Front Page 02/14/12

Tue. 02.14.12 Volume 23, Issue 2 frontpage@frontrange.edu Join us on Facebook >> facebook.com/frontpage Serving Front Range Community College Since 1989

Renaissance Festival Jousting, music, fortunes, and more!

A look back at the Student Life event.

>> 3

NEWS.

ENTERTAINMENT

The deadline is approaching. Take advantage of our interview with the FRCC Foundation coordi>> 2 nator.

Ideas for places to take your significant other on Valentine’s Day.

Scholarships Valentine’s.

>> 6

Visual and Performing Arts Gallery Check out the latest presentations at the Front Range Community College Visual and Performing Arts Gallery. >> 5

2

NEWS

The Front Page

February 14, 2012

FRCC construction update Construction.

FRCC construction crew builds new Math Department, makes renovations, and repairs the 35-year-old structure.

Philip Pohlman

Staff Writer

Construction workers are seen everywhere on the Westminster campus; drills and other power tools are heard within the temporary, white construction walls.

Although the information is not classified, no one seems to know what is happening behind the white barriers.

“The campus is undergoing major renovations in multiple areas,” says the campus Vice President, Therese Brown. Brown listed off three ongoing projects, which most students do not know about. The first is the renovation of the new Math Department on level ‘B’ where the Testing Center used to be. The second is the ‘B’ level retiling. The last is working to improve FRCC’s water systems.

The FRCC construction team is renovating the former Advising and Testing centers. Just inside the new office entrance, an adjunct instructor space will be built specifically for student tutoring; additionally, down the hall, stands a total of ten offices for the math faculty and staff.

On either side of the offices, four classrooms with sound insulation will be built, providing the campus with quiet classrooms. So far, the walls, heating and electrical work are complete, leaving the floors to be carpeted, the ceilings to be tiled and the rooms to be furnished.

“We will also be replacing all of the tile for the entire building,” Brown informed enthusiastically.

The extravagant tile in the new Student Services Center is only a preview of what the tile decoration on the entire campus will look like when the project is complete. This also includes renovating student hangout areas, such as the one outside of Student Life.

Each will be done in increments over weekends and breaks to keep from interfering with student activity.

Because the FRCC campus is 35-years-old, there are several repairs needed to maintain the building’s upkeep. These repairs take place behind the walls, where students cannot see them.

The current project involves fixing pipes that leak at their joints whenever the boiler shuts down which, as Brown put it, causes a ‘Rainforest Effect’.

“They are extremely efficient at what they do, even to the point of getting ahead of schedule,” Brown praises. As it stands, the Math Department is scheduled to open by Spring Break, whereas other projects will take another year-and-a-half due to budget setbacks and uncertain plans.

Parking.

Parking lot crowding Rachel Bailey Staff Writer At the beginning of every semester, students struggle with finding classes, being on time and navigating their way around campus. All three are factors that contribute to the parking situation at the Westminster campus. During the first two or three weeks of every semester—particularly, Spring Semester due to cold weather and snow—parking on campus is crowded and vehicles are often parked in areas that are not designated parking places.

There have been reports of vehicles parking alongside curbs and at the ends of parking rows, obstructing traffic in driving lanes. George Smith, Director of Public Safety, is working to encourage students to park responsibly so they can avoid authoritative action being taken, such as ticketing and possible towing.

“If you come at 9:30 to 9:45 a.m., you will have to go west,” states Smith. A helpful hint for students is to monitor parking lot

Despite obvious warnings, a “smart” student parks illegally in risk of being towed.

Photo by Lizz Mullis

capacities when arriving and plan accordingly.

FRCC Westminster campus strategically works and plans to accommodate the parking needs of student and faculty. Smith comments that “there are a total of 1,900 paved spaces,” not including the overflow parking lot on the west end of the campus, which has 250 spaces. Contrary to some belief, the overflow parking lot is quite comparable to the paved lots.

“We’ve used crushed asphalt and we’ve tampered it down. It’s as hard as paved lots.” Smith also goes on to explain that “in the fall, we stripe it just like a regular lot.”

There have been other complaints about there being too many handicap parking spots. However,

FRCC is required to abide by rules and regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which require a minimum 29 out of the 1900 spaces to be designated handicap. During the construction of the new Student Services Center, temporaryhandicap parking places were established to retain the minimum required spaces, but will soon be returned to regular parking.

As the semester continues, parking will return to normal and minimize the need for students to park outside of parking spaces.

If you have any questions, comments or need to report any issues, please contact the FRCC Public Safety office at 303-4045411.

LEFT: A classroom floor drying from the leveling process . TOP: A new math classroom ready for the ceilings to be tiled. Photos by Philip Pohlman

Scholarships.

Scholarship offerings Rachel Bailey Staff Writer As the spring semester is well underway and students begin to settle in, an important deadline is quickly approaching. March 1 is the last day for submitting applications for the 2012-2013 FRCC Foundation scholarships.

It is estimated that FRCC will award $300,000 in scholarships this year.

“The average scholarship amount is about $1,000. This year we will have awarded close to 300 students,” informs Ryan McCoy, Front Range Foundation Coordinator. With this in mind, students are highly encouraged to plan ahead and apply now.

Writing an essay that sets a student apart from all other applicants takes time, effort, thinking outside of the box and plenty of proof reading. Although scholarship applicants are chosen by their eligibility, the essay is a bigger part in the over-all selection process.

“The most important item a student will submit is their essay. The rest of the selection is based on if the student meets the criteria of the scholarship itself,” states McCoy. In addition to the application and essay, students must also include two letters of recommendation.

“When seeking letters of recommendation you need to be sympathetic to the people you ask. Ask early and follow up,” McCoy explains. Since instructors are often asked to write letters of recommendation, it is important to keep in mind that they have heavy workloads and teaching responsibilities, thus, it is difficult to write a decent letter without enough prior notice.

The process of selecting applicants is tedious and requires many volunteers to complete.

McCoy walks through the process by first explaining that volunteers “are responsible for reviewing and evaluating Student Essays. They follow a strict rubric when evaluating each essay and each essay is reviewed by three people. The reviewers have two weeks to complete the process. After each essay is scored by the three reviewers, the Foundation takes the collective scores and begins to review the students who scored well.

Then, the Foundation proceeds to evaluate the students based on the eligibility of the scholarship itself.”

With the deadline quickly approaching, now is the time to get in gear!

Ryan McCoy, Foundation Coordinator. Photo by Rachel Bailey

News

The Front Page

February 14, 2012

3

The new “New Student Orientation” NSO.

Upcoming New Student Orientation is to be a more fun and exciting event.

Philip Pohlman Staff Writer

T

he New Student Orientation (NSO) is making several changes to its program in order to help students feel more welcome and acquainted with other students on campus. The new NSO will be small-group oriented and include fun activities, which will be led by FRCC students, staff and faculty.

“We have found that the program we had is not meeting the needs or expectations of

our new students to the capacity we would like,” states Amy Rosdil, who is the Committee Chair for the NSO and Director of Student Life. Before the change, NSO’s duties included: showing students where to go for campus events or issues; giving the official titles of campus services; helping students understand and find their way around campus; and, providing information about what FRCC has to offer. The new plan involves the same objectives, but is updating the focus by creating a comfortable environment.

To help new students feel more at ease, they have set more time aside for smaller group activities. In these groups, students will tour the campus and partake in activities, helping new students get to know their orientation leaders and each other. Rosdil hopes that these new friendships will develop and continue through the semester.

The newest and most exciting element of the new NSO is FRCC faculty and staff involvement leading students groups, while students co-lead as a part of the Orientation

“I hope the new students and volunteers see it as something fun and new.”

Crew (O-crew). Together they will help provide an intimate and less intimidating environment for new students, while demonstrating enthusiasm about the campus. Not only

Student life.

Renaissance festival

process and then go on a retreat to the YMCA of the Rockies so they can get to know each other and have fun,” says Rosdil. While at the retreat, future members will be taught how to

F

TOP: The “Mystic Mok” entertains students throughout the Rotunda. BOTTOM: Students jousting in the inflatable arena.

Photos by Curtis Halley

Students can get more information and apply at www.frontrange.edu/ocrew.

Selling goods on campus

Vina Sitthisay Staff Writer

arena was set up for anyone looking to challenge their friends to a duo. Cushioned rods and helmets were provided in the arena for jousters.

Amongst the tables roamed the kind “Mystic Monk,” dressed in a robe and a gold-lined cap. He carried a bag full of objects, which he used to foretell the future for those attendees who were interested in a reading.

“I think the event was very successful by feeding people, providing stress relief and by helping people connect with other students,” said Wright. The Festival attracted approximately 400 students in its two-hour time frame; some students even dressed up in Renaissance costumes for the occasion.

interact with the students and how to make them feel welcome. To be part of O-crew, interested parties must have completed at least one semester at the FRCC Westminster campus and must be enrolled in the oncoming fall semester.

This leaves the opportunity wide open for anyone interested.

“I hope the new students and volunteers see it as something fun and new,” Rosdil explains in excitement. The new NSO agenda promises to be a great way to help students feel more relaxed and excited about their beginning at FRCC.

Campus Vendors.

Vendors must take steps before they are able to sell on FRCC campus.

Philip Pohlman Staff Writer rom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tues. Jan. 31, the FRCC cafeteria was filled with music, food and activities. Middle-age style music echoed about the large room with laughter following in harmony. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked beef and funnel cakes.

The Renaissance Festival—organized by Student Life—was an event that was more than worth attending.

“I thought the music was really cool and set a wonderful mood,” says Kimi Mason, a participant in the event. Three musicians dressed in age-appropriate costumes, wearing white baggy shirts performed. They call themselves “The Squires” and are made up of musicians from various bands—ranging from country to alternative rock music—who joined together just for this event.

Despite their diverse musical backgrounds, The Squires played fluidly to create a seamless performance.

Enhancing the Renaissance theme, a large inflatable jousting

will the O-crew members help with activities, but they provide exclusive advice for new students.

“For the O-crew members, we will be doing an interview

On any given day of the week, students can purchase a plethora of items, ranging from jewelry and clothing to art and books, near the main entrance at the C Level on the Westminster campus. This area, reminiscent of a checkout counter, is often used as a vendor window, where a variety of services and items are offered. This leads to a few questions: who is allowed to sell goods to FRCC students? What is the criterion that must be met by a vendor to be able to sell to FRCC students?

The protocols are relevant because the institution is liable for any transaction that may occur.

This means that if a student or faculty member were to solicit their business, contract services or even sell Girl Scout cookies for their child, FRCC may be seen as responsible. This is why anyone that wants to offer goods

to FRCC must be authorized first.

For authorization the vendor must contact Heather Garner, Conference Services Coordinator for the Office of Student Life.

Then, the vendor must prove to be a reputable business and be in possession of a sales-tax license.

They are also required to submit information about what they are selling and when they would like to occupy the window. Once approved, the vendor must then pay a fee of $40 for the full day (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

The same area is often used by recruiters from educational institutions or the military. On other occasions, there are company representatives looking for potential employees. In such cases, and with approval from Student Life, recruiters do not have to pay a fee to occupy the space. This demonstrates that giving students opportunities takes priority over selling goods.

With these steps in place, the institution can better monitor what is being offered to FRCC students and faculty, ensuring vendors and others offer goods and services of reputable quality.

4

The Front Page

LIFE

Health Fair in photos popchips™ representative Lauren Gilligan gave away different choices of their flavored chips for students snack on.

Med Express Center Manager, Paula Berger, and the rest of their staff gave away information about their services, locations, as well as hand sanitizers.

Kathleen Timbol Editor-in-Chief

On Feb. 01, 2012, the main halls of Level C were busied with 23 exhibitors showcasing their latest health and wellness products and services. Goods and services such as protein drinks and snacks, skin care products and free quick massages were available as well as a variety of information for FRCC student to learn during the Student Life coordinated event.

Photos by Kathleen Timbol

Frebrary 14, 2012

Massage therapist, Michael Eads of Feel Better 101 establishment shared with FRCC Science major, Jennifer Blacha, the benefits of body relaxation, while providing a quick sample of their massage services.

Student Alonso Wong tried out the Max Muscle protein drink sample and inquired about their other products.

The Front Page

FRCC’s “Top-Ranked” Automotive Program Vina Sitthisay Staff Writer

W

hile walking through the halls there are sometime fragrant fumes of motor oil in the air. Do not worry, it is not a product of an overactive imagination, it really is the smell of oil. Tucked away behind the east hallways on the C Level of campus, there is a rather large automotive department. Education-portal.com considers FRCC a “Top Ranked Automotive Technology School.”

FRCC’s two-year Automotive Program educates approximately 80 students. By the end of the two years, automotive students should be proficient in all eight areas of a motor vehicle, and are issued a certificate stating so.

Upon completion, students are encouraged by instructors to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam to become nationally certified.

For those students looking to obtain more than a certificate and want an Associate’s Degree from FRCC, the Automotive Program offers 58 credits towards graduating.

“We want to cater to our students’ learning styles, there are 18 different learning styles for 18 different students” added Gary Cryan, Automotive Technology Instructor and Skills USA Advisor.

An earned certificate is rendered useless if the institution is not accredited. Fortunately, the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) recognizes FRCC as a certified institution.

According to the NATEF website, their mission aims to “evaluate and recommend technician training programs for certification or accreditation by ASE.” Institutions must renew their accreditation every five years. This cycle recently expired, and FRCC has successfully completed the accreditation process.

The college provides vehicles for the students to work on. In addition to traditional learning experiences, students can also join Skills USA, a student organization that helps those in need. Members of the FRCC chapter of Skills USA work on cars for those who cannot afford to do so elsewhere. This benefits students, who are able to learn how to work on a car through hands-on experience. “[We] limit the class sizes to work closer with students,” explained Gregg Musser, Automotive Technology Program Coordinator.

Many people believe that anyone can work on a car; however, this is far from the truth. Students that are part of the Automotive Program at FRCC spend at least 20 hours a week in class. The automotive courses like science courses offered on campus are considered a lab lecture. Just as in any major, positive results and success depend on what the student wants to dedicate and the FRCC Automotive Program strives to produce quality mechanics.

Students of the Automotive Program get hands-on learning experience. Photo by Lizz Mullis

LIFE

February 14, 2012

5

Visual and Performing Arts Student life.

Visual and Performing Arts Gallery showcases new artwork Rachel Bailey Staff Writer

“Parthenon” by local artist Evan Siegel - Bricks and wooden frame artwork.

On Saturday, February 11th, The Visual and Performing Arts Gallery (VPAG) brought in a fresh new look of new artwork to their gallery walls. The gallery currently features 15 pieces of artwork and will add more in the coming weeks. While the artwork displays are still new, many paintings and photographs still await an official name plate to identify both artist and value of each piece. Each

“Small City #4” by local artist Evan Siegel.

new display only remains in the gallery for about a month, so be sure to stop by and appreciate the work. A reception for the new artwork will be Thursday, February 23rd from 5 to 7 p.m. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For questions or comments, please contact Lydia Brokaw at 303-404-5390.

Photos by Lizz Mullis

6

ENTERTAINMENT

The Front Page

Valentines Day.

at Give tpherson l speciaday to a r. e b m e rem Vina Sitthisay Staff Writer

V

alentine’s Day began as a Saint holiday, much like St. Patrick’s Day, but has since been shortened. According to History.com, the romance associated with Valentine’s Day began in the High-Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished— that is, when a man commits himself chivalrously, monetarily and emotionally to a woman whether she wants him to or not. Although more often reciprocal, today the tradition of giving and spending on Valentine’s Day lives on and here are some local places to visit while on lover’s lane.

February 14, 2012

Valentine’s Day date ideas ROMANTIC AND IMPRESSIVE:

Known that special someone for a little while? Then Valentine’s Day is not time to slack off, but a chance to wow that person. Start with their favorite flower (if it is still a mystery what that flower is, read the next section). After the initial gifts are given, get in the car and head east on 112th Avenue; just a few blocks away from campus, is a small place called Hideaway Steakhouse (remember: impressive, not cheap). This restaurant is highly reviewed, and the wine list is exclusive to say the least. Dinner is a great way to get to know one another more deeply, and if that goes array, the food is good enough to keep from talking too much.

STAYING IN:

FUN AND CASUAL: Starting new with a sweetie?

Then the mood should not be too serious; a fresh and fun encounter might be more appropriate.

The Westminster Ice Centre is just minutes away from campus, and offers a public light-hearted setting, with plenty of time and room for getting to know each other. Ice skating is a great excuse to hold hands and have frequent physical contact without the worry of seeming pushy.

There is also Benders Sports Bar connected to the ice arena, making it possible to have a casual meal.

Better than receiving an A, get an E or effort! If this may be the love of a lifetime, then there were probably already plenty of dates. Make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one by setting up the home front. Pre-marinated or pre-seasoned meals can be found at any grocery store; buy one and follow the instructions.

Candles can be bought by the boxes at the Dollar Store. Rose petals by the bags full from Hobby Lobby, and BOOM: ambiance! Faux-fur rugs are relatively inexpensive, chocolate syrup is under two dollars, and imagination is free. BAM: atmosphere!

THE NIGHT CAP: Did the date go well? End it off right, take that special someone out for some dessert, the sugar kind. Cold Stone Creamery has a variety of delicious ice creams and toppings, but the real magic is the location. The ice cream parlor faces a picturesque, mini village of shops, instead of a parking lot, and is adjacent to a gazebo decorated with white lights. While enjoying the ice cream a pair can enjoy the scenery, atmosphere or each other’s eyes. Keeping each other warm if it happens to be chilly in the gazebo is optional.

Photo courtesy of www.ifood.tv

Photos by Vina Sitthisay

Oscar Nominations 2012 We asked FRCC moviegoers: What was one of your favorite movies this past year?

Lizz Mullis Photojournalist

N

ot everyone decides what film to see in theaters based on how many awards it has, or the reviews respected critics have given the film; however, many base their decisionmaking on such criteria.

There are some films and actors’ performances that were overlooked. So, what deems a film Oscar-friendly?

The answer may not be solely based on talent and artistic cinematography. Peter Travers—movie critic for Rolling Stone—believes that the guild of nominators does not select certain films because some of them may be too gruesome for their liking.

Drive, the creative action film starring Ryan Gosling, placed in the top-ten movies

of 2011 by many esteemed movie critics, but this movie was too bloody for the guild.

Other actors, such as Kirsten Dunst, missed the cut somehow, and even the well-loved Leonardo DiCaprio did not receive a nomination for his convincing roll in J. Edgar.

2011 was a year of many brilliant movies, whose nominations for best picture extended to nine of its ten nominees, unusual for the guild because traditionally, they do not fill out all of those spots. Some films nominated for this category are popular favorites like The Descendants, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Help, Hugo, Moneyball, and Midnight in Paris. May the best nominees win!

TOP LEFT: Connor Anderson; TOP RIGHT: Jennifer Arredondo; BOTTOM LEFT: Amy Shepherd; BOTTOM RIGHT: Brittani Siebers.

Photos by Lizz Mullis

, I just “Fast Five cars.”

liked the

“Midnight in Paris, because I thought it was the sequel to Wedding Crashers, but it turned out way better.”

apthe story hthe , h c n u P r e d and “Suck in her min pened all ’s imagination was character lously cool.” just ridicu

Fast Five, Paul Walker is a phenomenal actor and the action scenes and fast cars just made it that much better.

Photo courtesy of www.ibcinema.org

OPINION

The Front Page

EXPRESS YOUR OPINION. get published & be heard frontpage@frontrange.edu

THE FRONT PAGE IS NOW ON FACEBOOK “like” us facebook.com/thefrontpage

February 14, 2012

THE FRONT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Timbol Associate Editor Curtis Halley Copy Editor Helen Satchwell Newspaper Advisors Amy Rosdil Jason Wright

Staff Philip Pohlman, Writer Vina Sitthisay, Writer Rachel Bailey, Writer

Lizz Mullis, Photojournalist

The entire content of The Front Page is copyrighted by the FRCC Board of Publications. No part of the publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The staff of The Front Page is encouraged to subscribe to the principles of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.

Inquiries may be referred to the Office of Human Resources, 3645 W. 112th Avenue, Westminster CO 80031-2199, (303-466-8811); The Director of Affirmative Action for the Colorado College System, 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver CO 802306011; or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 1961 Stout St., Denver CO 80204

7

8

The Front Page

TAKE 5

February 14, 2012