Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
11.09.2010 Vol. 44 Issue 12
The
Paisano
Celebrating Thirty Years of Independent News with a Brand New Design
SOUTHLAND
CHAMPIONS
Weekly Beak
Author, artist and storyteller Xavier Garza MA ’07 will give a talk on “Telling Your Stories: Crafting Family Legacies through Writing and Art” at 6p.m. on Nov. 9 at the John Peace Library (JPL), 2nd Floor. The event is free and open to the public. Garza will discuss the creative process behind great storytelling, with an emphasis on how writing and art can provide a vehicle for the young and young-at-heart to explore and preserve their own heritage. He will also read from his latest book, Kid Cyclone Fights the Devil and Other Stories (Pinata Books, 2010). Garza’s work focuses primarily on his experiences growing up in the small border town of Rio Grande City, Texas. He has written and illustrated several bilingual books for young people, including “Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask” (Américas Award Commended Title), “Zulema” and the “Witch Owl,” Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid and Creepy Creatures and Other Cucuys. Garza’s personal papers reside in and are available through UTSA Libraries’ Special Collections. A number of his illustrations are included in The UTSA Art Collection, and a selection will be on display at the event. The event will take place in a newly renovated wing of JPL’s second floor, now home to the Writing Center and two units of the Tomás Rivera Center— Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring Services. The wing represents one more milestone in the library’s 3-year renovation project, continuing its transformation into a 21st century library befitting an emerging premier public research university. This event honors the integration of these three key academic support programs into the library, effectively creating a one-stop shop for student learning engagement. For more information, contact Anne Peters at anne.peters@utsa. edu or 210-458-4863.
Pornified Culture The UTSA Counseling services will be having a seminar on pornography and its effects on society. The seminar will begin Wednesday Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. in the recreation center’s wellness center classroom. Telling Your Stories article: Anne Peters Source: UTSA Counseling Services
Burk Frey / The Paisano
Telling your stories
The senior soccer girls hoist their championship trophy after beating defending champ Southeastern Louisiana in overtime. Next, UTSA goes to the NCAA tournament, where they are scheduled to play top-seeded Portland. For more details, see page 9.
Student Government Association denounces plus/minus grading Dana Messer
paisanonews@sbcglobal.net The UTSA Student Government Association (SGA) responded quickly to the administration’s plan to switch to a Plus/ Minus grading system beginning Fall 2011. If the registrar and the Office of Information Technology can implement the new system, UTSA students may experience a change in their GPA as final grades are submitted next year. In response to the news of the plus/minus grading policy, the SGA called an emergency meeting to compose a formal resolution to show discontent with the decision to change the grading system. SGA vice president Nicole Munoz said that the SGA’s rapid response was prompted by the lack of communication between the Faculty Senate and the SGA. “In the previous spring semester, we were briefly told that the plus/minus grading system was a topic that Academic Affairs might be researching, but that was the extent of any type of notification we received,” Munoz said. “Like many other students,
SGA found out about this enactment through the article in The Paisano. This was unnerving to many of our senators. As a result, 23 of our senators drafted a resolution in opposition to the passage of the plus/minus grading system.” The resolution that the SGA drafted will be signed by SGA president Derek Trimm and sent to the Office of the Provost. Trimm explained that the SGA, much like the Faculty Senate, is only an advisory body to the provost; however, the provost is likely to listen to recommendations that the SGA has to make about major changes at UTSA. “We’re going to be getting some kind of feedback from the student body on the issue, so we can start making recommendations,” Trimm said. “Instead of just striking it out completely, we can make recommendations on how we can make this something that doesn’t hurt the students.” The SGA resolution, the Subjective-Objective Grading Act of 2010, lists the grievances that student government has against the impending policy. These grievances range from SGA not being informed properly of the change to the possibility of
grade disassocation between professors who use the plus/minus system and those who do not. The resolution ends with a stout ‘we don’t support this’ message to the provost. Although the new policy is slated for implementation next fall, there are still ongoing discussions among faculty and administration—and now the SGA—which may result in the revising of the plus/minus system at UTSA. “The Faculty Senate has passed it; the provost and president have approved it, but there are still a lot of questions,” Dr. Lawrence Williams, vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies, said. “We just got around to informing the faculty a couple weeks ago.” Williams explained that the majority of questions surrounding the new plus/minus system are focused on how the different departments are going to react to the policy. “If a department’s going to decide, ‘well, I’m going to go to the Faculty Senate and say our requirements should not default to C- or better, they should be C or better,’” Williams said. “We need to flesh out some of that before we go to the students
and say this is our new policy.” The change of grading policy for a university the size of UTSA has historically not been an easy transition among Texas universities. In 2005, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) had attempted to shift to the plus/minus system; however, the proposal was met with inconclusive evidence in research conducted by faculty and opposition by their student government. Senior vice provost for UTA, Dr. Michel Moore, stated the reasons behind UTA’s abandonment of the plus/minus. “There was a belief that some schools around the country had plus/minus and that it would allow faculty to give more refined grades,” Moore said. “After we examined it, there was no compelling argument for moving in that direction.” In addition to the lack of compelling evidence for UTA, the student government composed a resolution denouncing the use of a plus/minus system. They cited an attempt by Eastern Kentucky to change to the plus/minus system, which was later overturned in favor of the original grading system for that school. Moore warned that making the See PROVOST, Page 2
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The Paisano
November 9, 2010
Courtesy of Governor Rick Perry
Provost says Plus/Minus fair From Page 1
plus/minus an option for instructors was not reasonable. “It doesn’t strike me as fair,” Moore said. “Let’s say you have two people taking the same course but different classes, and both kids get an 87 in both classes. One student gets a B+ and the other guy gets just a B. They’ve had the same performance in that class yet they’re getting different grades.” UTSA provost John Frederick has a different view. “Well, I think it will cut both ways,” Dr. John Frederick said in regards to the ‘same numerical grade but different final grade’ analogy. “Frankly, I don’t think in the end that there will be any ad-
vantage or disadvantage based on those systems other than it will be a little bit finer distinction if an instructor uses the pluses and minuses. There will be as many students that, say, earn a B+ instead of a B as there would be students that would earn a Binstead of a B.” Although much of the questions about the policy are still being answered by faculty and the SGA, the Office of the Provost is not ruling out having to modify to the plan. “It might change,” Frederick said. “From what I understand, the resolution does not allow for an A+ and I would like to add the A+ to that.”
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Governor Rick Perry claims to increase financial aid to outstanding students.
Rick Perry wants to run schools like businesses Allison Tinn
paisanonews@sbcglobal.net All eyes are on Govenor Rick Perry for help with the state’s $18-$25 billion deficit. Texans now wonder what will be on Perry’s agenda to address the issue, specifically for college students ask. UTSA students are concerned that tuition will rise similar to this past year. Perry has shown in the past that he has a high regard for higher education and in 2007 came out with his “Higher Education Reform.” The reform states that college students will be given more funding, but with guidelines. Perry’s reform suggests that students would receive a 60 percent increase in financial aid assuming students maintain a B average. Students would also be able to receive more financial aid for pursuing degrees in engineering tech-
nology, electrical engineering and computer science. Funding would also be used for recruiting new faculty to existing nursing schools. Incentives for professors would include bonuses that would be determined by student evaluations and the grade that the students attain when exiting the course. This reform has been compared to schools being run like businesses. “I voted for Rick Perry, but I don’t think it will be a good idea because teachers will be teaching the wrong ways for getting students to like them,” said junior communication and political science major Breanna Bussey. These reforms for higher education have only been discussed, but this gives Texas college students an idea of what is to come. In 2009 Perry established the Higher Education Incentive Funding Task Force, which would set up incentives for universities, faculty
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and students. “Incentive funds appropriated for FY 2009 will help eliminate the shortages of math and science teachers and undergraduate degrees, especially in technology (computer science, engineering, math and physical science), nursing and allied health,” Perry stated on his official website. Small steps have been taken for the past several years to change the way that universities are run. This “busines s” like reform has caused resulted in differing opinions with students. “Education is not a business, it’s not a corporation it’s an institution for knowledge” said Bussey. “Perry has lost touch with what it’s like to be in Texas. He is rich, so he doesn’t know what it’s like to have to deal with students, especially lower economic universities,” said English major Julian BlancoCerva.
Crafting Family Legacies through Writing and Art Tuesday, November 9, 2010 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. John Peace Library – Second Floor with author, artist and storyteller
yardhouse.com Please drink responsibly! Yard House supports designated driver programs. We card anyone who looks under 35.
Xavier Garza MA ’07
Co-Sponsored by UTSA Libraries Tomás Rivera Center for Student Success Judith G. Gardner Center for Writing Excellence College of Education and Human Development
bit.ly/tellingyourstories
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The Paisano
November 9, 2010
Courtesy of UTSA Roadrunner Days
Is UTSA environmentally conscious enough? Freshmen explore university involvement in the ‘green’ movement Allison Tinn
paisanonews@sbcglobal.net In recent years, when “going green� became a popular movement, universities also began taking steps to lessen their “carbon footprint.� The question that UTSA freshman students were asked this past semester was whether UTSA had been a participant in taking these steps. All students enrolled in a Freshman Seminar course with at least 12 total hours at UTSA were part of the Summer Common Reading Essay Contest, which was held by Learning Communities and the Writing Core Program. The contest was open to approximately 3,000 students in just over 50 sections. Students were assigned to read “Farewell, My Subaru� by Doug Fine. Then they were given a writing prompt to describe how “going
green� has become a culture in the United States and at universities across the country. Students were also asked to include how they would improve sustainability at UTSA and to address how current and future “going green� changes at UTSA will affect the community and the world. Each professor selected two students’ essays to submit to Learning Communities by Oct. 29. “I picked essays based on whether they sufficiently met the paper prompt and grading rubric and whether they offered strong, coherent opinions about how UTSA could get greener,� said freshman seminar Professor Jeff Turpin said. Out of all the essays entered three will win UTSA scholarships sponsored by the Writing Program. First place will receive $1,000; second place will receive $750; and third will receive $500. The students will
“Farewell, My Subaru� author Doug Fine signed books during Roadrunner Days at the begining of the fall semester. also be honored at a private reception on Nov. 18, where the dean of undergraduate studies and the provost will be attending as well. “This gives an opportunity for student’s ideas to be heard by upper administration,� said program coordinator Julie Fisher. This contest was designed to award scholarship money, but also to give students experience in writing. “Many incoming students can’t write at this level, and writing well is often integral to thinking well. We should do anything we can to help improve those abilities,� Turpin
said. The general consensus among students is that UTSA could be doing more for the “green� movement. Affordability is also a very big factor, but Fisher said that most of the students’ points mentioned “to save money, you have to spend money,� and that “through research, students have found that universities such as Harvard and Colorado are already green.� “This contest demonstrated two important things. First, our students have good ideas about how to reduce the University’s carbon footprint. Second, they are quite
cynical about the University’s “green� efforts to date,� Turpin said. “Many thought that future students would choose a school based on its conservation and environmental efforts, and if this is true it is definitely in UTSA’s best interests to follow some of their suggestions.� Freshman students have spent the past semester reading, researching and constructing college level essays on the subject of “going green�. “Students are really looking forward. They are looking at things such as composting and really just looking out of the box,� Fisher said.
University entices students to evaluate their courses online Dana Messer
paisanonews@sbcglobal.net Students can win an iPad just by rating their professors and courses online this semester. Between Nov. 18 and Dec. 3, students will begin receiving emails asking them to click a link to the new UTSA custom course survey. The online surveys areplace the paper surveys that were administered in classes every semester. Students will have the opportunity to complete a survey for each class they are registered for; however, that is where the similarities end. The new surveys will be shorter,
simpler, electronic and each survey enters the student into a lottery to win one of many iPads. During the IT Summer Splash Projects, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) ran a pilot program of the online course evaluation with the goal of receiving a 48 percent response rate; however, the response was only 28 percent according to a September report given to the Faculty Senate by assistant director for IT projects, Cindy Espinoza. Concerned about the low response rates, the Faculty Senate has worked hard to make the online version easier for students to
access and complete. Faculty Senate Chair, Carola Wenk, expressed the importance of having adequate responses from the students because of the direct impact they have on the faculty. “The instructors use [the results] to improve their classes, but, on the other hand, the results are used in an annual performance evaluation for faculty members,� Wenk said. “So right now, while the response rates are somewhat low, we need to make sure they aren’t used in a punitive way against faculty.� To raise response rates, the Faculty Senate’s Sub-committee for Course Survey has researched methods
other schools have used to give the students incentives. Associate Vice Provost for Institutional Research Dr. Gerry Dizinno, who worked on the research and development of the course survey, discussed one of those methods. “Some schools use a negative incentive or punishments. For example, Stanford University doesn’t allow students to see their grades until the beginning of the spring semester, but if you do respond to the survey, then you’re able to see your grades immediately,� Dizinno said. “We’re not going to do any of that kind of stuff.� Each survey is customized to the
department the course falls under; however, four questions will be common to all surveys. “There are two general questions that ask students about the course and then the instructor, and then there are two questions that ask ‘What grade do you expect?’ ‘Are you a major in regards to the course,’� Dizinno said. “After that, there are a number of questions that each department has an option of filling in.� Some colleges like the college of sciences will have only the “bare bone� number of questions, while others may have as many as 19 questions; the paper survey asked See iPAD, Page 5
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. John Peace Library – Second Floor with author, artist and storyteller
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Co-Sponsored by UTSA Libraries TomĂĄs Rivera Center for Student Success Judith G. Gardner Center for Writing Excellence College of Education and Human Development
bit.ly/tellingyourstories
The Paisano
November 9, 2010
Students have chance to win iPad by taking online course surveys
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as many as 45 questions — most of which were not relevant to the course. Student anonymity was a large concern for the Faculty Senate. “Once you respond to a survey, your ID goes into a separate database that puts you in a lottery, and from that lottery, we will be drawing at random for more than a few iPads, but all the individual student information is ultimately stripped from that message when it’s returned back to us,” Dizinno said, confirming that a students’ answers cannot be traced back to affect their grade. “There is absolutely no way that my office can go in and see who it is, much less the faculty members.” To ensure that the responses have no effect on grading, the results will be returned to faculty five business days after final grades are submitted. At the end of this Fall semester, however, the results will be returned to faculty in January. Years of work have gone into the production of the new survey, and much will be riding on the responses of students. To supplement the response of students, OIT has established an incentive spectrum, which dictates how many iPads are placed in the lottery. Kenneth Pierce, vice provost of information technologies, explained the incentive. “The number of iPads is dependent on the response rate,” Pierce said. “I believe it is two for 40 percent, three for 50 percent, and four for 60 percent. With the precautions in place and the incentives established, the faculty is beginning to hold a collective breath as Nov. 18 approaches. Because the results of the surveys are used to evaluate the effectiveness of a course and are used by department chairs to evaluate faculty members, the Faculty Senate is concerned that the new surveys will not produce accurate reflections of a course. Research into the effectiveness of the system will continue as this fall semester concludes and the results are returned. The concern now is how many students will respond using the new system. “All we’ll know for sure is that there was a response,” Dizinno Said.
Joey Alabbassi? The Paisano
From Page 4
The UTSA football had a pep rally during Best Fest. Coach Larry Coker spoke and the UTSA Pep Band performed a few pieces. A new chant speicifcally forthe football team was also revealed.
Native American Heritage Month brings cultural awareness, calls for change and social activism Chelsea Harbin
paisanonews@sbcglobal.net Many people do not know that November is also Native American Heritage Month. “This notion stems from the unfortunate truth that much of the American public perceive indigenous groups and people as imperceptible. Contemporary subjects have lost perspective on many things, and are too caught up in their iPhones and Facebook accounts to look beyond that which is immediately visible to them,” Cooper Harris, senior English major, said. “I think the awareness months are a bit complicated, for why should groups only have one month of designated appreciation? The appreciation of the cultural diversity of this nation should be noted 365 days of the year, and the idea that we have singular months of recognition is inherently limiting.”
While there are only three reservations and no federally recognized indigenous tribes in Texas, the Native American population and movement remains a growing presence in San Antonio even if there is a lack of awareness with regard to Native American Heritage Month. Antonio Diaz has been a Native American human rights activist for 20 years and currently heads the Texas Indigenous Council in San Antonio. Last month, the TIC hosted its 7th annual Indigenous Human Rights March, which featured Aztec dancers, poetry readings and hundreds of marchers dedicated to the cause. The TIC also sent a proclamation request to the city of San Antonio asking the mayor to declare Columbus Day as indigenous Human Rights Day. Diaz points out that the TIC is not asking that Columbus be removed from the history books; they simply want indigenous human rights to be recognized alongside with Columbus.
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“The proclamation is one step in that direction. We will keep fighting, but we are tired of all the negative stuff and protesting. We want to have a positive dialogue as equals, as human beings,” Diaz said. The proclamation was the first of its kind in San Antonio, and even though it did not pass, Diaz said the TIC plans to try again every year until it does. Dr. Annette Portillo, a UTSA professor of Native American literature and culture and a Native American human rights activist, said, “It is my hope that this proclamation will not only be passed in San Antonio, but [will] also serve as a model for other cities to follow in recognition of human rights for all indigenous people.” “I do think it can be passed because San Antonio is a city with a community that is very diverse. I mean just looking at UTSA, we see many different people: Asians, Hispanics, African Americans, etc. It is
because of our diverse background and support from minorities [that] we will be able to gain enough support to recognize this proclamation,” said Khumphan Amaratana, a UTSA senior and biology major. Meanwhile, Harris expressed concern for the city’s ability to pass such a proclamation. “In my opinion, the proclamation for an Indigenous Human Rights Day in San Antonio is perfect and free of holes, and any city government would be foolish to decline its implementation, but I also know that the decision-making process in enacting legislation is so convoluted and discretionary that the ultimate choice is not in one man’s hands,” Harris said. Portillo recently started the Indigenous Student Coalition, an organization which is geared toward building bridges between academia and activism. Any students that wish to join or learn more are invited to contact Portillo via email at annette.portillo@utsa.edu.
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OPINION
Photo Poll What do you think about the new +/- grading system?
Evalyn Cantu Senior/ Anthropology “I’m in favor because it reads between the lines.”
The Paisano
November 9, 2010
Commentary
‘Vote or Die,’ a self-defeating principle for today’s youth I never thought of myself as an apathetic voter. I love discussing and reading about politics, and during the 2008 campaign, I looked at the eighteen-year-old classmates at my high school with no small amount of envy. I was excited about researching candidates, making my choices, and knowing I had made a contribution. I saw Bill Clinton speak on behalf of Hilary in 2008, and although I personally favored Obama, there was something about the way Clinton spoke that gave me such hope for the future of our country. At the same time, Obama was able to mobilize young voters in a way that no one had in years. So why was the thought of voting
in the midterm election so unappealing to me? It’s not fair to blame all of this on Obama; this trend of young voter apathy is nothing new. However, after countless scandals, extremist chatter and broken promises, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to express an opinion. Despite all the talk two years ago about change, it doesn’t seem like there is any candidate out there I can trust. A vote is like an endorsement in that if the person I vote for ends up becoming the next breaking story on CNN, I would feel responsible. The faith the 2008 voters placed in Obama was almost unconditional. I’m not in a place where I can give that kind of trust to a candidate. Hit me with all the clichés about people who don’t vote all you want (I’ve used them before). I will remain unmotivated until I feel like there’s something
to believe in again. Just because someone shouts the word change from the top of a building or on my television, doesn’t mean he means to deliver. I know how valuable and important my vote is. I know that women before me went to jail to claim the right I am choosing to relinquish. I’m disappointed in myself. Not voting is essentially shutting yourself off from the debate, and I know that I have no right to complain about Rick Perry, or anyone else voted into office. I want to feel that excitement about voting again, and all of us should express our opinions on the ballot so that our voices are heard. Someone just has to figure out how to get us to do it.
Daniel Miller Freshman/ Criminal Justice “I wouldn’t like it, because it’s too specific.”
Eradio Gomez Sophomore/ Architecture “I like the system we have now.”
Jade Gonzales Senior/ Sociology “I’m graduating, but this measure would’ve probably helped out my GPA.”
Morgan Hillburn Sophomore/ English “I don’t think I’d like working for a number grade rather than a letter grade.”
Victor Cortez Freshman/ Engineering “I’m in favor of a system that awards students’ hard work in a more accurate manner.”
The Bird Seed by Megan Lovelady
Alexandre Smith
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good person until I’m old and grey. Finally, on my death bed, I’ll review my conduct in hopes of graduating from the school of hard knocks. This is similar to my disdain as I wait to see the grades I scored on the paper I gave birth to and the five-page critique. Perhaps there should be a course offered to faculty, teaching the ways of Blackboard. Maybe some kind of handheld computer could add, divide and multiply for me. If only Blackboard was spiritual I might have someone or something to blame for the countless and diverse troubles that I’m sure we have all experienced.
tory, the relationship between the sexes has become one of the main philosophical debates of mankind; the best example of the complexity of this relationship may well be love, as George Bernard Shaw defined it, “the influence of most violent, most insane, most delusive and most transient of passions.” Childish dreams, crushes and role models have surely overreached the boundaries of entertainment and expanded to shape our core definitions: love, marriage, happiness are now tainted by the ever present phantom of “what we deserve.” Jon Bon Jovi, River Phoenix and even Cory Haim grew old, languished or drugged themselves to death and for all their fans, disillusionment ensued. How will the romantic vampire die? It is a matter of time and fashion, and yet, I am certain that 80 years from now an old bachelorette will dream of being kissed and touched by a vampire that glows in the sun. Victor H. Hernandez Contributing Writer
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How Stephanie Meyer may ruin your marriage his life. Edward Cullen is viewed as the perfect man, although there is a bit of a problem; he does not exist. Nonetheless, his concept remains, and it is now engraved in the hearts of a sea of girls who long for him, the quintessential lover. Love for such a flawless character may seem obnoxious, but it is not; it is a fundamental factor when these girls define love, it is as perfect as it is unrealistic. Millions of girls will grow up to become women and spouses. While many will forget their platonic crush, many will not. And so, many will marry and when they discover regular men are full of defects, as they surely will, they will feel unfulfilled. Marriage has become somewhat superfluous because of the common misconceptions about love that people tend to set into their relationships. Never before has the expectation of true love in marriages been so demanding and unrealistic. After lovers tie the knot, an idealized image gives way to a more realistic one; this can lead to disappointment, loss of love, distress and ultimately divorce . Throughout his-
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Commentary
I am not one to tell people that my diversions are better than theirs; that is why I’m reluctant to join the chorus of the educated voices that bash the popular vampire saga, Twilight, just for fun. The saga has earned $1.7 billion dollars in box office revenues and sold 32.5 million books. The impact of the series, written by Stephanie Meyer, on my generation and the ones after mine is undeniable. The saga depicts the life of a teenager who falls in love with a vampire, who is, to say the least, absolutely charming. Now, here is where the problem begins. The character is too perfect. He is the ideal gentleman, unlike regular vampires his skin shines when exposed to sunlight, he is astonishingly strong and remains an “ultracool shy guy.” Did I mention he is forever young? He has lived 107 years and remains a virgin despite being surrounded by an entourage of Abercrombie and Fitch models all
Joseph Tidline
Robyn Lorkovic
Trying to score with Blackboard class from last semester and the mysterious never-clicked-on Elibrary resource. I’m about to take a quiz; I’ve traveled to the UTSA library so that I might have some person vouch for me if the internet suddenly crashes or Blackboard goes on the fritz. Once the quiz has been completed or the assignment graded, inevitably I have to try to make way to the grades section that may or may not exist. Is it too much to ask, too hard to program that I cannot have an answer to the ultimate question, “How did I score?” Even in the case where my grade has appeared, the score is diluted by the assignments that have yet to be given, which still calculate as zeros. I’ll wait to check my report card every few years to make sure I’m a
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Commentary
Shall we sit down together, students and faculty, to learn the proper ways of Blackboard? What a strange and frightening system. I don’t mean to mystify or spiritualize what seems beyond so many people’s grasp, but Blackboard is just so alien. As I type ‘bb.utsa.edu’ in the address bar, I clench my fist and turn my head as if to receive literal blows from the warning sign popping up on my computer monitor. Once I’ve logged in, I lean forward, skeptical that all my classes have been pulled up. While I read through the 21 hours worth of courses, I ignore the stray geology
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November 9, 2010
FEATURES
The Paisano
P7
Relationships 101 Jennifer Cisneros
paisanofeatures@sbcglobal.net Smelling worn and sweaty T-shirts isn’t normally the initial tactic for meeting your future mate, but chemistry might surprise you. Forty-four men wore a T-shirt two nights in a row leaving their unique scent. Female volunteers were asked to sniff seven samples and describe each odor’s intensity, pleasantness and attractiveness. On a “Stinky T-Shirt study” by swiss zoologist Claus Wedekind, the females favored T-shirts worn by men with immune systems different from their own. The choosey nature of selecting different gene make-up produces healthier offspring with stronger immunities. Wedekind is a professor of biology at University Lausanne in Switzerland. He is a member of the European Science Foundation (ESF) Pool of Referees, and he studies human behavior and the behavioral ecology of animals. Relationships may take root in attraction, but genuine loving relationships are more complex. Relationships are inevitable in college-life. We form relationships in our classes, in different activities such as sports, in organizations and through life’s tough trials. However, some relationships
we form in college could lead to marriage. To know about the relationships at UTSA, the Paisano interviewed Roadrunner couples. Senior communication major Lorena Ortega and senior computer science major Richard Hernandez are going on two years of dating and have recently moved-in together. As graduation approaches they continue to learn more through their education and further their understanding of one another. “I feel like I have that support; we rely more on each other, more than anybody else,” Ortega said. “Some of the most important things are communication and understanding to put yourself in the other’s person’s shoes.” “My number one thing is to be able to provide for her. I want to be the one to make the right decisions, to take care of her and make sure our dreams come true. We’ll be able to travel and build a family one day.” Relationships may look pictureperfect, but there are times of testing that can strengthen or challenge couples. According to Lipita MartinezGoller, UTSA counseling services staff clinician, one of the reasons couples experience confict is that one may try to change the other. It’s not easy being in love, but the best things in life take work.
Senior business major James Ward agrees completely about working for the relationship. “Relationships take work,” said Ward. “We all have a selfserving bias; if you’re not willing to work a long time with someone, you’re probably not willing to date somebody.” To identify an unhealthy relationship, ask yourself the following questions: “Are interactions in the relationship driven by how you can get your partner to appreciate/love/need you more?” Martinez-Goller said “Love is not earned through acts. You deserve to be loved just for being you.” Ward has been dating Sarah Horn, senior at the University of Texas, for a year and five months. Ward was attracted to Horn’s “sense of humor, her beauty, her heart for people, her intelligence and most importantly, her heart for Jesus,” he said. To win Horn’s heart, Ward continually discovers her likes and interests. “Right now we are both training for a half marathon together” said Ward. To share time together the two attend Longhorn football games, compete in canoe racing
New beginnings
Helping students find what works
Top right: Christina and Warren Young Left: James Ward and Sarah Horn
Young Love
and share thoughts and life goals in a journal. Relaying journal entries to one another like a baton in a race, they always seem to keep things fresh. Newlyweds Warren, senior computer science major and Christina Young, senior biology major met at UTSA three years ago. Warren confessed, “When I first saw her physically, I liked her curly hair and thought she was really pretty. She seemed reserved, but after meeting her she was caring, friendly and one of the few girls that played Halo.” “He seemed really caring and gentle. He seemed really genuine, that’s when I realized he was attractive,” Young said as she looked up and recalled the first time she laid eyes on him. However, the Happily Ever After may not evolve without change. “If a student wants to be happier in their relationship, I
encourage them to work and change for themselves,” MartinezGoller said. “If the change is a win-win situation for both partners, there is less chance of resentment from either partner.” “I think the key with us is that I was willing to work on certain issues in life that I knew were not right,” Young said. “We both matured together and God was the only way I changed.” The Youngs help each other around the house and enjoy cooking together. In the future, they plan to graduate, further their education and eventually have children. Smelling T-shirts may attract people, but love is a sacrifice that keeps them together. UTSA counseling offers students professional services in a confidential environment to discuss important concerns they may have.
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ARTS
The Paisano
November 9, 2010
Satellite Space features Unique Art with Unique Materials Alex Lopez
The UTSA off-campus art gallery, Satellite Space housed in the Blue Star Arts Complex, presents the “Fluid Nature” exhibit this month. The exhibit is a collection of sculpted work by Michael Brohman and Rian Kerrane. Opening night welcomed not only UTSA students to the public viewing, but also many followers of the San Antonio art scene, as well the artists themselves. Both Brohman and Kerrane were visiting from the University of Colorado at Denver where Brohman is a senior instructor for the sculpture program and Kerrane is an Associate Professor. Though their work is being presented together, each collection was distinctively different yet complimented one another through color, texture and mood. Each piece was created using mixed media but these collections were coherent with their use of cast iron and bronze. Brohman’s pieces are also structured together with unique materials such as human and elk skulls, bear and lamb skins and recycled leathers, while Kerrane used slightly more traditional mediums such as wood panels, plastic and paint. Kerrane’s largest piece “The Periodic Table of Elements (103 intimacies)” provoked much attention and was a favorite amongst the viewers. The sculptor of 20 years worked on by Kerrane was created from mixed media and drawings on wood panels from 2003 until 2008.
Alex Lopez / The Paisano
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The art piece “Houses Home,” as seen at the art exhibit. Her exhibition statement noted that Kerrane painted, covered in corn and hung from the “melds personal and representational imag- ceiling. ery into narrative installation” and “focuses on Kerrane’s work has been featured in Mexico, visual explorations on the sub-consciousness Austria, Ireland, Italy and is continuing to be of memories, utilizing repetition of imagery to shown across the United States. invoke both iconic symbolism and metaphoric Among Brohman’s displayed pieces, “Human nostalgia.” Nature” was a very captivating piece with a Another favorite piece of the night created bear skin nailed to the wall and crowned by a by Kerrane was a collection of bird houses, human skull. The purpose of his creations are “Houses Home,” built from wood which were to “tell meaningful stories” that show “honesty
and integrity.” Brohman found the materials used in this collection from trashcans, garage sales and flea markets, which are described in his exhibition statement as “social distaste.” His pieces are encouraged to be digested from multiple angles and interpreted under various viewpoints. Brohman is presenting nine pieces of work at the Satellite Space and each displays his creative talent to use predisposed materials.
Percussion Ensemble concert brings variety, passion to stage The UTSA Department of Music proudly presented the UTSA Percussion Ensemble, directed by Senior Percussion Lecturer Sherry Rubins and Dr. Graeme Francis, on Thursday Nov. 3 at the Recital Hall. Though the concert was relatively short, it gave the audience an opportunity to observe different percussion instruments and how they mixed in an ensemble to create a listening experience like no other. With a group of 14 students, as well as Dr. Utah Hamrick, Lecturer and Electric Bass Instructor, the ensemble played a ranged series of different styles including classical, jazz, blues and even a touch of salsa. Using instruments from the timpani to the marimba all the way to snare and bass drum, the night started with the classical, majestic The UTSA Percussion Ensemble in the middle of their performance. music of W. A. Mozart and ended in a climatic exciting ending to the sounds and arrangeequipment and start practicing, at least, ments of Cuban artist Paquito D’ Rivera. once a month. We’re also looking into invit“It’s amazing how different instruments cre- ing several high school students that are interI’ ll help you discover total wellness ate different sounds and styles” Corey Barb, ested in joining the band, once they graduate.” physically and financially. junior Marketing major said. “I was never into “We are looking to march 300 students on band or chamber music, but the percussion that field” Rubins said. “Anyone interested Email me: health.wellness1@ho gives it that extra energy that just brings you should definitely look into joining the marchinto the music.” ing band.” During the concert, Rubins also mentioned The UTSA marching band will begin practice preparations for the upcoming UTSA Marching in August 2011, in time for the new football Band, starting with the percussion. season. “The marching band will officially start in fall For more information on the percussion and semester 2011” Rubins said. “The drumline the upcoming marching band, visit http://muwill start in the spring. We will borrow some sic.utsa.edu/.
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SPORTS
The Paisano
November 9, 2010
P9
Joe Vasquez
paisanosports@sbcglobal.net The men’s basketball team is back with new members and is determined to make its mark in the Southland Conference this year. This team will be led by returning starter, senior guard Devin Gibson. Gibson’s play has been praised all around the league and he is considered to be one of the best in his position. Teaching the newcomers the ropes will be a challenge he should use to cement himself as a captain early in the season. Also returning is Sei Paye. Expect Sei to get a lot more playing time at his position this year and to develop into the shooting threat he has been thought to be. The third man returning is the 2009-10 Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, Melvin Johnson III. Johnson provides the team with a threat from the three-point line and at times aggressive drives to the basket that often end in a dunk. If this trio of players can bring their experience together for the better of the team, this new class of players should adapt very quickly. Mention should also be given to Larry Wilkins, Stephen Franklin, and Kalif Bakare. These students did not play last year but are expected to have an important role on this team this year. That brings us to the seven freshmen. They will contribute heavily to how this team performs this season. Jordan Sims
and Djuro Majstorovic [both 6’4] will provide this team with the hustle and defense. Also in the backcourt is Ryan Whitehead [6’ 0], who should provide the speed and ball handling, while backing up Gibson at the guard. In the post, be on the lookout for T.J Williams [6’7], an allstate performer out of Louisiana, who will provide this team with the body and size to compete against bigger teams. Alex Vouyoukas [6’9] can be seen in the center position, boxing out the opponent and competing for rebounds. Alongside them will be San Antonio native Tyler Wood [6’6] who has shown expert ball handling skills for his size and an aggressive defense. The forward pair of Jeromie Hill and Igor Nujic [ both 6’8], are expected to contribute immediately. The two Australia natives have had experience in the Australian Institute for Sport [AIS], which has developed their game. Hill specifically has logged in time for the Australian National team in which he has gained much experience and learned to score with his back to the basket. Jeromie Hill is already being looked at as one of the candidates for Freshman of the Year. Although this team will consist mostly of newcomers, expect the team chemistry and focus to be displayed early. The Roadrunners have had a 19-win season the past two years and have the talent now more than ever to achieve that result again. The season will kick off Nov. 12; tip-off is set for 8p.m.
Burk Frey/ The Paisano
Men’s basketball set for start of season
Freshmen forward Maria Rojas controls the ball during the SLC Tournament Championship game. The Roadrunners will face off against Portland Friday at 9 p.m. (CST) at Merlo Field.
Rojas gives UTSA first Southland Conference Championship goUTSA.com Freshman Maria Jose Rojas’ goal in the fourth minute of overtime gave third-seeded UTSA a 1-0 victory against defending champion Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday in the league’s postseason tournament championhip match. The Roadrunners (13-7-2), in their fifth season, claimed their inaugural Southland title. “Our depth paid off today,” head coach Steve Ballard said. “In the end, I just thought we wore them down a bit. Southeastern has been a great Southland Champion, but we’re glad to take over the throne. Both defenses surrendered few opportunities in regulation. The Lady Lions (15-3-3) managed eight shots in the first half, while UTSA recorded five and each had
just one shot on goal. The Roadrunners nearly struck in the 57th minute when Southeastern goalkeeper Lacey Bockhaus left her position to chase a loose ball. She was unable to come up with it, which allowed junior Taylor Padia to pass the ball to senior Allison Dillon, but her shot was blocked. UTSA outshot the Lady Lions, 115, in the second stanza but was unable to find the back of the net and the match went to overtime. The Birds didn’t waste time in the extra frame, as Padia placed a perfect pass along the left side, giving Rojas a one-on-one opportunity in the fourth minute of extra time. The Santiago, Chile, native beat Bockhaus, the Southland Co-Player of the Year, sending UTSA to its first NCAA Tournament.
“We had a game plan and stuck to it and just beat a team we never have beaten before,” sophomore goalie Dacia Webb said. Webb was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after recording her second shutout of the tournament and she allowed just one goal in nearly 294 minutes of action (19 saves). Senior Chelsea Zimmerman, junior Katie Dugan and freshmen Anka Grotle joined Rojas on the All-Tournament Team. “It was a total team effort,” Grotle said. “It was a very physical game, but we played great and this is an incredible feeling.” The Roadrunners will open play at top seed and No. 2 ranked Portland on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. (CST) at Merlo Field.
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