Directing a new plan

FELIPE GAMINO Sports Editor @fgamino13

After former athletic director Moriah Van Norman decided to step down in May, the process to bring a new AD began.

Five months after the job was open, they have been unable to fill the position. Pierce College President Alexis Montevirgen said he plans to appoint an acting athletic director for the remainder of the school term.

“I've heard that there are three faculty members in kinesiology that have expressed interest to serve in that interim capacity, at least just for the rest of the academic year," Montevirgen said. "And then that way what we can do is I can name an acting athletic director that can start as early as the spring semester. And we can spend the spring semester to do another search to try and identify a permanent person that would come in July 1.”

The faculty hiring committee met last week to start the process of reviewing applications, according to acting AD and Dean of Athletics Genice Sarcedo-Magruder.

“They decided that we would postpone because it didn’t match with what we posted. It said it was for a full-time faculty member and we were trying to bring someone who wasn’t,” Sarcedo-Magruder said.

She said to avoid doing that they are going to push back and essentially go back to the drawing board.

Barbara Anderson, member of the hiring committee said that having an athletic director is crucial as it is a key element to the college.

“I hope that when we open the position again there is more interest and we have more applicants going for the job,” Anderson said. Sarcedo-Magruder said that there is a technical problem in the system where people can apply for jobs within the district.

Fall 2019 Finals Schedule

When it comes to the holidays, tired and overworked Americans look forward to quality time with family and friends to eat and drink.

Many colleges and universities offer community events, concerts, campus lightings and parties that are often free and can add to the joy of the season.

Pierce should have more of these events on campus so students and faculty can dabble in the holiday season before the fall semester is over.

The Pierce choir and band have concerts planned and the Automotive Department hosted a toy drive during their SuperCar Sunday event on Dec. 1. The Pierce CalWORKs/CARE program is also allowing staff to purchase a gift for children of low-income students.

Despite these events, Pierce can do more.

The Cal State University Northridge (CSUN) University Student Union is hosting a Winter Pop Up event where students can decorate ornaments, skate with friends in the ice skating rink and take photos in a photo booth all while enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate, according to the CSUN website.

The Associated Students Organization (ASO) could host a similar event with decoration stations for ornaments, christmas cards and stockings. There could also be workshops for gift wrapping and gingerbread house building.

According to bestcollegereviews.org, Seton Hall University kicks off the holiday season with a Tree Lighting Ceremony during the first week of December. Throughout the weeks following, there is Christmas carol singing, a pancake breakfast with Santa and a Winter Ball.

Pierce could also have a Christmas tree lighting ceremony where students and staff could gather around while the choir sings Christmas carols.

For students and staff who do not celebrate Christmas, Pierce could hold events for other holidays such as Hanukkah.

Last year, Southwestern College had their first-ever Festival of Lights event where they spun dreidels, served babka and taught Hanukkah lessons, according to the Southwestern College News Center.

The Chabad club at Pierce could host a similar event where they could have a Menorah lighting ceremony and fun activities for the whole campus to enjoy.

The holiday season brings joy to many and Pierce should embrace the season of giving by having more of these events on campus.

EDUARDO GARCIA Reporter @egarcia_023

While many see winter and summer as vacation time, others see it as an opportunity to get ahead.

The short five week sessions give students the chance to continue taking classes after the semester is over.

Although it's true that they’re more intensive, taking them allows them to solely focus on one course compared to the multiple they have to take in the fall and spring.

get a spot in a class wouldn’t be as difficult because enrollment would be less than usual.

Although people who go to community colleges are predicted to transfer in two years, many don’t.

According to an article by communitycollegereview.com, the estimate isn’t accurate because, “data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that only 13% of community college students graduate in two years. Within three years, approximately 22% of students graduate, and within four years, the rate stands at 28%.”

Skate ahead

Instead of simply meeting two times, they’re able to retain the material they learned better because they have the class every day of the week.

Not only is it beneficial for understanding the lessons, the relationship between the students and the professor becomes stronger.

Students who need to retake a class or find out that the class they need isn't offered in a certain semester can potentially take that in the summer or winter amid availability to save time.

Considering not a lot of people want to be at school during the break, the race to

MAJA LOSINSKA Reporter @RoundupNews

Those who take classes in the shorter sessions also do it so they can graduate sooner and save money.

While it’s acceptable to only take classes during the fall and spring, taking four to five classes each semester might prolong their stay.

If students plan out their schedule accordingly, it’s possible to finish both general education and degree requirements in less than two years when they take classes every winter and summer.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, stress associated with school may affect mood, anxiety and memory.

enrollment fees cost the same amount as a regular semester and new textbooks have to be bought as well.

Instead of enrolling in short sessions, they can use this time to make some extra money with a part-time job or learn new skills doing internships.

In addition, winter and summer sessions don’t offer that wide of a selection of classes. Often times, the core classes that people need aren’t available.

Wrap it up

The break increases a students’ productivity and provides them with opportunities to develop social skills and creativity.

Students deserve their vacations.

The summer and winter months often is the only time for them to explore different parts of the world and meet new people.

The biggest advantage is simply relaxation without school responsibilities.

Summer or winter classes may also affect a student’s financial situation. Although the class sessions are about five weeks long,

The intersession is typically shorter and yet the amount of material is the same. Students have to be more disciplined and dedicate their break time to study because they are expected to complete their work in half the time.

Assignments are usually due backto-back every week and then finals are next.

For some, it is a lot to take on.

Vacation is an important time for students.

Not only can they take a break from the hardships of learning, but they can also change their surroundings by going on trips or spending quality time with family.

There’s nothing better than starting a new semester with a clear mind.