ranger | 3 Novemeber 21, 2019
Students take a ‘byte’ out of coding By COLTON SCHWALK Staff Reporter
Starting in the spring 2020 semester, Amarillo College will offer the Code Academy, a nine-month, 24 credit hour curriculum in which students will learn the fundamentals of coding and computer programming. The deadline for enrollment is Dec. 20. The program is structured so that students will be presented with a realistic problem that they then have to figure out how to solve. Carol Buse, the dean of STEM, said she believes that students will leave the program with skills that will benefit them after the courses are over. “Students will get real world
experiences that they can implement in all facets of their professional careers,” Buse said. “It is extremely important that students develop problemsolving skills that they can always use beyond coding, or working with computers.” Dewayne Higgs, a CIS professor who will be an instructor for the Code Academy, said he highly recommends this new program. “The Code Academy will offer its students with an opportunity to not only learn how to code using contemporary techniques and technologies, they’ll also have an opportunity to apply these skills on an actual project that will be used by organizations in the local area,” Higgs said. Higgs said he believes that
insight into the industry is also one of the largest benefits to be gained from the program. “Students of the Code Academy will also have a chance to hear from guest speakers who work in the programming industry and are willing to share their insight, and have their project work vetted by a board of local industry professionals,” he said. For students to qualify to be enrolled to the Code Academy, they must first be a current Amarillo College student who can demonstrate some proficiency and motivation in programming and development. Students who meet these criteria are encouraged to go to amarillo. codes online and apply there before the Dec. 20.
Photo illustration by LAUREN EBBEN | The Ranger
Code Academy, a nine-month computer programming and coding curriculum, will start spring 2020.
Coreq courses promise success Support classes help students catch up on college-level skills By CJ SCOTT
Staff Reporter
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Volunteers prep the 500 Thanksgiving bags with canned goods and many holiday favorites.
Giving back the goods
Thanksgiving tradition ensures students receive holiday meal By MADISON GOODMAN Staff Reporter
Amarillo College is giving away the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal to students at noon Nov. 26 until supplies run out. The Thanksgiving bags will be distributed on the Washington Street Campus, East Campus, West Campus, Moore County Campus and Hereford campus. On the Washington Street Campus, the bags will be given out in the Oak Room in the College Union Building. Organizers say all AC students may participate in this annual tradition.
“We have been doing this project since 2013. The original project began with 35 bags and now we provide 500 in total,” Leslie Hinojosa, Social Services Coordinator, said. The food in the bags comes from donations. “We receive donations from Amarillo College staff and students, as well as Amarillo community members,” Jordan Herrera, the Director of Social Services, said. She added that they are still accepting donations of Walmart gift cards with a minimum of a $10 value to help pay for Thanksgiving turkeys. Donations can be dropped off at the Advocacy and Resource Center in the Ware
Student Commons on the Washington Street Campus. Herrera said that 72 percent of AC students have at least one basic needs insecurity (food, housing or homelessness). In 2018, AC’s Advocacy and Resource Center experienced unprecedented growth, providing 21 percent of AC students with social services support, a 226 percent increase from the previous year. The ARC also saw a 412 percent rise in students receiving food from one of the five AC food pantries. Anyone with questions about the Thanksgiving bag giveaway or other social services can contact the Advocacy & Resource Center at 371-5446.
Amarillo College is nearing the end of its first semester with corequisite classes in place of developmental education classes. This fall, instead of taking remedial classes before beginning college-level studies, underprepared students are getting special assistance through concurrent classes called corequisites. The change means that students who in the past would have had to take several semesters of developmental classes before beginning academic credit classes, are now taking college-level classes that count toward their degrees. The college-level classes are paired with support classes in subjects such as reading and math. “I think this is going to be beneficial for students in the long run,” Ruth De Anda, an adviser, said. Professors teaching the corequisite classes are there to help students master the skills they need to succeed in their related college level courses.
“It is my job to support them and to help with whatever that college level teacher is teaching,” Karen White, a mathematics professor, said. Lorenzo Sifuentes, an engineering major, said he is enjoying this approach to education. “By the time I get to my other class, I might forget some things, but the teacher always helps me get back on track,” he said. With this program, students go from one class straight to their corequisite class, which can help them retain information and succeed in the classes they are struggling in, White said. White said the support classes are beneficial for students who just left high school, and for the students coming back to school after being out for a long period of time. With these classes, students can get the help they need to succeed in their college level class. “It is like a ‘just in time’ concept,” White said. “We will teach you just what you need to know, just in time for you to be successful in your other class.”
AMANDA CASTRO-CRIST | The Ranger
Penelope Davies, math department chair, teaches algebra. Under the new corequisite system, students who are not ready for college algebra take a simultaneous support class to get their skills up to speed.
News
4 | The Ranger November 21, 2019
College only teaches one skill: cheating Students should embrace cheating to achieve personal, professional goals OPINION By TITUS GILNER Staff Reporter
College is a game. The only valuable skill that higher education institutions offer is cheating. From math and science departments to humanities, educators across the United States have been fighting with cheaters since the dawn of formal education. The environment created by modern universities promotes academic dishonesty, while demanding academic honesty. This paradox in the current model is indicative of the real world. Most businesses, organizations, communities and societies at large demand things like legality and morality, while creating an environment that promotes the opposite. Though unintentional, the most useful skill that college
offers is the one it works hardest to eliminate, and in doing so coincidentally imitates society in a strikingly accurate way. This commonality between how education and society function largely serves students. With that being said, this column is directed at students. I am telling you, without reservation or intimidation, do not feell bad about cheating, feel bad about getting caught. Right and wrong have little to do with good and bad. In both the real world and academic settings, the right thing often contradicts the good thing. For example, it is illegal to
steal. But if a parent has a child and no way to feed the child other than stealing food, then the right thing, the moral thing for that parent to do is steal. And stealing is bad. In the academic setting this example would look more like this: A student prepares hard for a test studying notes made from PowerPoint slides and lectures. As the teacher only ever covers things in lecture and never directly from source material, the student makes the assumption that the book or any source material provided is unimportant. After hours of studying, the student goes to take the test and quickly realizes the content covered in the exam is only the content provided in source materials. The student is sitting close enough to someone with the same exam to cheat, and far away enough from the teacher to get away with it. In that scenario, the student should without a doubt cheat. They are completely justified
in doing so. Like real life, a curve ball was thrown and the situation became the academic equivalent to life and death. Failing means a waste of money, time and energy – the three things most valuable to students. Cheaters rule the world. Good artists copy, great artists steal as the saying goes. If school is meant to prepare students for success in the real world, then these students ought to be prepared and willing to cheat. Rules, like laws, are set up with the idea that most of the time the “right,” or legal, thing to do is also the “good,” or moral thing to do. This generally works, but like all human systems, is prone to exceptions. In order for civilized society to succeed, people must have the knowledge and courage to combat those societal loopholes. Did I plagiarize that first paragraph? Sure, you could do a quick copy and paste into Google and maybe you could
find some lines that seem too similar to be coincidence. Or perhaps I went deeper than that, going into a book at the library the old fashioned way. I could have read this on an inspirational meme somewhere and saved it onto my phone just in case of time like this for all you know. The honest answer is, “It doesn't matter.” Whether or not I get away with it, get a good grade, pass a class and get a degree matters. School is designed to give young people the knowledge and resources to overcome academic challenges, and those challenges are deemed accurate measures of success and those accurate measures of success supposedly equal preparedness for society. As long as school and society are set up the way they are, cheating will be a valuable skill that all young people should learn.
News
The Ranger | 5 November 21, 2019
Technology makes cheating easier By CLIFTON SARTOR and TATHEANA FINNEY Staff Reporters
Students may be more likely to cheat in online classes. “They are not being supervised and it is easy and tempting to do so,” Margie Netherton, an English professor, said. Technology advancements have created more options for cheating. “I think one way students cheat is by using Google to find answers,” Nataley Carrington, a pre-nursing student, said. Carrington, who works in AC’s Science Tutoring Center, said she has heard about many tactics for online cheating. “One way to cheat on an exam is to use a Bluetooth headset to relay information to someone in another room; however, web-
cam technology is a defense to this tactic. A student may simply hold a cellphone up to a computer screen to take pictures of the exam,” Carrington said. Netherton said she is concerned about academic integrity in online classes. “Students have not actually learned and mastered material if someone else is doing the work,” she said. But while technology is making cheating easier, it is also making it easier to prevent and detect cheating. Colleges and universities now have the ability to employ webcams and biometric keystroke analysis, which can verify students’ identities and confirm achievement. “In some cases there is a requirement to lock down the browser. A program has to be installed before taking the test,
making it so that you can’t use Google,” said Kayla Witherspoon, a psychology major who works in the Math Testing Center. The detection technology can also tell when a test taker leaves the area or even the amount of time someone turns their head. While some professors require technology to monitor cheating, other professors say that doesn’t stop cheating in certain courses. Netherton said cheating on writing tests is harder to monitor since the writing process takes place over a period of time. Other professors are less concerned about defeating cheating in online classes. “The fact that they are getting into the material and opening the book and looking through it is fine because their real work has to show up when they present a speech to me in
class,” Michelle Orcutt, an assistant professor of speech, said. Students and faculty say the temptation to cheat should not keep AC from offering online classes. “I prefer online classes because I don’t have to meet at a set time. I can work at
my own convenience and pace,” Witherspoon said. Orcutt agreed, saying, “I love online classes.” “I am actually doing my doctorate right now research over online classes. It’s great to give students the flexibility that can’t be here in class,” she said.
me, but one thing I do know is that without cheating, I wouldn’t be a college student. There are so many ways and new outlets for students to cheat, that it's really
unbelievable the extent students can and will go to do so. The root of the cheating problem lies in our culture. There was a time when being educated was something of great reward and value. It not only enabled one to better climb the ladder of success, but was also an achievement worth going after. Today, being educated is foolish to most, and those who are educated prefer those who are not to remain ignorant, ultimately making the masses easier to control
so fewer people notice where all the money is flowing. The music blasting through everyone's headphones doesn’t care about education. The popular movies and television shows lack any sense of intelligence and are primarily just pretty CGI. The media doesn’t care about education. Colleges are advertised to students as party odysseys rather than places of study, and the only time anyone talks about education is either regarding student loan debt or how, after
graduating, you’ll finally be able to make a decent living. Nobody actually cares about learning anymore, so why should we? Students cheat because we can see that no one really cares. Cheating is how I became a college student, and cheating is how I’ll become a college graduate. I don’t like admitting it, but it's the truth. And if my generation is the one that burns the world to the ground due to the lack of education, we will at least make sure to do it in style.
TITUS GILNER | The Ranger
Students can take answers from Google and write them on their hands in order to cheat on a test.
Cheating is integral to American culture; secret to earning a degree
OPINION By WAIEL BAGH Staff Reporter
Being a student has been confusing and difficult at times, and what’s kept me progressing through the years is not dedication or the passion to learn. Instead, I’ve made my way through the education system by cheating whenever and however I could. Most of my previous years of school are all a blur to
AC offers help to avoid plagiarism By NATHANIEL MONTOYA and KIPPER SINCLAIR Staff Reporters
It is human nature to want to take the easy way out in difficult situations and college is no different. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work and claiming it as your own. There are many problems with this both ethically and legally. A study done by Rutgers University found that 64 percent of students admitted to cheating on a test, 58 percent admitted to plagiarism and 95 percent said they participated in some form of cheating, whether it was on a test, plagiarism or copying homework. But that’s Rutgers. The Writers’ Corner at AC provides a tutoring center for students who need assistance on essays for classes. “It’s not that we’re not allowed to borrow ideas and words, but we have to give credit to our sources and try to pass off their
work as ours,” Josh O’Brien, Writers’ Corner supervisor, said. So not properly citing sources, could drastically decrease the quality of the paper. “Especially in persuasive writing where you have to argue something you want to see yourself as credible, so by using someone else’s work and not citing it lowers your credibility,” Jalin Foreman, an English education major, said. “This is something the college takes very seriously. The English department’s policy is if a student is found to have plagiarized, they get an automatic zero and multiple occurrences can lead to being expelled,” O’Brien said. With that being said, plagiarism is not worth the risk. Often, professors will assist students with writing papers and the Writers’ Corner is open six days a week. The college has the resources for students to avoid plagiarism, it’s just a matter of actually putting in the effort.
1. Copying from another students’s test paper using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test. 2. Collaborting with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator. 3. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an unadministered test. 4. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the unadministered test. 5. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to sustitute for one’s self, to take a test. 6. Bribing another person to obtain an unadministered test or inforamtion about an unadministered test.
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News
6 | The Ranger November 21, 2019
The AC traveling flag football team competed in the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association regional tournament.
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Flag football tournament builds bonds By ANDREW ROBINSON Staff Reporter
The Amarillo College intramural traveling flag football team participated in a regional intramurals tournament sponsored by a national college recreation organization. The NIRSA regional tournament took place Nov. 9 and 10 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The tournament guaranteed
each team three games. Teams that won one of those games and advanced to the next round. The Badgers went 0-3 to start, losing to Oklahoma Baptist University, University of MissouriKansas City and the University of Arkansas. AC was still able to advance due a no show from another team. The Badgers then lost to Stephen F Austin University in the first round. “It was a really good group of guys, but I wish we could have
played better,” Kyett Prather, a biology major said. “Our quarterback could improve his throwing, and everyone could work on catching.” Even though the team didn’t perform to the standards they expected, the players said there were many positive experiences they took away from the experience. They said they made new friends, learned to work as a team and represented AC in a professional manner.
at AC before transferring to a university because it can help lessen a student’s financial obligation when furthering their education. Students can help their financial situations by completing their FAFSA and having it sent out to their chosen university and applying for scholarships at the university. If it’s not possible to complete all courses before transferring, students can complete a process known as a reverse transfer. “This is much like how credits are transferred from AC to the university, just in reverse,” Olmos said, pointing out that reverse transfer allows “students to earn their associate degree, but already be at their university working on a bachelor’s degree.” AC’s Register’s office, will evaluate the completed university course work and determine if those credits taken will fulfill requirements for an associate degree,” Olmos said. Students who are getting ready to transfer say they are excited but somewhat anxious. “I plan on transferring to West Texas A&M because my ACE scholarship will help pay for my school there. I think it’s going to be different, so it
might take a little adjusting just because of the 16 week classes and the bigger class sizes,” Leonardo Villegas, a biology major, said. Sarah Clifford, a general studies major, said she is looking forward to moving from AC to WT when she finally completes her associate degree. “I think I’m going to really like the new environment there. I want to transfer because I’ll be done with my associate and I can move on to a bachelor’s degree, so I’m going to make sure I talk to my adviser and make sure all my credits are able transfer,” she said. The AC website transfer page has a “Transfer Guide” to help students walk through the process. AC also has university partners that come to AC on regular basis, West Texas A&M University is on the campus Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. and Texas Tech University is on our campus multiple times throughout the month. Talking with these representatives can help students receive more information about things such as transferring and course requirements, Olmos said.
Students prepare to transfer By BRIANNA SAUCEDO Staff Reporter
There are many Amarillo College students who indicate that their academic goal is to transfer, but they never end up doing so, Ernesto Olmos, director of advising, said. “We need those students transferring to be focused on this goal so we can guide them through the process,” Olmos said. “It’s important to research the universities’ admissions process and deadlines early so students are proactive in completing the process. They need to visit with their academic advisers to discuss their transfer goals because advising works backward from university requirements, such as ensuring that students don’t take courses at AC that they don’t need,” he said. Financial issues can be a common struggle for many college students so it’s important for students to understand that University tuition and fees are actually more than what AC charges, Olmos said. He suggests that students to complete all possible courses
“My experience on the traveling team was a blast,” Luke Del Toro, a graphic design major, said. This was Del Toro’s first year playing on the traveling team, and, even after suffering four losses, he said he is happy he got the chance to go out and participate. “It was a great experience to meet and play with new faces. I would encourage anyone who loves football to try out next year.” Ryan Torres, the team captain
and a business major, also had positive comments about playing. “My experience with the traveling team was awesome. It’s unlike anything else,” he said. Torres said that he expects the team will perform better in next year’s tournament. “The team can improve for next year by competing more often and having more practices. Chemistry is important and that’s what we lacked in the tournament,” he said.
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Flu season has arrived By ERIKA CHAVEZ Staff Reporter
With the temperature falling and fevers rising, flu season has arrived at Amarillo College. Flu season usually starts between the beginning of fall and the end of spring. For the past three decades, flu activity has peaked at some point between the months of October and February, but always tapers off by April. The dry autumn air causes congestion, which can turn into a cough and sore throat giving the virus a better chance to enter people’s systems. To avoid catching the flu, stay away from people who are having symptoms or already have the flu. Hot tea and over-the-counter medications can alleviate congestion. The symptoms of flu are fever, chills, cough, sore throat, running or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue and, in some cases, vomiting. While preventative vaccinations for the influenza virus are easy to get, few people take advantage of this precaution, medical experts say. “One out of every tenth person gets vaccinated for the flu,” Paulina Carrasco, a biology major and certified clinical medical assistant, said. Some people say they fear they might get the flu from the vaccination and others just don’t want to pay to get the shot. There are also families that do not vaccinate their children due to religious beliefs, health
concerns or financial issues. To prevent the flu, people should wash their hands frequently, Carrasco said. “One in three people do not wash their hands,” she said. In order to avoid catching the virus, she suggested that people wash their hands before eating a meal and after entering a bathroom. She added that other important tips are getting your flu shot, decontaminating and cleaning your house after you have guests, taking care of yourself when you start feeling poorly and going to the doctor as soon as you see any symptoms. David Lara, a nursing major, said the importance of handwashing cannot be overstated. “Wash your hands on a daily basis for two minutes with warm water and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Not many people get their flu shots. Some are lucky enough to not catch the virus, but not everyone is as lucky as those people.” For people who catch the virus despite these precautions, experts offer some steps that can speed up the recovery process. Stay home and rest, drink plenty of fluids, take medication for cough, take a hot steamy shower and run a humidifier. Health care professionals urge anyone with the flu to avoid going out in public and becoming the reason someone else catches the virus. Doctors say missing a couple of days of work or school is better than having to go to the hospital due to a high fever or uncontrolled symptoms.
Culture
The Ranger | 7 November 21, 2019
AC offers comedic relief
LGBTQ+ activist, ‘Mean Girls’ star, wows crowd REVIEW By NATHANIEL MONTOYA
Staff Reporter
The star of the movie “Mean Girls,” Daniel Franzese, an LGBTQ+activist and comedian, came to Amarillo College Nov. 11. Famous for his role as Damian from the movie “Mean Girls” as well as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, the comedian’s act was high energy, versatile and, overall, just hilarious. He was brought to campus by the student life division after his first scheduled visit was canceled earlier this semester. Coming into the show, I had never seen “Mean Girls” or heard of Franzese, but I do love attending standup comedy shows, so this was a must. Franzese has a lot of qualities that make him stand out, but he
doesn’t rely heavily on any specific gimmick like some other comedians. I was particularly fond of the comedian’s Italian impersonations, especially those of his parents. Franzese made many jokes referring to his mother’s made up language. It reminded me of my own grandmother who commonly mispronounces easy English words. It was clear that Franzese was comfortable on the stage. He won over the crowd so fast there was never a dull moment throughout the entire show. Overall, I loved the show and hope he makes a return to Amarillo someday. Anyone can tell that Franzese is genuine and cares about his craft. I’m very excited to hear his new podcast “Yass Jesus,” which will focus on his life as a gay man with Christian beliefs.
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Live performance coming to campus
Panhandle PBS to feature Texas singer-songwriters By CAYLEE HANNA Staff Reporter Courtney Patton and Jason Eady are coming to the Amarillo College Washington Street Campus to perform at the Yellow City Sounds Live concert. This event will take place at Panhandle PBS Nov. 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and people must have a ticket in order to attend. “The Panhandle PBS studio is an intimate venue, and we’ll sell no more than 100 tickets,” said Chip Chandler, Panhandle PBS producer and one of the organizers of the concert series. “We expect to have a soldout crowd, and if people are unable to attend the concert in person, they can watch it live on our Facebook page or via Livestream.com, or they can listen live on Amarillo College’s FM90.” According to Chandler, this
concert is a chance for people to experience a performer’s original songs and hear why the performer wrote the songs. “Courtney Patton is a Texas native whose storytelling and songwriting is drawn from her own life, as seen in her third solo album, ‘What It’s Like to Fly Alone,’ released in 2018,” he said. “Jason Eady is an Americana singer-songwriter originally from Mississippi who’s now a vital part of the Texas country music scene. The singers, who are married, released a duets album, ‘Something Together’ in 2017.” The Yellow City Sounds Live musical performance series began in 2016. The performances feature musical artists and bands playing in front of a studio audience. The live series evolved from a PBS online series about local musical artists. The exclusive concert series
offers intimate performances by a range of musical performers,” Chandler said. “Concerts run about 75 minutes without intermission, and artists share their original songs and some of the stories behind them.” This event has already received support from the Amarillo community and is a joint production with other programs at AC. “The in-studio series is a joint production of Panhandle PBS and Amarillo College’s FM90,” Chandler said. “Support for the 2019 Yellow City Sounds Live series is provided by the Gilliland Family Foundation, Reed Beverage and Amarillo West Hampton Inn.” The performers said that they are excited to come perform at this event. In a Facebook post Eady wrote, “Amarillo, we can’t wait to come and play for you all at Panhandle PBS.”
RGB puts twist on traditional gaming REVIEW By CACHE GOODWIN Disco Elysium is an isometric open-world Computer Role Playing Game (CRPG), in a similar style of Diablo, Baldur’s Gate and Fallout 1. It was developed and published by ZA/UM, with Disco Elysium being their first credited game. The game was released for Microsoft Windows in October. It is expected to be released on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 2020. In Disco Elysium, you play as a detective, having lost all your memories from a night of drinking your sorrows away. Exploring outside of your hotel room, you gather that you have been assigned to investigate the circumstances behind the death of a dock worker during a union strike. Along with your assigned partner, Kim Kitsuragi, you explore the land of Revochol, piecing together not only your investigation, but your memories as well. The character building in the game is unique and dynamic, creating a very nice system that really does make you feel as though you’re making an
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unusual character. Stats are characterized by traits that not only help you and skill checks for actions that you do in the world, but also influence your decisions and give you quirks, based on what traits you’ve been more focused on. For example, having a high empathy stat allows you to understand people better in a personal way, but runs the risk of becoming too emotional when doing police work. Having
a high physical instrument stat helps you push and lift heavy objects, but may make you more prone to using violence rather than cleverness. The visuals of the game are styled like moving oil paintings. The colors are moody and bleak. The environments have a stunning amount of detail and the character portraits can be very beautiful or grotesque with such an impact that it gives the game a more dream-like atmosphere.
The sound design of this game could be better. Certain sounds don’t have as much impact as one might think when doing certain actions, and some of the character dialogue is voiced, but not all of it, making certain conversations feel as though they drag on for just a bit too long. The music however, really brings more to the game. While it doesn’t play all the time, it does play during key moments, engaging with the player on an
emotional level. The writing is astounding. The choices you can make in this game all have some sort of impact, from the smallest of things, such as smearing coal on your face to make war paint to make you more intimidating, and the largest of choices, like going behind your partner’s back to fulfill a corrupt agenda. The game also doesn’t shy away from extremely sensitive subjects, and never presents them in a disrespectful way either. It allows the player to explore these subjects, and understand why these things are adopted by people from many walks of life. The cleverness of it all allows the game to be funny when it wants to be, and serious when it needs to be. There are also quite a few typos, but that is to be expected from a text heavy game. Overall, the game is an absolute gem. It’s obvious that this game was created with a definite goal, crafted with the amount of love and attention only a dedicated team of programmers, artists and designers could make. If you have the time and money, go get it and see for yourself.
Feature
8 | The Ranger November 21, 2019
The Look of a
Cheater Earbuds in. Likely receiving information from another source. No dazed zombie look from studying all night. Shifty eyes are optional. Sometimes in possession of a cup with the answers written on it.
Wears a jacket. Cheat sheet could be hidden anywhere.
Handwriting on palms. Possibly sweaty and smudged from being nervous.
Not shown: Scribbles on bottom of shoes in the shapes of math formulas.
Illustration by SHAWN MCCREA | The Ranger