MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER WWW.MVCCGLACIER.COM JANUARY 16, 2015 VOLUME 48, ISSUE 9
O’ Sullivan overridden on hike By Joshua Mira News Editor Moraine Valley’s most recent Board Meeting proves that nothing livens things up more than tuition hikes. Their decision, in which the college would increase the cost per credit hour for three consecutive years, resulted in perked ears and inquisitive eyes upon making the unprecedented announcement. The Board agreed to up the cost of attendance by $2 per credit hour for the 2015 Fall Semester, $3 per credit hour for the 2016 Fall Semester, and $3 per credit hour for the 2017 Fall Semester. All in all, the tuition increase will cap off at a total of $8 per credit hour after three years. However, the mood turned serious when Trustee Eileen O’ Sullivan attempts to table the tuition increase issue were dissolved by Board Chair Sandra Wagner.
O’ Sullivan concerns about how the increase in funds would affect the community and the student retention rate, and had requested to see any substantial data to corroborate. Wagner dismissed the idea quickly, and the rest of the Board members had followed suit and ignored O’Sullivan’s inquiries. She had, however, rebuffed the notion that the Board’s actions were in appreciation of the students of the school, and that they were employing the most beneficial methods. O’ Sullivan, in response, reiterated that she was only acting out of care for the students. “I was… just questioning whether the Board was acting within the best interests of the school and students,” said O’ Sullivan. Along with the commotion over future finances, the meeting also covered the retirement of three senior staff members and the college’s various suc-
Trustee Eileen O’ Sullivan listened to a presentation being given at the meeting. O’ Sullivan’s later attempt to table tuition hikes would be annulled. [Izabela Kokoszka] cesses throughout the semester. Counselor Paula Adduci, Financial Aid Coordinator Mary Witting, and Departmental Assistant Carol Rich were all given celebratory presentations to commend their service to the college. Afterward, Student Trustee
Eamon Almiladi delivered his report to the Board about the student body’s overall feelings toward the school. Almiladi stated that the feedback he had received was “positive.” College President Sylvia Jenkins added to the string of positive commenting with the awards that the school had won
during the year. The awards were in commendation of the school’s outstanding performance in diversity and aiding students in obtaining internships and other experiences beneficial to their chosen field. Joshua Mira can be contacted at news@mvccglacier.com.
Refreshing employment opportunities By Joshua Mira News Editor Finding a job in this economy is hard for anyone, but is especially so for workers 50 and over. Moraine Valley, in conjunction with the AARP, recently held a workshop designed to aid those who have been absent from the job market. The seminar, led by David Price, began on Jan. 10 in the M building. The room was nearly full; a testament to how busy the job market is for older workers. Many unemployed job seekers have retained the same career for decades – they started at the bottom and eventually maxed out their pay and benefits. Unfortunately, employers aren’t keen on retaining em-
rable skills for a lower price. Price explained that, in addition to maximizing the profit, some employers feel older employees might be out of touch with current technology. With the rise of new technologies, employers feel it is best to have someone who has technological experience, further disadvantagDavid Price speaks on technology. [Erica Sinnott] ing some older workers. ployees with top-level salaries, Price notes especially when they can hire that applying for jobs is differyounger workers with compa- ent in the digital age as well.
For many employment opportunities, the only way to apply is online. However, employers have stated that older employees also bring some unique skills that younger workers lack. For potential employers, a six-month gap is a long time to remain unemployed. Two options to fill this gap are volunteer work and applying for jobs through a temp agency. Price states that the main goal is to ensure a résumé has as few gaps as possible. Temp agencies offer temporary placement that can last for a few weeks or until the job is done. Some temp agencies even have another temp job waiting after one is finished. Hopping from these temporary jobs is key to building up a reputation within the jobs market.
Price says to be mindful about the jobs you don’t necessarily want, but discourages selectivity. You might want a larger salary, but if nothing comes along in a few months, you might regret not jumping at an opportunity that comes along. Price also mentioned taking computer and internet tutorial classes can enhance your skills and make you more desirable to employers. The seminar was concluded with Price stating that the most advantageous action available to older workers would be to become experienced with the new technologies being introduced into the workforce, and to make sure to keep an updated résumé. Joshua Mira can be contacted at news@mvccglacier.com
IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES Student Life celebrates the beginning of the Spring Semester. SOCIAL PAGE 1
SPORTS Men’s basketball team bounces back from recent defeats. PAGE 12
ENTERTAINMENT Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery adds “Ego Sum.” SOCIAL PAGE 5