The Front Page

Volume 26, Issue 1

Tuesday September 10, 2013

Fall New Student Orientation 2013 Written by Carlos Escamilla On August 14, 2013, Front Range welcomed over 600 new students to the Westminster campus with three sessions of informational workshops.

Each student received a goodie bag filled with handouts and supplements to ease the stress of starting the first semester at FRCC. The sessions began with campus Vice President Therese Brown discussing the many construction projects currently underway on and around campus; she ended her segment asking the new students to, “Please, please be careful!” while turning out of the campus parking lot. Amy Rosdil and Dan Balski talked the students and their guests through “Things to Know” for FRCC, including logging in to eWolf and the student email, the new Altitude leadership program, and HigherOne information. Hannah Brown gave some helpful tips for time management.

Photo by Carlos Escamilla

After the large group of new students and their guests heard from the welcoming lecturers, they were separated into smaller groups to take tours and play games. The guests

were invited to participate in their own support-network conference.

Tours were led by student volunteers and covered the C- and B-levels of the campus. Stops were made to

spotlight important locations like the bookstore, the math and writing labs, and the Welcome Center. Questions were answered and resources were introduced on the 20-minute tours to ensure that the new students were comfortable with how to access the many amenities offered at Front Range.

Volunteer staff and faculty members facilitated discussion and games to ease the anxiety of the first day of college.

All members of the NSO Crew worked diligently to make the transition to life at FRCC a little smoother.

As an added treat, attendees of the morning and afternoon sessions were invited to enjoy free Subway sandwiches and refreshments in the rotunda. Live music was also performed by Joel Kachel (www.joelkachel.com).

Parking Lot Safety Written by Cindy Torres New changes have been added this fall semester to the Front Range community college campus, including some new renovations to the parking lot. As quoted by FRCC Vice President, Therese Brown, some new additions to the school parking lot include: We added an additional 200 new parking spaces on the north east side of the campus. We changed the sidewalks leading to the building to comply with ADA standards making the north side accessible.

We lowered the height of the roundabout so that trucks or busses do not get stuck if they do accidentally get into the roundabout.

At Entrance 2 from the street (the “main entrance,” we created a right

turn in and right turn out only. This is because there were multiple accidents that have occurred that were due to folks turning left (east) out of the campus and were not careful.

We are also adding a stop light at the far east entrance to the college. This light is to address the same problem that we have at Entrance 2 as well as traffic volume leaving the campus to allow folks to turn east safely. This light is a collaboration between the City of Westminster and FRCC. The city obtained a DOT grant for the majority of the $310,000, FRCC paid 10% or $31,000 of the light expense.

The installation of the light is not scheduled until early January 2014.

We moved the spine road in the lot directly to the south of the old child care building so that the road was straightened and installed speed bumps to control traffic.

We completely remodeled the entrance area in front of the rotunda to create ADA friendly/compliant access.

For a smooth and safe commute to and from Front Range, it is recommended that students take some precautionary steps, such as leaving home earlier to get a good parking spot without having to be in a rush. Brown urges that, “Students should not turn left when exiting the campus from Entrance 2... Be extra careful exiting the campus at the far east entrance turning east, especially until the new

light is installed in January... Always be careful when turning onto 112th no matter which direction you are turning.”

As students may have noticed, additional employees as well as Campus Security have been out in the parking lots helping direct traffic.

In time, the number of employees in the parking lot will decrease, but Campus Security will still continue to drive around the lots frequently throughout the semester. Students with further questions or concerns about the new parking lot are encouraged to contact Campus Security at (303) 404-5411 or WC.CampusSecurity@ frontrange.edu

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September 10, 2013

Natalie Keech -Chasing Passion and Staying Positive Written by Rachel Padro Natalie Keech from the goals, I knew I wanted to continue Communication department began her my PhD I also knew I wanted to life in the boondocks, where she spent throw myself into teaching. After time in the forests, in daydreams, tying the knot, I then took an adjunct and with comic books. Keech said, position at my first community college “I grew up from Kindergarten in Guilford County, NC. Just as I through high school in Boone, North had become addicted to teaching, I Carolina surrounded by the Blue was now hooked on the mission of Ridge Mountains. the community college I literally grew up culture. On a whim, a in the boonies! really big whim, my Boone is a growing husband and I up and college town where moved to Longmont, CO Appalachian State for a change in scenery.

University is Literally, on the last day located. Most of my of our drive out west, I childhood memories received a phone call from were spent outside in FRCC-Westminster with the trees and forests an open Interpersonal of the Blue Ridge Com class! I was ecstatic Photo Courtesy of Natalie Keech Parkway which was to once again find myself only two miles from the house I grew teaching at a community college. This up in.” coming Fall 2013-Spring 2014 year I When asked who her favorite will be at the Boulder County Campus superhero is, Keech responded, “This in Longmont as a Full-time Faculty is a really hard one actually as I was a member. I will miss Westminster and bit of a comic book geek growing up. hope to make an impact at the BCC If I was not found with my head in the campus in the future.” trees and clouds, then my head was Keech also shares, “My teaching in a comic book. While I prefer the philosophy is centered on a personal modern/recent Batman films, I have goal to continuously reflect on my to say my actual favorite comic book pedagogical practices to insure my hero was a classic, Superman. I loved learning objectives accurately meet that his real persona was Superman the needs of my students. I whole and his fake persona was Clark heartedly believe true learning Kent. Also, as a kid I wanted to be a occurs through an interactive process journalist like Louis Lane!” of making connections with other A passion and a whim would people and the ability to see course eventually bring Keech to Colorado, material as applicable to real life. My and FRCC. “After my time in philosophy is focused on viewing undergrad at UNC-Asheville where I classroom space as a place to establish majored in Mass Communication and a community of learners where critical Marketing, I was still focused on my thinking through the application of education which lead me to pursue knowledge and skills is fostered. I my M.A.in Communication Studies also believe in, and support learning at the University of North Carolina at environments where diversity is Greensboro. It was while at UNCG welcomed and celebrated.”

I discovered my absolute love of When asked what students might teaching. As a Teaching Assistant at be surprised to learn about her, UNCG I was given the opportunity Keech said, “Well, this is a hard to teach basic introductory courses one as I am sure there is a whole lot on my own, and I was hooked! After they would be surprised to hear... I graduating I contemplated my future will just list some interests/hobbies/

experiences/etc… I am a huge dog my students is their realization that person. I currently have two dogs, a effective communication is more than Jack Russell Terrier and a Shiba Inu, just talking, but also hugely centered they both keep me very busy. I love on listening skills as well. I will gardening, I am growing my own leave this question with my favorite vegetables this summer and fall and words of wisdom from Aristotle, “It I have redone all the landscaping, by is the mark of an educated mind to my own hands, around my house. A be able to entertain a thought without few hobbies my husband and I share accepting it.” are home beer brewing, wood turning, As for what was her favorite idea fishing, hiking, skiing, and camping. I to teach: “Wow, hard questions! In am a gigantic science fiction nerd and Public Speaking my favorite section proud of it! I am addicted to shows is Delivery because I get the students like Doctor Who, Battlestar Galactica, up and practicing! I love to see how True Blood, the Walking Dead, and my students progress through the much more. If it is sci-fi or an action semester as well, from that first lesson flick, I have seen it or I want to see on Delivery where they all cringe at it!” Also, “I recently traveled to the the thought of speaking in front of Inca Temple of Machu Picchu and I others, to the stark contrast in selfclimbed Wayna Picchu.” assurance and confidence I see in Keech was also asked what she them during the last speech. I would would like everyone to know about like to see more students take Public Communication. “This is also a really Speaking earlier in their FRCC careers hard one to answer. I feel of course as well. A lot of my students will that there is an endless amount one push this class off until the end, right could learn about Communication as they are graduating because, let’s as we are all changing and with that face it, most of us are a bit afraid of our Communication changes. I would public speaking! However, many of love to have every FRCC student those students will tell me as they are take not one, but all of the offered about to graduate that they wish they Communication Studies courses. had taken Com 115 earlier as it would While Com 115 for have really aided them Public Speaking in other classes where certainly improves presentations were part your communication of the grade.” abilities as a Finally, Keech’s presenter, Com 125 parting words of advice for Interpersonal for the students of FRCC Communication were, “Stay positive! At would be relevant times school gets hard, in your personal really hard, frustratingly relationships, and Com hard, but don’t give 225 for Organization up! Push through those Photo Courtesy of Natalie Keech Communication hard times because might benefit you there are also wonderful in the workplace. Also, Com 220 times. Times where you accomplish for Intercultural Communication something and feel amazing due to is a guaranteed transfer and would that. Stay positive, because it is worth be essential as we are continually the effort in the end when you feel engaging communication with those the elation of success of doing different than us. With all this in mind, something despite the struggles you I guess the biggest thing I notice in might have faced.”

September 10, 2013

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The Front Page

Bio Club to Host Famed Nobel Laureate

Upcoming Events

Written by Jessica Brown

Written by Cindy Torres

Since biology professor Tina Burke founded the club over a year ago, FRCC has had an active and diverse Bio Club which explores many of the different fields within biology.

Everyone is welcome to join this entirely free organization. Much of the cost of running the Bio Club is paid for by fundraising efforts. Bio Club meets every other Friday at 11:00 am. beginning on September 6, 2013.

Each meeting lasts approximately 90 minutes, and the content of each meeting varies.

During one of the club’s meetings last year, the entire group toured the biology department at CU Boulder. This afforded members the opportunity to witness cell division firsthand, using electron microscopes and 3D imaging.

Bio Club allows students to explore many concepts that they had previously only been able to briefly touch on in the classroom in more depth. The Bio Club also offers several community outreach opportunities. One of the most important community outreach

efforts that the Bio Club provides is its free speaker series. In fact, the Bio Club has a very exciting free event to announce. They will be hosting a speech by famed Nobel Laureate Thomas R. Cech, PhD on September 27th, at 10:00 am in the Rocky Mountain Room at FRCC Westminster. Dr. Cech is most wellknown for having won a Nobel Prize in 1989 for his studies of biologic molecules and the catalytic properties of RNA. He and Sidney Altman of Yale University independently made the same discovery at the same time.

This discovery was groundbreaking, since it meant that we understood for the first time that RNA is not only passive in the way it carries information, but it can effect change in the body, in the form of chemical reactions in living cells. The catalytic properties of RNA are important to understand, as our understanding of them may affect the way that we treat certain diseases in the future. Dr. Cech currently researches at his lab at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. This fascinating lecture will

be open to the public, and, as with all lectures given by the Bio Club, it will be absolutely free of charge.

When asked what the best part of Bio Club is, FRCC student Mike Carroll said, “The best part of being a member of Bio Club is having the opportunity to explore the world of biology outside of the classroom, applying what we learn to real world applications. It has also helped me network with fellow students and faculty whom share a common interest, while expanding my mind to aspects of biology I never would have considered otherwise.”

This year, the Bio Club has been approved to conduct an independent research project, which may translate into publication and further research opportunities for those who are motivated and interested.

Bio Club is a new, ambitious club that affords the hard-working student plenty of opportunities to make their mark in biology, while interacting with the public and making new friends.

Student Life welcomes students to join in the celebration of Constitution Day, Tuesday, September 17, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Stop by and pick up a FREE Constitution Guide Book from Student Life!

The Lafayette Summer Concert Series and Student Life presents Colorado local Folk-Rock-Americana duo Moors and McCumber, Friday, September 20, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This event will be held at the Festival Plaza, located in Old Town Lafayette on 311 S. Public Rd. This is a free, all ages event.

The National Society of Leadership and Success will be hosting a NSLS Leadership Training Day, Friday, September 20, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This free event, held at the Rocky Mountain Room, will show participants valuable leadership lessons and give students the opportunity to network with a successful team!

Jason Wright New Coordinator of Student Success for Technology and Social Media

By Jessica Brown Jason Wright, Coordinator of assist students with enrollment and, Student Activities for the Department later, academic success while at the of Student Life, has been promoted school. He will also be involved in to the position of managing several social Coordinator of Student media-related teams on Success, Technology campus. Furthermore, and Social Media for he will be involved with Front Range. In his managing and facilitating new role, Wright will be communications with the mainly responsible for Student Affairs Council. the implementation of In addition, he will be technology as it relates to presenting technological Photo Courtesy of demonstrations to faculty student success. Part of Jason Wright his new role will involve and staff to keep them the implementation of abreast of the latest the new social media action plan technological developments. that FRCC has set in place to help Looking forward to his new

position, Wright had the following to say, “I have always been fascinated with technology -- not so much technology itself, but how we use it to connect with others. I think that is why it is going to be a good fit for me, this role.”

Jackie Johnson, a student who worked with Wright in the Student Life office, had this to say about him, “Jason is one influential leader on this campus, who has left a legacy here at Student Life. He is so relatable and supportive; whether he is encouraging students to join the ‘Eat a Bug’ club, race on toilets, do something on stage (even when they have no talent),

or participate in an inspirational leadership or cultural event, people want to do it. He definitely will be missed here at Student Life; the next person will have some big shoes to fill. Thankfully he will be here at FRCC benefitting the campus and positively impacting the students in his new role. I am excited to see what Jason does with that.”

Jason Wright has been a dedicated, approachable leader for Front Range Community College, and it will be exciting to see where he goes from here. Jason Wright can be reached at 303-404-5081 with any further questions.

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September 10, 2013

From Wolf to Ram: The College Transfer Process Written by Cindy Torres If you are certain another school offers something your current school lacks, transferring can be a good idea and an exciting new adventure. But the process of transferring schools can be just as overwhelming and confusing as applying to college the first time around. What are the requirements?

For those interested in traveling upstate and becoming a Colorado State University (CSU) Ram, all of these questions and more will be addressed to help make that big transition a smoother process.

There are several steps in applying to CSU, but the most important one involves the application process. To apply, students must first submit at $50 nonrefundable application fee, due

by November 1 (if applying for the spring semester). Within applications, admission representatives are looking for strong candidates that meet a 2.5 minimum GPA and or have taken a minimum of 30 semester credits.

Students that do not meet this criteria but at least have a 2.0 GPA are required to submit high school transcripts as well as ACT/SAT scores.

All students interested in transferring are required to take a three credit hour mathematics course that is considered a guaranteed transfer by the state of Colorado (Colorado GTPathways MA1) with a grade of “C-” or higher. Alternatives to this include completing an intermediate algebra course with a grade of “B-” or higher, earning a score of three or better on the AP Calculus AB or AC exam, earning a score of four or better on the IB Math exam, or completing Algebra I, geometry, and Algebra II with a grade “C-” or higher while in high school.

Grades aren’t the only qualifying factor in your application. At CSU, personal traits and experiences are regarded just as much as academic performance. According to Sylvia Ganarilla, a representative of the CSU transfer student center, the personal statement essay is considered “A student’s opportunity to share something about themselves that is not readily apparent on their application...

It is our way of getting an idea of what kind of student will be representing

us and the Fort Collins community.”

If you are unsure of what to write your personal statement essay about, suggested topics and tips have been posted on the school’s website.

Other requirements in the application process must include official transcripts from prior colleges or universities, and a minimum of one personal recommendation letter.

Recommendations from previous

instructors or advisors are strongly recommended; however, letters from other individuals that can speak for your success potential may also be submitted.

If you are unsure if CSU is the right school for you, CSU offers a variety of visit programs which can further assist students in the deciding process. Such programs include the “Military and Veteran Student Visit

Day,” transfer student visit day, and special interest visit programs. Students with specific questions regarding transfers are encouraged to contact the CSU Transfer Student Center, which can be reached by telephone, via (970) 491-1858, or via email at transferstudentcenter@colostate.edu.

September 10, 2013

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“A Lot to Give” – The FRCC Foundation Written by Charles Groen FRCC has a program aimed at mitigating this problem. Exclusive to the college, the FRCC Foundation centralizes funds from many different sources, allowing a student to apply Photo Courtesy of FRCC Foundation only once and access multiple scholarships Students can be classified into one simultaneously. Mr. Ryan McCoy, of two categories: those who have Assistant Director of the FRCC applied for scholarships, and those Foundation, describes an all-inclusive who have not. While applying for program, in which “the scholarships scholarships is an obvious decision don’t just cover tuition, but they can for some, the difficulty inherent in also be used for fees and books,” a finding scholarships someone might characteristic not always common qualify for can make the entire in other scholarships. The average process a nightmare, and is enough to discourage a student from applying for application through other sources requires the standard demographics the thousands of dollars available at and contact information in addition to any time.

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Creative Corner Highlighting the creative community at FRCC! The Front Page would love to showcase your talent. Please send digital copies of your artistic submissions (writing less than 500 words, art, photography, etc.) to frontpage@frontrange.edu for your chance to be in the next edition. All writing samples must be print ready as to preserve your artistic expression, they will not be edited.

Dissonance

by Josh Mowgli.

Graphite, colored pencils, and ink.

Instagram - mowgli_the_mancub

VIVID

by Erin Reynolds. colored pencils. www.ereyn.com

The Front Page

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September 10, 2013

Just a Thought…

Hot Headlines

by Tino Gomez, English and Communication Chair

Written by Carlos Escamilla

“Try your best...” was advice an advisor gave when I asked for tips to starting a school year on the right track back when I was an undergraduate at Arizona State University. If you’re wondering when “back when” was my daily wear included a flannel and Dr. Martens despite the everlasting Arizona heat, Kurt Cobain was screaming something about teen spirit, and ASU consisted of a slim 55,000 students which meant I had waited in line a long time to hear those three inspirational words from my advisor.

It’s been a while since “back when”, but some things don’t change; I still wear Dr. Martens, a “grunger” at heart, and trying my best is still good advice, but knowing what I know now, I wish my advisor would have suggested something more to assist me in reaching my academic goals.

So, in the spirit of managing a strong start for fall 2013, here are specific considerations to help us through some of the challenges that come with college.

Having experience as both a student and an instructor the best advice I can give is to get to know your professors. There is more to it than studying for hours every night; it’s also extending ourselves to others who are excited to share ideas. Some of the most intellectually stimulating experiences I had in college were when I visited my professors during office hours. There, I had the privilege of sharing conversations while addressing questions I had on a oneon-one basis, and in those moments I was a member of an academic community, a place where similar interests were shared.

Important note: “back when” was before the wide-spread use of the internet so this was the quickest way to get a credible answer from a known expert. (I know, crazy huh?)

But it’s more than receiving information quickly. I was getting to know my teachers, seeing what was hanging on their office walls, protected in their picture frames, recognizing that they were doing

Washington D.C. – Thousands of civil rights supporters gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Islamabad, Pakistan – Afghan President Hamid Karzai arrived in Pakistan to discuss peace talks with the Afghan Taliban.

Syria – The Syrian government agreed to a U.N. investigation into alleged chemical weapons attacks on civilians.

Austin, Texas – A University of Texas study yielded “promising” results for a new screening method to detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages.

West Carrollton, Ohio – A 37-year-old man revived after his heart stopped beating for 45 minutes.

Moscow, Russia – Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption blogger, Aleixei Navalny, was briefly detained immediately following a campaign rally.

what I was doing, actively seeking knowledge. After numerous discussions my professors got the drift that I cared about learning and they knew I respected their passion for teaching. In my case the time I spent during office hours will always be an important part of what influenced me to be a teacher. When professors remind you of their office hours take time to visit, you will be inspired.

Now let’s stop for a moment to dispel a potential myth: just because I am an educator doesn’t mean succeeding in school has always come easy. In reality, I was not the smartest student in class and too often my priorities leaned more toward scoring Lollapalooza concert tickets and watching Headbangers Ball on MTV than solving for X. My saving grace has always been my respect for the art of writing, which always kept me focused on my academic success, so when it came to subjects where I struggled I resorted to college survival instinct, knowing when and where to ask for help.

On that note, FRCC provides resources to assist with writing and research. The Writing and Academic Skills Center (or WASC), located in room B1051, is a great place for help with the writing process from consultants who work one-on-one with students.

A well-known fact is writing requires a significant amount of research so whether you are investigating the differences between ancient Greek and Roman sculpture or the reasons why Pearl Jam and their fans accused Ticketmaster of being monopolistic in ‘94, (Gen Xers stood for something, cheaper concert tickets!), College Hill Library is a helpful resource with librarians to assist students with their research needs. Unable to leave your apartment because you’re in the middle of making a mix tape, I mean a playlist, for that special someone, the Writing Center offers online assistance and College Hill Library provides remote database access for those who need to research off campus.

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Windsor, Vermont – A 120-cubicyard pile of goat manure spontaneously caught on fire. The fire left no damage but the smell was “disconcerting.”

Washington D.C. – The Department of Justice announced a lawsuit against Texas to try to block the state’s recent voter ID law.

“A Lot to Give” – The FRCC Foundation continued from Page 4 an essay or assignment, so a single scholarship can take several hours to apply for, and in some cases only be used for tuition, leaving the average, dirt-broke college student to solve that problem alone.

The FRCC Foundation is supported entirely by contributions from individuals, businesses, and the surrounding community, who view their donations as an investment in their community’s future. Since it was founded, it has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships, grants, and assistance. An incredible 200 out of 600 total scholarships went unused last year, demonstrating the financial assistance available to any student who might be interested and apply.

According to Mr. McCoy, “...any student that has a 2.0 GPA or higher, whether they are part-time or fulltime, there is a chance that they could receive a scholarship,” all they need to do is apply. Considering the amount of funds available and the relative ease of application, this program seems to be one of the best ways a student in need of scholarships could find what they are looking for.

The Foundation is different from other scholarship programs in the guidance and assistance that continues even after the student has accepted their scholarships. As the program is funded by members of the community as a kind of “investment,” these donors expect a return on their investment in the form of students gaining degrees and certifications.

A scholar would be expected to maintain an acceptable GPA as well as attend specified tutoring sessions and guidance meetings. While this might seem a burden, it is truly a small commitment in return for the financial assistance provided by the Foundation’s donors.

Higher education is, without a doubt, a gateway to improved job security. Often, money is the only barricade on the path to completing a degree or certification. The FRCC Foundation seeks to make this path easier to navigate by providing financial assistance and guidance to students who would only apply for their programs.

Interested students can get more information on this program at The. Foundation@frontrange.edu.

September 10, 2013

The Front Page

JFK Commemorated Written by Rachel Padro includes refreshments, with tickets This fall, available at the MAC, Irving Street from and College Hill Libraries, as well as October st at the door. Mathews will be sharing 1 to November all she learned about Kennedy in nd 22 , the the compilation of her book. She is College a former CIA intelligence analyst, Hill as well as the author of the critically Library acclaimed Jane Austen Mystery will be Series, writing them under the name focusing Stephanie Barron—so Austenites and Photo Courtesy of on the those curious about secret intelligence College Hill Library life of alike have reason to attend.

President John F. Kennedy.

Two secondary discussions will College Hill staff shares, “They occur with library staff member are the seminal events of our lives— Kathe, to discuss Jack 1939 and other changing our perspective, challenging current titles about the Kennedy era. our sense of security and serving as The MAC discussion on October 29, the markers that define the 1:00-2:30 pm costs $1 (signup at the demarcations between innocence MAC) and the College Hill Library and its inevitable loss.” discussion on November 13, 6-7:30 This fall that world-shaking pm is free (signup at the library). For event will be commemorated, more info call 303-658-2603. th with November 22 being the 50 Finally, educational displays anniversary of that fateful Dallas highlighting the lives of John F. and day. The commemoration will Jackie Kennedy and more about the include special events and displays Kennedy Era will be found on both at Westminster Public floors of the College Hill Libraries. Events will Library, October 1 through include book discussions November 22. Visitors can and lectures, displays, and participate in the “Where murals.

Were You November 22nd, 1963” murals and share Starting September rd their memories of that day 3 , copies of Jack 1939

by Francine Mathews as well as other memories will be available at you or your family have of College Hill Library.

John F. Kennedy.

The library hopes that Students are Photo Courtesy of the community will join encouraged to take College Hill Library with them in reading this advantage of this fictional thriller about Jack Kennedy educational opportunity—and there by a local author. Readers will will be plenty of information at the then have the opportunity to meet fingertips of anyone hoping to write Francine Mathews on November a research paper on Kennedy—just 9, 2013, 7:00-8:30 pm at the MAC attend an event, check out some of Community Room (the MAC is off the books on display, and talk with a of Highway 36 and Federal, at 3295 research librarian! nd W. 72 Ave). The cost is $2.00 and

Just a Thought… continued from Page 6 My experience as a college undergraduate was exciting, enlightening and challenging, that’s one of the reasons I went back for more in grad school, and now that I am fortunate enough to “return the

favor” and serve as a member of the FRCC English and Communication department I can say with the excitement that comes with every opening of a new academic year (where’s that old flannel), let’s not try our best but do our best.

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New “Altitude” Student Leadership Program Written by Charles Groen While not necessarily important As points are accumulated, a when applying to a community member reaches levels within the college such as Front Range, program that include additional leadership experience and community opportunities. When a student involvement are extraordinarily reaches the second level, dubbed important facets to a four-year “Fourteener,” they receive a certificate university application, not to mention of completion, a personalized letter job applications. detailing their service to the school, For the average student who is only and access to additional invitationbeginning their college experience, only leadership opportunities. There finding opportunities to learn and are many such benefits to participation demonstrate leadership skills is a in this program, in addition to difficult task, if only for lack of clearly networking and crucial resumé bullets. presented opportunities. Eventually, a A major concern for an interested student might give up in finding these student might be that the workload opportunities, and simply wait for the will be too intense to fit into their opportunities to present themselves. already busy schedules. Considering With this mindset, it is easy to fall into that many students at FRCC have an attitude of complacence in which families or jobs outside of their opportunities are even more difficult classes, it would be easy to assume to come by. The Altitude Leadership that the program would only be program will make these leadership one more obligation that would be opportunities impossible to more accessible fully commit to any interested to. However, student, as well as the program as provide an operates on Logo courtesy of Altitude Program excellent student an availability network important basis, a student to a successful academic career. could choose the opportunities they Starting this fall semester, the would like to participate in.

Altitude program will act as a Dan Balski, FRCC Coordinator of points-based system, with the goal to Clubs and Leadership in the Student “develop leadership skills in FRCC Life office, is leading this new students at Westminster, encourage program and is extremely optimistic and promote involvement in out-ofof its future. When asked about how classroom experiences, and recognize this program could benefit potential and reward students for their members, he replied “...students that accomplishments.” While a lofty goal, engage in such programs will have the program will give the students more impressive resumes for jobs and the tools they need to build their own for applying to four-year institutions, successful career, limited only by their a heightened set of leadership skills, personal aspirations and availability to and a better basis for success in and contribute to the program. beyond work.”

Students involved in Altitude earn Any students interested in “achievements” within the program participating in this program should through their participation in varying contact Mr. Dan Balski at (303) 404opportunities within FRCC. For 5042, or by email at dan.balski@ example, a student could earn points frontrange.edu. by attending certain workshops or Student Life events, or involvement in FRCC student clubs.

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September 10, 2013

Work It Out Written by Carlos Escamilla

Photos Courtesy of Mark Eller Chart by Carlos Escamilla

The benefits of getting and staying in good physical shape are immense.

Exercise is great for relieving stress, warding off disease, and improving brain function. According to Harvard Medical School psychiatrist John Ratey, “Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning.” It’s incredibly important for students to make sure to find ways to remain active throughout the school year. Healthy bodies equal healthy minds. That’s where the Physical Education Department comes in. The head of the PE Department, Mark Eller, has been at the Front Range Westminster campus for 18 years and does an incredible job of running such a large space.

Mark is the person in charge of the fitness center, located in the middle of B level and full of great amenities.

There is a basketball and volleyball court, cardio equipment, and plenty

of weights. The center’s hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Thursday. The hours are based on years of tracking student activity in the center and pinpointing the peak hours. A student’s first session must be preceded by a 15-20 minute orientation in order to review the policies and guidelines. It’s important for the faculty and staff to get emergency information, an informed consent form, and a Par-Q (a yes-orno health history form) in order to ensure the safety of all the students.

Safety is always a major concern for the PE Department. Each educator is American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certified; this means they can accommodate for physical disabilities and recommend appropriate custom workouts (psychological disabilities fall outside the ACSM’s certification). All eight student-workers are also trained in first aid, CPR, and equipment safety.

While Mark Eller is the only fulltime educator in the department, two part-time faculty members are also on staff. Stephanie Uszacki has a M.S. degree and has been with Front Range for nine years; she also works as a physical trainer. Lacey AllenDuran has a B.S. degree and has been with Front Range for three years; she also works as a sports coach. The team of educators teaches a myriad of classes: yoga, weight training, body sculpting, and conditioning lab (dance and volleyball courses are usually available but were dropped this semester due to low enrollment).

The courses are generally elective and worth one credit per semester.

The single credit can be beneficial for anyone lacking one credit to graduate or be full-time, or for anyone needing extra motivation to get active again.

Courses are not the only reason to go to the fitness center on a regular basis. As a show of appreciation,

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there are no charges for using the center. The services are available to any student of the Westminster campus who has a valid Wolf Card and is taking at least one credit. The free services were also extended to full-time FRCC employees last year.

In the Spring 2013 semester, 297 different students used the center’s facilities without taking a PE course with an estimated 3-to-1 ratio of males to females.

From demographics to construction, the fitness center will be a part of the redesigning project currently underway at FRCC. The budget doesn’t allow for new equipment but a new layout will be the focus for the area. The department is hopeful that it won’t have to be indisposed for too long while waiting for construction to be completed but until then, students and staff, enjoy one of the free amenities offered at our Westminster campus.

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