ONE FREE COPY
March 2015
By Isabel Catalano & Serena Rose Steele SACRAMENTO- MSJC students gathered with hundreds from other California Community Colleges on March 2, to advocate for an array of issues. MSJC’s Student Government Association voiced their support for the Dream Act and challenged the proposed University of California tuition increase. Meanwhile, in collaboration with the unions Faculty Association of California Community Colleges and University Professional & Technical Employees, MSJC’s Political Science Club members lobbied to provide adjunct professors with pay equity, job stabilization, and paid office hours. Adjunct instructor Robert Melsh accompanied the Political Science Club
OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER
VOL. II ISSUE V
MSJC student Evelyn Bengesa speaks to crowd of community college students at Lobby Day event held on March 2. Photo Credits: Renzy Reyes.
on a round-trip flight to Sacramento for legislative meetings and a FACCC convention. The event honored a variety of Assembly members, including Riverside’s Assemblyman Jose Medina. Medina recently introduced the Assembly Bill 1010, which seeks to raise the standards for the treatment of part-time faculty. AB 1010 will promote fair evaluation procedures, workload distribution, and seniority rights for adjunct professors within the California Community College system. “We [adjunct professors] are critical players in the education process. Depending on the campus, associate instructors teach between 50 and 70 percent of the classes,” Melsh states. “We currently lack defined due process and equal campus-wide seniority
rights. Until AB 1010, there has been no legislation that even addressed these concerns.” Once MSJC students arrived in Sacramento, they were provided with direct training guidelines and techniques to effectively lobby for the bill. They were then given the opportunity to meet with multiple Assembly members from both the Democratic and Republican parties. “The training I received at the FACCC conference taught me to be a more effective advocate for issues affecting my family, my community, and myself,” says Angela Mange, MSJC SGA Senator. “I have already begun to share the skills I learned with other students. Thank you to Professor Melsh and UPTE for the awesome opportunity to
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MATH REASSESSMENT4 | BASEBALL PLAYER SPOTLIGHT 6 | FAFSA FLUNKIES 12
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2 | COLLEGE NEWS represent Mt. San Jacinto College.” While Political Science Club members lobbied for pay equity, SGA unanimously supported the California Dream Act, which allows undocumented students the opportunity to receive statebased financial aid and institutional scholarships. Several SGA members met with Republican Assemblyman Chad Mayes to further discuss the impact of the act. “The Dream Act is an undisputable necessity because it allows 2.1 million undocumented students to pursue their American dreams of attaining a higher education,” says Brenda Esparza, MSJC SGA Senator. “The Dream Act provides financial assistance for DREAMers who continue to seek a higher education, and it allows a pathway to become citizens of this great country.” Other SGA members met with Republican Senator Mike Morrell to discuss the effects of expected UC tuition increases. At the end of last year, the UC Board of Regents proposed an annual 5 percent hike
in tuition and system-wide fees. If the UC’s continue the annual in-state increases, yearly tuition could escalate to $15,564 by the 2019-20 school year. “Morrell was on our side with stopping tuition increases, and he said we should let Governor Jerry Brown know [our concerns], because the increases aren’t going towards students,” states Kimberly Victoriano, MSJC SGA Senator. “He also mentioned to read all the laws and bills and to make sure we know what were voting for because ‘the big print giveth but the little print taketh.” Although the highly anticipated official “March in March” around the Capitol did not occur, students rallied together, formed their own unofficial march, and listened to two unnamed speakers promote the importance of getting involved in politics and defending education. When asked why students should care about politics, Melsh stated, “Politics is what makes things happen everywhere. In a representative democracy, if you don’t vote or participate, you have no voice.”
MSJC’s student government gathers in front of the State Capitol building.
Student Evelyn Bengesa marches on the Capitol in support of the California Dream Act.
A crowd of community college students marching in support of a diverse set of issues.
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MSJC SGA members (from left): Kimberly Victoriano, Genesis Ariel Iniguez, Rosario Ayala, Stepheny Estes, and Joseph Page marching in support of issues related to community college students.
The Talon meets Thursday’s from 12:30-2:00pm in room 409 (MVC). Join us.
Faces of Lobby Day | 3
& (Kevin) “I never thought I would be coming to such a political event with a huge gathering of students for a social movement. So it’s really an eye opener to hear about all the different issues and connect with other people my age.” (Ben) “I get a perspective on politics and understand how to actually get things changed and influence people and networking. It’s not just C-Span.”
On Obama’s free community college proposal: “It’s not going to work and the republicans aren’t going to go for it. In theory it looks good, but someone’s got to pay for it.”
(Right) “Overall, I think using this experience can be really instrumental in moving the college’s caucus of advancing social justice, equal access, as well as fixing the gap and disparities that we see with students. Personally, as a Political Science major, I hope this experience will give me a better feel for what I have to face in the future.” Contribute to the Talon!
“When you’re in your own school, you only see what is in front of you, you don’t see what everyone else is struggling with or what they’re doing. So coming to events like these you see beyond your own nose and the struggles everyone is facing. There’s a sense of unity and togetherness, and that’s why I love these events so much.”
4 | COLLEGE NEWS
By Patrick Arellano Students who assess below Math “shortens the remediation pathway,” 55 no longer have the option of taking and ensures that students, “instead of Math 50 or 51 courses. As of fall 2014, taking both Math 50 and Math 51, can students who wish to reassess into take Math 55 before Math 90.” Math 55 and up have the choice of “I thought it was a good idea to participating in academic acceleration expand Math 51 into Math 55 to allow methods. Students may attend four more time to cover Math 50 skills,” said Math workshops, or take part in several David Vandewater, a professor who online alternatives including five used to teach math 50/51 courses. modules of Math XL, Khan Academy, Vandewater also claims that EdReady, or Learning Skills classes. students who are assessed lower than Fall 2014 assessment data shows Math 55 can experience obstacles such as that about 18 percent, or 1,379 students “difficulty learning new technologies.” assess below math 55. Meanwhile, a According to Vandewater, “if Math great minority of students are assessed XL is used, students should be given a into college level courses; only 11 thorough training course.” percent. Mathematics professor Wayne “If a student started in Math 50, Sondreal has also voiced reservations then it would take that student two regarding academic acceleration, “It is years (assuming successful completion difficult for many students to learn this of each class) to get to college level material on their own.” Sondreal also mathematics.” said SI Coordinator feels that students who assess below Janice Levasseur. math 55 “will be further behind if they The proposed solution to this keep ignoring math.” problem is a practice commonly There is currently no data on how referred to as academic acceleration: many students who have assessed a process where students progress below Math 55 eventually reach Math through subjects at a rate higher 105 or Math 140. “Since Math 55 was than where they would be regularly. implemented just last semester, we will Levasseur claims that acceleration need to wait at least two years for this
data,” said Levasseur. Students may wonder how their GPA and tuition fees might be affected. Levasseur states “the alternate forms of remediation do not affect a student’s GPA, unlike earning a nonpassing grade in Math 50 or Math 51.” Levasseur continues, “the alternatives are all free to students.” However, the caveat is that they also don’t count for credits towards a degree. However, Vandewater noted that students assessed below Math 55 “will be faced with the additional expense of taking Math 55 (4 credits) rather than Math 51 (3 credits).” Conversely, Levasseur said, “Students who asses into Math 55 now take a 4-unit course with one book, in one semester, rather than having to take Math 50 and Math 51 (6 units) with two books in two semesters. It is advantageous to the student both financially and educationally.” According to Assessment Specialist Angela Barbera, Math 90 and 96 may be getting the same treatment. There are currently plans to combine them into a new course called Math 94. The earliest we can expect this would be the fall 2015 semester. For more information on qualifying for reassessment, please visit: http://www.msjc. edu/StudentServices/ AssessmentandPlacement
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6 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHTHT
By Renzy Reyes Mt. San Jacinto’s baseball team had a slow start to the year, winning only four of their first seventeen games of the season. With subpar pitching, allowing an average of 7.5 runs per game, the Eagles needed to improve in order to have a chance in competing in the CCCAA Baseball Regionals. Entering the game on March 7 with a 4-13 record, the Eagles had a tough obstacle facing San Diego City College withholding an 8-6 record. MSJC was on point the first three innings of the game, scoring seven runs sparked by Nick Gonzales RBI double to score Mauryse Mclellan and JT Brown. Catcher David Alonzo also had an RBI double to score Mclellan and Ben Moreno to finish off the third inning. After MSJC’s hot start, the team did not let up as they eventually won 12-2. Starting pitcher Zevon Benoit had a
Photo Credits: Renzy Reyes
great performance throwing four strikeouts and only allowing one run. “I went out there and did my job making them earn their hits,” said Benoit. “The team can become greater if they are more consistent game in and game out.” Nick Gonzales (OF), who had 3 RBIs at the end of the game said, “We all played well against SD and it was a great combined effort to get the win
Name: Nick Gonzalez Position: Right field/Outfield Major: Social behavior Favorite MLB team: Anaheim Angels How long have you been playing baseball? I started playing baseball since I was 4 years old and have never stopped. In 2012 I won a World Series ring at a national tournament which was held on the Major League spring training fields. I started college baseball for MSJC at 24 years old. What can we expect to see this season: For the team to improve and continue to grow we all need to play together as one, continue to work hard and stay focused. Future plans: I plan to keep playing baseball and hopefully get a scholarship to a school where I can grow and improve my skills as a student and an athlete.
because if we play as a one, and play the game the right way, we are capable of competing with any team.” After the game vs San Diego, the Eagles continued on to a secure a four game winning streak after beating Imperial Valley in all games in their 3 game series. MSJC now hold a 9-15 record and will have to win almost all of their 12 remaining games to have a shot at playing in the regionals.
Name: Zevon Benoit Position: Pitcher Major: Business/Marketing. Favorite MLB Team: San Francisco Giants. How long have you been playing baseball? I have played baseball for the last 14 years, since I was 4 years old. I earned second team allconference in high school. What can we expect to see this season: I think as a team we just need to become more consistent, game in and game out and just play to the same level every single game. For myself I need to focus on just doing my job and whatever the team needs when I go in that day. Future plans: I plan to continue playing baseball after my two years at MSJC at a four year school and see where my career goes from there.
By Danielle Carter Tripp
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 7
Forward Roosevelt Adams (24) scores a layup against the Citrus College defense at home game on Feb. 27.
The Eagles continued in the CCCAA Southern California Regional Semi-Finals on a strong note after an 87-69 victory over Citrus College in 2nd round playoffs that occurred on Feb. 27 at the San Jacinto Campus. Initially, the Eagles trailed Citrus 37-40, but the Eagles emerged from the half-time break to overcome Citrus. Eagles took the lead 52-50 and outpaced a victory over Citrus. “It felt good; happy we were able to keep team camaraderie up and stay together. We were able to pull out a win,” said sophomore Sam Williams (Forward, 33). “Coach encouraged us that we were only down three, which was motivational that we could come out and play hard. Citrus was different in that they were hungry.” This is Williams’ last Eagle season and he is deciding where he’ll transfer to.
Williams lead the State in scoring 25.8 points a game and averaged 7.1 boards a game. He is 2nd best on the team shooting 54.4% from the floor, 41.9% from three point line, and 77.7% from the free throw line. Williams is the CCCAA Southern California Regional PCAC North Player of the Year, and was recently named California Community College Sports Information Associate Athlete of the Month in January. Sophomore Blake O’Donnell (Guard, 2) earned First Team All PCAC honors, and entered this post season competition averaging 10.8 points per game with a team best of 7.2 rebounds each competition. Coming into the Citrus competition, freshman PeeWee Gardner (Guard, 14) averaged double figures for the Eagles with a scoring average of 11.8 points. The Eagles advanced to compete with Saddleback Gauchos on
March 4. The final score was 99-75, thus bringing the Eagles’ CCCAA Southern California Regional SemiFinal competition to an end. The Eagles’ season ended with a 23-8 record. Saddleback increased to 30-2 and advanced to the Southern California Regional Final to host San Bernardino Valley. Lately, Eagles are accustomed to winning some portion of CCCAA So-Cal Regional Semi-Finals. “Six sophomores, Center Isaiah Jones (0), Guard Blake O-Donnell (2), Guard Tre Hunter (11), Guard Alan Palesano (22), Forward Samuel Williams (33), and Center Austin Klug (44), and a couple of freshman are moving on, and we’re interested in some good local talent that we hope will come to MSJC. We are excited that the sophomores have been a big part of our program and helped lead the way on and off the court. We’ll be moving on to next year,” says Coach Skinner.
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Now with expanded service, improved frequency and later rides.
UNLIMITED BUS RIDES WITH YOUR STUDENT ID
RTA has several routes serving MSJC and now offers late night service on Route 74. With Go-Pass, students get unlimited bus rides. Just swipe your student ID and ride anytime, anywhere we go!
For schedule and route information, call RTA at (951) 565-5002 or go to RiversideTransit.com.
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Faculty Feature | 9
Faculty Feature By Robert Melsh Associate Instructor of Political Science, MVC I usually open my classes with the confession that I have been a political junkie most of my adult life, having been active in partisan politics, both sides, in many capacities. For that reason and the notoriety that it had acquitted, I was immediately attracted to the Golden Globe Award winning series, “House of Cards.” In my first exposure to the series, I binged viewed, taking in four episodes in one sitting. Within a month’s time, I had seen both years’ episodes. Superficially viewed, it portrays the rise to power of a completely amoral politician. This would tend to validate the view of skeptics that all politicians are corrupt and immoral. However, even the idealist with the highest expectations of how politicians should behave would have to admit that in comparison to contemporary, gridlocked Washington, that at the very least, things get done, laws get passed, and policies get developed in the fictional national capital. Nor are partisan labels so important. Additionally, and this is why the series is of value to students, through the action under the dome, the somewhat confusing official hierarchy is clarified. For instance the position of Whip, which the lead character, Frank Underwood, holds in the first episode, is shown in all its potential for power. Obviously, Mr. Underwood is not a worthy role model, but in many ways, he is a good teacher.
We Want You.
Are you or someone you know thinking about going to college but not sure how you can afford it? MSJC Financial Aid presents: I Can Afford College FAFSA/Dream Act Assistance English & Spanish information available Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015 Time: 10:00AM – 1:00PM Location: Menifee Valley Campus Rooms: 927 & 951 ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A BRAND NEW CAR! Enter the "30 Seconds to College" Sweepstakes! The lucky grand-prize winner of this year's sweepstakes will win a new car! Three additional winners will receive scholarships that can be used for college fees, books, supplies and other education-related expenses. Scholarships will be cash prizes in the amounts of $1000, $500 and $250. Details On: www.icanaffordcollege.com
Accelerate Your Progress Towards Degree Completion CSUSM Summer Session 2015 June 1 - August 8 2015 • Take classes in San Marcos, Temecula or online • Catch up on classes you dropped or missed • Choose from morning, afternoon or online classes • Open to the public • Financial-aid eligible
To view the class schedule and for additional information visit www.csusm.edu/el
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RM 409
10 | CLUB NEWS
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Communications Club Join for an enriching experience where you will meet new people, enhance communications skills, and have a great time.
THE
Meetings are every Tuesday 12:30-1:30 in the CSC room 479 on the Menifee campus.
International Students Union
Mt. San Jacinto College
The International Students Union has been active since 2011, with the objectives of promoting and encouraging student participation and understanding of cultural diversity within MSJC. The club also offers ESL students the opportunity to practice and improve their speaking and knowledge of the English language. The club meets every Tuesday in room 419 from 1-2pm and is open to all students. Join us as we talk about food and culture! In addition, we have planned potlucks and field trips during this semester. Come enjoy some food and make new friends.
TALONtalks presents
Earth Day Join us on Earth Day as we host an event focused on the impact we make on our environment. Attend a lecture about our local water supply, learn about water wise plants, and see what you can do make an impact on your planet for the better.
April 22nd, 2015 12:00-2:00 pm Menifee Valley Campus
Talontalks
TalontalksMSJC
In collaboration with:
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Bachelor of Science in Business ‘14 and former MSJC Student
Bachelor of Science in Business ‘14 and former MSJC Student
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GOTCHA COVERED
By Sandi Colby Everyone can use more money for their education. Students take out loans, apply for scholarships, and rely on federal and state funding to help pay for school. FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is one of the easiest, yet often underutilized, tools a student has. According to an article in The Press Enterprise, “California students in 2014 lost out on almost $400 million dollars in Pell Grants. Nationally, almost $3 billion went unclaimed.” To help MSJC students have a better chance of being awarded financial aid, the Talon presents the U.S. Department of Education’s “7 Common FAFSA Mistakes.”
Look over the application and gather all the information you need before you start. FYI: they will need things like Social Security/Alien Registration numbers, tax/income information, and information about checking accounts and investments.
Whether you are filling the application out during a school break or right in the middle of final exams, do not rush and make simple mistakes that will delay your financial aid award. Household size, Income Tax, and Legal Guardianship are areas that usually trip students up. Be Careful!
Congress determines dependency guidelines for FAFSA and they are different from the IRS. Answer the questions on the application to find out if you are considered a dependent or independent student.
This tool was made available on February 1st and the information should be available from the IRS two weeks after you file. This is the best way to prevent errors when entering income information.
This one seems like a no-brainer… if you do not apply, you definitely Do not let all your hard work go will not get any money. There are to waste! Make sure you, and your many excuses for not filling the parents, get PINs and sign the application out, but there are even document correctly. And it never more reasons to do it. hurts to confirm the application was -the app is online and only takes submitted properly- there is a check about 20 minutes to fill out your status option available once the -there is no income cut off, application has been submitted online. Entering the wrong name or Social qualification is based on a Fellow students; heed this advice and Security number are some of the most mathematical formula that takes do not be FAFSA Flunkies! Millions common mistakes. Cute nicknames and many things into consideration of dollars went unclaimed last year capitalized adjectives will not work! Use -the FAFSA application is also used because people did not apply or left your legal name, you know…the one to get state funding. One example out important information on their on your birth certificate. is the Board of Governors (BOG) FAFSA applications. Don’t be one of Waiver, funds awarded to students “those people” and miss out. What’s to pay for class unit fees the worst that can happen… you don’t -completion of FAFSA is get awarded thousands of dollars? required by some schools to Maybe, but at least you still got practice apply for scholarships and is also filling out tedious education-related a requirement to apply for some financial paperwork. student loans. A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WHO MAKE THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE.