2/18/13

SAN JACINTO TIMES Vol. 23, No. 6

e student publication of the San Jacinto College District

February 18, 2013

SJC course aims for student success

Aaron Preston Staff Writer

A policy requiring all first year students to take a Learning Framework course was implemented by San Jacinto College last semester in an attempt to encourage students to develop effective study habits.

The three-hour course is cross-referenced as EDUC 1300 and PSYC 1300, and is required to complete a certificate or an associate degree.

However, for most 4-year universities, the course will not transfer.

“Being a transfer university, I don’t know where this course would fit in our degree plan,” University of Houston Clear Lake Coordinator of Academic Transfer Advising Alvin Johnson, Jr. said. “We want students to bring in coursework that will help them out.”

Though the course will not transfer due to limited space in UHCL degree plans, Johnson noted he would still recommend the class.

“I would not personally discourage students from taking the course,” Johnson said. “I understand the value of the course.”

Learning Framework, now in its second semester at SJC, is taught at several community colleges in Texas, and is seen as a great foundation course by professors.

“I’m excited about teaching

Freshman Eric Esqueda learns effective study tips in the EDUC/PSYC 1300 class that is now required at San Jacinto College.

this course, and value the contents,” San Jacinto College Education Professor LaToya Gilmore said. “I think it has a lot of tools and strategies that will help students academically.”

EDUC 1300/PSYC 1300 is viewed as a course, costing students $269, and $392 for indistrict and out-of-district students, respectively.

The course takes as much time as other academic classes,

and professors of the course feel that the course has a lot of value.

“I find it interesting (that the class will not transfer), but the information is still useful,” Gilmore said. “I still feel that

there is information in the course that is beneficial.”

Students who are currently enrolled, or were required to take the class last fall, seemed surprised to find out the class they were mandated to take

Aaron Preston San Jacinto Times

wouldn’t transfer.

“I feel like it’s not fair for students to have to pay so much for something like this,” freshman Eric Martinez said.

See Transfer on Page 4.

Obama’s message to nation: ‘Let’s get this done ’

Naama Gouti Staff Writer

Tension and thrill filled the air on Feb. 12 in Washington, D.C. as President Obama delivered the State of the Union Address.

Paul Irving introduced our leader using eight words that began the event, “Mr. Speaker, the

President of the United States.”

Tuesday’s speech addressed the convocation with topics covering public and congressional support on issues such as deficit reduction, gun control, and education reform.

“Fifty-one years ago, John F. Kennedy declared to this Chamber that ‘the Constitution makes

us not rivals for power but partners for progress.’ It is my task to report the State of the Union,” Obama said.

“To improve it is the task of us all.”

The newly inaugurated Obama emphasized the persistent progress his administration has made over the last year.

“Together, we have cleared away the rubble of crisis,” Obama said.

“And, can say with renewed confidence that the state of our union is stronger.”

Obama said that current disagreements between the parties on deficit reduction could have grueling consequences if bipartisan-

ship is not reached.

Instead he offered an approach that included reforms to the tax and health care systems, as well as job creation.

“Some in this Congress have proposed preventing only the defense cuts by making even bigger cuts to things like education and job training, Medicare and Social

Security benefits. That idea is even worse,” Obama said.

“On Medicare, I’m prepared to enact reforms…Now is our best chance for… tax reform that…helps bring down the deficit.”

Obama said in order for any of

See Obama on Page 4

Sheriff Garcia gives educators campus shooting survival tips

Chris Villegas

Department Editor

Mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary, in Conn., and Lone Star College- North Harris, in Houston, raised concerns about student safety. To prevent a tragic incident from happening here, San Jacinto College held a town hall meeting on Jan. 24 to discuss plans to stop school violence and what to do incase an active shooter was in the building.

The safety town hall meeting was hosted by Harris County Sheriff, Adrian Garcia. Sheriff Garcia and participating department heads from Houston area school districts came together to form a council. The council is meant to facilitate communication between police department and schools in the event of a tragedy.

In an attempt to prepare students in the event of a school shooting, the council showed an active shooter video. The video showcased the appropriate steps to follow if an active shooter were to

enter into a school.

The first tip is to run. Try to evacuate with others within reason. Do not let someone hold he or she back if it is going to put someone in danger.

Second tip is to hide. Leave belongings and seek safe ground.

The goal is to act quickly and quietly keep undetected from the shooter. Once in a safe place lock the door and silence any electronic device that could become costly. Furthermore, keep hidden behind large objects and call 911.

Lastly, when there is no other option left, a student has to fight.

Improvise anything that can become a weapon. Most importantly commit to taking down the shooter.

The Sheriff’s department formed a high-risk swat team in April, and is designed to handle school shootings as well as medical situations with a critical plan in place.

Another step the council has taken to help get the public involved is forming the HCSO web app.

The app is designed to allow the public to anonymously submit tips about suspicious activity.

Since the app’s launch, Harris County Sheriff’s department has stopped two-dozen people.

The council suggests that students, teachers, and parents should become more alert to their surroundings.

Moreover, the department is on a hiring freeze, leaving them spread thin over the district. If the public is more engaged they can be a tremendous help for the department.

“I feel the department and schools are taking baby steps in the right direction for school safety,” San Jacinto Student Kevin Rodriguez said.

According to the council and Sheriff Garcia, the best way to positively move forward is with better communication.

In closing thoughts, the council members all agreed that people in the community should stay attentive and address situations with caution.

Annette Moore San Jacinto Times

SHOW ME THE MONEY: Read about a scholarship opportunity waiting for hard working San Jac students on page 4.

San Jacinto Times

February 18, 2013

Opinion/Commentary

Page 2

Minx Thinks: Today’s generation is more American than its founders

Asher Minx

Department Editor

Among the many divisive discussions facing the United States, from healthcare to gun control, one of the most popular arguing tactics is to challenge the constitutionality of a given plan or policy. The laws our founders laid out have been a sticking point for centuries, with opposing political parties sometimes expressing significantly different ideas about their implementation.

These stem from a schism in assumptions regarding the constitution’s functional purpose, which we see reflected in both the left and right’s broader agendas.

As articulated by Obama in his second inaugural address, many

progressives view the constitution as a nuanced document that must be interpreted in the context of current times. Modern conservatism holds to a more absolute view, that the rights of citizens and their governments are fully expressed in self-explanatory rhetoric and should be applied to any given era as they were applied originally.

So, where does the truth fall? We can agree to recognize that the core of the constitution is not flexible-protecting the citizenry and maintaining the union are bottom lines, not antiquities. Though these types of debates may exhaust both sides, progressives must never become lazy and begin thinking of the document as a mere formality. Many articles therein--the bill of rights, for example--contain explicit provisions that must be respected. We can all agree on that point.

Nevertheless, deferring to the constitution as some clear-cut arbiter for every new debate is a copout. As Lincoln said "...no organic law can ever be framed with a provision specifically applicable to every question which may occur in practical administration. No foresight can anticipate nor any document of reasonable length contain express

provisions for all possible questions."

We were promised a right to bear arms, but not expressly told what those arms could be. In an age of fighter jets and mortar launchers, it's clear the current gun control debate is not over whether the American people should still be allowed weapons but over what limitations are reasonable. This was not an urgent question in the founders' time, and neither were birth control pills, climate change, or health insurance.

Our understanding of morality evolves over time. As such, we've never had a perfect law of governance. The above Lincoln quote was originally stated in an argument against an old clause saying slaves who escape their state will be returned to their owner. We at one point had an amendment prohibiting the buying or selling of alcohol.

From the beginning, our founding document has been a product of debate and compromise. In our journey for justice, we've found it necessary not only to discard foolish relics but to add new amendments protecting the rights of groups victimized and disenfranchised by institutional discrimination.

If the Shoe Fits: “Useless” is in the eye of the degree holder

Caty Christy

Department Editor

It’s about time to start applying for graduation.

But what’s next? After graduation everyone starts trying to get a career going.

Studies by Forbes, MSN, and others have shown that not all degree plans are created equal. It’s obvious that a person’s annual income depends largely on his or her field of study, but lately some of the most popular degree plans are coming up short.

Majors such as Graphic Design, English Literature And Language, Audio Engineering, and even Journalism, which is my degree plan, are looked at as useless college majors.

The problem students are pointing out is that these majors won’t make a good living after graduation. There is also the possibility of only finding a low paying job in the field.

However, that point may be desirable in the Graphic Design and Audio Engineering fields.

It is perfectly possible to get your start in these industries, and some others, just by getting coffee for someone important. Eventually, you

make your way up the ladder, and if you’re good enough at what you do the end result is a really good job.

The problem with an English Literature and Language Degree is that everyone thinks the only possible career choice is to become an English teacher. That is not true. With this degree under your belt you can get any job as a Copy Editor for any firm that pouts out some sort of newsletter or magazine. It is also very possible to return to college later and expand on an English degree.

As for Journalism, well, that’s obvious; print is dying out. Most newspapers are steadily transitioning into online, live-feed web pages. It’s the truth. But Magazines aren’t exactly going out of style any time soon, and with the right references you can start off small and, again, work your way up. Not to mention the fact that a Journalism degree opens up pretty much any Public Relations job you want. Partner that with Communications and you become an asset.

The thing about getting a job with one of these “useless college majors” is that you’ve got to be ambitious and take risks. These fields aren’t for the feint-hearted. They’ve all got crazy hours and crazy competition.

However, the point is that you should do what makes you happy. Then you will never work a day in your life. Besides, one day technology will fail, and then where would we be without newspapers?

Artwork by Chris Gaviria

San Jacinto Times San Jacinto College Student Publications

ADVISER

Hellen Papadacos

PRODUCTION MANAGER Sara Quintana

ADVERTISING Sara Quintana

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leif Hayman

DEPARTMENT EDITORS Caty Christy

Monica Davila Asher Minx

Chris Villegas

PAGE DESIGNERS Sara Quintana Christopher Shelton

CIRCULATION MANAGER Christian O’Connor

STAFF WRITERS

Flor Barrero Amanda Beard Jonathan Chapa Naama Gouti Keili Harrison Jeannette Jimenez Jason McNeely Alex Moore Annette Moore Joseph Payne Vanessa Piña Aaron Preston Angelica Rodriguez Christopher Rodriguez Rebeca Valdez Elton Wilson

So, yes, we have to respect the finer points of the constitution.

More importantly--for the good of all Americans--we must respect its spirit, the Declaration of Independence's spirit, and the principles that guided their drafting.

Look at the outrage over Wall Street, the growing demand for marriage equality (a faction of ridiculed advocates who have risen to become the majority), the backlash against proposals like SOPA and the chilling effect they would have had online.

Look at slavery, our historical treatment of women, our treatment of the poor.

Look at the past and the present, the first Americans and the latest.

Compare and contrast and try to say we’re in any way less true to the Declaration of Independence or Constitution than the old men who drafted them. This is not a generation that says “but” after “all men are created equal,” or “except women” after guaranteeing a right to privacy.

This is America.

Technological visionaries pave way for future Artwork by Chris Gaviria

Leif Hayman Editor-in-chief

Like a meteor falling from the heavens, Aaron Swartz lit up the night sky and burned up in an instant.

On Jan. 11 Aaron Swartz, age 26, hung himself. He was facing up to 35 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. He is best known as the co-founder of the social media website Reddit. When he was 14 years old, Swartz created RSS protocol for receiving updates about new content posted on a given website. Fighting on the forefront of the struggle for open access to information, Swartz was an unsung Internet pioneer and revolutionary.

Between September 2010 and January 2011, the Department of Justice alleged that Swartz downloaded over 4 million articles from an academic database called JSTOR and broke into a networking closet at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to gain access to the school's computer network. He was indicted on felony charges under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Swartz had a gift for programming. Unsatisfied with computers, he shifted his focus to societies and people by changing his major to sociology. He had a vision that all people could access the massive electronic knowledge databases around the world without monetary or legal restrictions.

Before going after academic articles on JSTOR, Swartz was investigated by the FBI for downloading and posting

public domain federal court documents on public.resource.org. The database that holds the documents, PACER, could only be accessed for a fee. Swartz wrote a program he could install on library computers to make free trial accounts on PACER and download the documents to his cloud storage.

As an organizer, Swartz helped to rally thousands of people to sign petitions, ultimately stopping legislation that would throttle and restrict Internet access.

In the days following his death, the DOJ dismissed the case and JSTOR released around 4.5 million articles without restrictions to access.

Swartz's parents blame their son’s death on the refusal of the government to drop the charges against him. His attorney warned prosecutors that he was a suicide risk, but their response was that he should be put in jail.

As retaliation, the hacker collective known as Anonymous hacked into the websites of MIT, the DOJ, and the United States Sentencing Commission. At one point, by entering a code posted by Anonymous, the hacked ussc.gov homepage turned into the arcade game “Asteroids.”

Two weeks after Swartz's death, the hacking campaign came to a climax. Hackers seized ussc.gov and posted a video demanding reform to the copyright and computer crime laws. The group released an encrypted file they claim contains documents stolen from various government websites. They have threatened to release the key to decrypt the file's contents if

The San Jacinto Times is published five times a semester by the journalism students at San Jacinto College Central, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the staff, its adviser, the administration or the Board of Regents.

The Times encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be in good taste, accurate, free from libel, malice or personal controversy. Letters must be limited to 200 words in length. Letters submitted

the laws are not changed.

In recent years, the Internet has become a war zone. With the rise of Anonymous and WikiLeaks, the battle to access information and protect it is fierce. The government has been on both sides of the fight.

At one point the government stepped in to preserve the public's unfettered access and stop Internet service providers from throttling traffic to specific websites. More recently, the government seems to be focusing on copyright infringement, whistle-blowers, and hackers. Not Chinese military spies, but American citizens who reload websites over and over again as a form of protest.

Today, we are witnessing the biggest consolidation of information in human history, the consolidation of all collective human knowledge. As governments and corporations increasingly turn their focus to dealing with and protecting this knowledge from perceived threats, the imperative to preserve and distribute that information for all humanity to access is paramount. Aaron Swartz and those arrested for hacking are not enemies of progress they are its champions.

If there are such things as reason and free will, it is essential for their preservation that the public has access to uncensored and unedited information. Knowledge is a powerful equalizer and it must be maintained for the benefit of all humanity and the detriment of oppression.

In Memory of Aaron Swartz, RIP.

without the author’s signature will not be accepted. The staff reserves the right to edit the letters for accuracy without altering the general meaning.

Letters can be e-mailed to Hellen.Papadacos@sjcd.edu. Letters must include name and phone number for verification.

The digital edition of the Times is available at http://issuu.com/sanjacintotimes.

Advertising space is available for $5.00 per column inch. Special rates are available. For news tips and information on advertising, contact the Times at 281478-2752.

San Jacinto Times

February 18, 2013

The Scoop

Page 3

Lifestyle & Entertainment

San Jac’s Fashion Icon Contest: Cycle One Winners

Selena finally cured of the fever

Who didn’t spend this Valentine’s Day together? That’s right… Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber (wait who is that again?

Everyone seems to have forgotten this kid since he was not even nominated for a Grammy…tear… oh that’s right, Grammys are only for people who make music… makes sense. ) Even though breaking up can be hard to do, not for Selena as she was seen at a Grammy’s after party having a blast while the Biebs spent his night… well bored.

Central Campus Theatre Department Staging Audience Favorite

Showtimes: Feb. 20, 21, 22 & 23, Curtain: 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 24, Curtain: 2:30 p.m.

General Admission: $15, ticket price bought two days in advance $13.

Reservations: 281-476-1828.

Box office hours: 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday- Friday.

Box office opens Feb. 18.

Order your tickets online with a credit card.

Website: arts.sanjac.edu/theatre-central

Taylor + break up = Grammy Who’s never ever getting back together?

Taylor Swift and all her future boyfriends that’s who! It might not be the greatest thing to do, to write and sing about your ex’s but to open up the Grammys doing it? That’s incredibly cool! Taylor Swift did it again, she opened with “We are Never Getting Back Together” at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, giving all her future boyfriends a heads up to not mess with her, as she declared in her performance, “Then he calls me up and is like, ‘I still love you’ and I’m like ‘sorry, I’m busy opening up the Grammys’.”

Katy and John sitting in a tree Speaking of Taylor’s ex’s , John Mayer (Famous for inspiring Taylor’s Dear John song) and Katy Perry are dating, how romantic… No, really, it is romantic. She just got a divorce, and he just finished yet another relationship… like a week ago, what more could we ask for? This time he actually admitted his feelings saying his relationship doesn’t feel like he’s in a celebrity relationship. It feels more human…awww? Whatever that means, but they’re happy!

- Vanessa PiŃa

Alanna Garcia Age: 20 Major: English Central Campus

“One man’s style must not be the rule of another.”

Photo Credit: Naama Gouti San Jacinto Times - Jane Austen

Kaitlyn Conner Age: 18 Major: Business South Campus

“Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be.”

- Elizabeth Gilbert

Are you San Jac’s next Fashion Icon on campus?

• Every week students will be randomly selected for the Fashion Icon contest.

• Pictures of the selected students will be submitted to the San Jacinto Times Facebook page.

• Like us on Facebook and vote for your favorite.

• The two students with the most “likes” will be featured in the San Jacinto Times newspaper.

• The contest will be featured in each issue.

• The last issue will feature the top winner for the semester.

• The final winner will receive a prize.

Fashion Fun! Bold Jeans Make Spring Statement Angelica Rodriguez Staff Writer

What is trending? The real question is what was trending last summer and remains in style throughout the winter?

Colorful jeans! Almost every fashionista dresses in black, gray, and blue.

But still, adding colored jeans to your attire makes a bold difference.

The main colors that are in style during the cold weather are mint green, melon pink, and yellow.

Wearing one of these colored jeans and a dark shirt makes you in style! When wearing these colors it can get a little confusing to try and match up the shoes or belt and wearing the same black flats with everything, just will not work.

Angelica Rodriguez San Jacinto Times Try wearing nude Pair colors and neutrals with gold jewelry for a colors; nude colors work well be- big impact. cause they help tone down the brightness of the jeans giving it a warm balance for the proper season. Add cute gold jewelry and you will be out the door ready for your day in no time!

• Voting begins once the photos are posted on our Facebook page.

• Voting ends Monday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. for the upcoming issue.

VOTE F OR YOUR FAVOR ITE! www.facebook.com/SanJacintoTimes

Angelica Rodriguez San Jacinto Times

A wide array of pretty colors work for spring.

February 18, 2013

From the Cover

San Jacinto Times

Page 4

Minority students benefit from science scholarship Annette Moore Staff Writer

San Jacinto College offers a scholarship to minorities on all three campuses. The scholarship requires recipients to be full-time students, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and to major in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science engineering, engineering technology, math, or science.

The college awards 5 scholarships each semester and the available funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) determines how much money each student will be awarded.

The scholarship is the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Program, also known as the LSAMP Program. Christopher Wild, professor of chemistry and

coordinator of the LSAMP scholarship program for the Central campus, helps to choose the winners for the semester.

Wild sought the coordinator position because he taught at an inner city school and witnessed the difficulties faced by the students from populations that were underrepresented in the sciences and math.

"I hope my involvement in

the program will in some small way inspire a student to become a scientist," Wild said.

He was acknowledged for his achievement and continued education to student success during the 2011 school year.

The LSAMP program aims to help students find their path in science, technology, engineering, and math. The funds help students focus on their studies without the burden of

Obama

Transfer

Continued from Page 1

these things to matter we must ensure that American children are being given the best possible education.

“I propose working with states to make high-quality preschool available to every child in America,” Obama said.

“Countries like Germany focus on graduating their high school students with the equivalent of a technical degree from one of our community colleges…we need to give every American student opportunities like this.”

Obama went further to cover the topic of higher education.

“I ask Congress to change the Higher Education Act, so that affordability and value are included in determining which colleges receive certain types of federal aid,” Obama said.

“My administration will release a new ‘College Scorecard’ where you can get the most bang for your educational buck.”

financial difficulty. This is the college's 14th year in awarding students with LSAMP scholarships.

Daniel Rodriguez won the LSAMP scholarship for the 2012-2013 academic year. Rodriguez is attending Central campus and is currently enrolled as a full-time student. A professor recommended him for his excellent grades and work ethic. He was awarded

Continued from Page 1

The president outlined his second term agenda during the State of the Union address.

Obama also covered topics such as immigration reform, gun control, as well as bringing the troops home.

Obama ended the night ad-

dressing all citizens in America, making a clear statement to what he sees for our nation’s future.

“We are citizens,” Obama said.

MCT Campus

“It remains the task of us all, as citizens of these United States, to be the authors of the next great chapter in our American story.”

“Especially because I came to San Jac to save money, and now I’m finding out that I’m actually kind of wasting it.”

A high school Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) instructor, who wished to remain anonymous, said the class seems to be a college level AVID program; a course offered in several states nationwide to prepare students for college level studying, and is viewed as a strategy for closing the achievement gap to make the college dream accessible to all students.

“The class seems to be somewhat of an oxymoron,” the source said.

“I feel as though students know that when they get to college, they should already know that studying is a key

$700 and a mentor of his choice.

"It has helped me a lot because I am married, a full-time student, and I have a lot of bills I need to worry about," Rodriguez said. He added that the scholarship helped him focus on his studies and making good grades.

Interested students should contact Christopher Wild at 281-476-1501 ext. 1688 to success, and students should not be paying to learn what they spent the last 12 years of their lives doing.”

Students who participated in their high school AVID program share a similar feeling. “EDUC 1300 didn’t really help me,” freshman LaKeisha Harrison said.

“It’s really the work load of my AVID class, and only reiterated study habits I had already learned.”

The main goal of AVID is to increase the number of students who enroll in fouryear universities, and put focus on students who fall in the academic middle 50% of their peers.

Other community colleges offer a similar course around Texas.

Lone Star College System and Lee College in Baytown are among the colleges that offer, but do not require the course.

San Jacinto Times

February 18, 2013

8 DAYS A WEEK North Monday, February 18 • Jabali Afrika Performance, 11 a.m., N12.200 • UHCL Transfer Recruiter, 2 p.m., ILC Lobby • Robotics Club Meeting, 3 p.m., N7.261

Tuesday, February 19 • UHCL Open House, 7:30 a.m., N12.112 • UH Transfer Recruiter, 9:30 a.m., ILC Lobby • FYE Workshop, 11 a.m., N6.108 • Rotaract Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N12.215 • WEBB Society Meeting, 1:15 p.m., N7.108

Wednesday, February 20 • 5th Annual African American Read-In, 11:30 a.m., N12.200

Thursday, February 21 • Men of Honor Meeting, 11 a.m., N12.112 • Anime Club Meeting, 2 p.m., N9.133 • PTK Meeting, 4:30 p.m., N13.208

Friday, February 22 • Bird Watching, 8 a.m., Courtyard Fountain • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 10 a.m., N8.251 • Science Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N8.201 • Robotics Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N2.219

Saturday, February 23 • Cosmetology Spa Day Fundraiser, 7:30 a.m., N10.200

Sunday, February 24 • No Scheduled Activities

Central Monday, February 18 • Logos Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C14.212 A/B

Tuesday, February 19 • TSEA Meeting, 1 p.m., C20.261 • NSCS Meeting, 3 p.m., C1.233

Wednesday, February 20 • Jabali Afrika Performance, 11:30 a.m., Student Center Lounge A • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C15.215

Thursday, February 21 • WEBB Historical Society Meeting, 7:30 a.m., C2.224 • Phi Theta Kappa Meeting, 11 a.m., C1.230

Friday, February 22 • SGA Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155

Saturday, February 23 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, February 24 • No Scheduled Activities

South Monday, February 18 • SOS Brigade Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S10.112 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120

Tuesday, February 19 • Jabali Afrika Performance, 11:30 a.m., Student Center Atrium • Student Bible Fellowship, 12 p.m., S6.196 • SGA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S11.228 • Game Enterprises Guild Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1062 • ESOL Meeting, 4 p.m., S7.138

Wednesday, February 20 • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S9.250 • EDG Meeting, 3 p.m., S13.274 • NTHS Meeting, 3 p.m., S13.212 • SOS Brigade Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S10.112 • Writer’s Block Meeting, 3 p.m., S9.214 • Geo Jac’s Meeting, 5:30 p.m., S7.148

Thursday, February 21 • SVA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S8.2066 • Game Enterprises Guild Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1062 • Writer’s Block Open Mic Night, 6 p.m., Student Center Atrium

Friday, February 22 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.105

Saturday, February 23 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, February 24 • No Scheduled Activities

Page 5

New management brings Math and Engineering Club back to life

Joe Payne Staff Writer

A new and improved Math and Engineering Club emerged during the spring semester with a brand new crop of students led by advisers Jennifer May and Ron Martinets.

Formerly known as the Math Club, the Math and Engineering Club has only been around in its current formation for a couple of years.

Now in its second year, Professor May says the club “still feels new” because of the dedication demonstrated by all the new students.

The club is open to all students, but may prove most helpful to those struggling with decisions about their future.

According to Professor May, they are exposed to many areas of engineering through different channels. One op-

portunity the club presents to students is the chance to talk one-on-one with guest speakers. Both Professor May and the Club’s president John Marta estimate that over 100 people show up for guest presentations.

After becoming president, Marta realized he had a lot of work ahead of him. “It [the club] had not been maintained very well,” he said and added that it was like building from the ground up.

As one of the older club members, Mata tries to mentor his constituents. “I try to encourage people to make goals so they don’t fall into the trap of just doing basics,” he said.

The club is also participating in activities that lend assistance to other organizations, inside and outside the San Jac community.

They will be helping the Robotics Club during an upcom-

ing competition, as well as sponsoring Engineering Day in November.

During this event, engineers from all over the nation come to promote themselves and their clubs.

When Marta leaves after this semester, he wants leave behind a “template and structure with more tools” so the next president will not have to start from scratch.

According to Professor May, the club members also like to have fun. “The students are extremely competitive about everything,” she said.

Club activities include “Gingerneering,” a competition for building the best gingerbread house, as well as other contests such as building a lifesize shuffleboard, and making different products out of dry spaghetti and marshmallows.

The club welcomes all students and does not require a membership fee.

Deadline looming for new Government requirement

Jeannette Jimenez Staff Writer

Curriculum changes are coming to San Jacinto College. Government 2301 and 2302 will no longer be offered at San Jac, but government classes are not completely going away.

“I know initially the assumption was that students had to hurry up and take their government courses before it went away,” Interim Academic Dean Stephen Lopez said.

“But, no, that’s not the case”.

In the fall of 2013, Government 2301 and 2302 will change to Federal Government 2305 and State Government 2306. Students that have not completed Government 2302 by the end of summer 2013, will not receive credit for Government 2301.

“Government 2301 may count as an elective depending on what school you transfer to, but it will not count as a credit for your government component,” government professor Angelina Cavallo said. Students enrolled in Government 2301 should take 2302 in the summer.

As the name change indicates, students will be learning about federal government one semester and state government the second se-

mester, whereas before it was two whole semesters of United States and Texas government combined.

“I’m excited about the change,” Professor Cavallo said. “I love teaching government.

It’s good for students because they’re going to be able to go into more depth with an entire semester dedicated to federal government and a semester dedicated to the state of Texas”.

Freshman students at San Jacinto are not affected by this change. New students registering for the first time in Fall 2012 were not able to sign up for government 2301 and 2302.

Although San Jacinto has heavily advertised the change, there is an alternative. For students that are taking 2302 now, but haven’t taken 2301, Government 2107 is another option. It is a one credit hour class, but according to Dean Lopez, it is the equivalent of an independent study course.

This course combines both federal and state constitution. Since it is only one credit hour, it will have to be taken with Government 2305 for a student to complete his or her government hours. If students do not choose this option, they will have to start all over with 2305 and 2306 in the fall.

Physical Education strikes out:

gym classes axed from core curriculum

Jason McNeely Staff Writer

New curriculum requirements will take effect Fall 2014 as a result of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board allowing students take some initiative to reduce the number of elective courses that do not transfer to any major universities.

The core curriculum gives students a wider range of classes they can take to receive the required credit for their degree. Students uncertain about their degree path will have the opportunity to explore a wider inventory of courses.

According to the Coordinating Board, the old Core requirements led students to taking too many electives that did not transfer to a major university. One of the major revisions to the core curriculum includes eliminating the Physical Education requirement.

The Coordinating Board is combining courses such as: language, philosophy, and culture into one requirement. Students no longer have to take all three classes under the new policy; they will be allowed to take only one to still get the required credit. This is done to save students time and money by improving credit transferability.

“The state doesn’t want students to take

classes that wouldn’t transfer anyway,” Interim Academic Dean Stephen Lopez said.

“The administration is trying to ‘streamline’ students in receiving their degree in a timely manner, and make sure everything will benefit the student.”

On the other hand, San Jac now requires the EDUC/PYSC 1300 class that teaches students to manage their college careers. The new core curriculum only requires a total of 42 Scheduled Contact Hours (SCH) differing from the current 48 SCH. There will be six core objectives offered but only three to four of them will be mapped to each component area.

Colleges will submit proposed Core Curriculum to the Coordinating Board by November 2013. From September 2013 to February 2014 the Coordinating board will review each college’s core curriculum that will be enforced across Texas for the incoming freshmen fall of 2014.

“I believe if it’s not going to your career than it’s not necessary,” third-year student Matt Hamilton said. “I didn’t mind taking the classes, but it definitely could’ve been easier to replace them with something towards my major.”

Attempts to get in contact with members of the Athletic Department went unanswered.

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Around Campus 8 DAYS A WEEK North Monday, February 25 • Rec Sports Sign-Up, 9 a.m., Student Center Lobby • DeVry Transfer Recruiter, 2 p.m., Student Center Lobby

Tuesday, February 26 • Rec Sports Sign-Up, 9 a.m., Student Center Lobby • University of Houston Transfer Recruiter, 9:30 a.m., ILC Lobby

Wednesday, February 27 • Rec Sports Sign-Up, 9 a.m., Student Center Lobby • Culinary Club Crawfish Boil, 11 a.m., N12.112 • PTK College Completion Committee, 11 a.m., Student Center Lobby • Men of Honor Meeting, 12 p.m., N6.108 • PTK College Completion Committee, 4:30 p.m., ILC Lobby • English Department Presents Special Event with Author Justin Cronin, TBA, N12.200

Thursday, February 28 • College Community Day - No Classes

Friday, March 1 • Math & Engineering Club Meeting, 10 a.m., N8.251 • Fine Arts Friday Free Concert, 12 p.m., N1.103 • Science Club Meeting, 12 p.m., N8.201 • Robotics Club Meeting, 1 p.m., N2.219

Saturday, March 2 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, March 3 • No Scheduled Activities

Central Monday, February 25 • Desi Valentine Performance, 11:30 a.m., Student Center Raven Café • Logos Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C14.212 A/B

Tuesday, February 26 • National Society of Collegiate Scholars Meeting, 3 p.m., C1.233

Wednesday, February 27 • Anime Society Meeting, 1 p.m., C15.215

Thursday, February 28 • College Community Day - No Classes

Friday, March 1 • SGA Meeting, 11:30 a.m., C1.155

Saturday, March 2 • No Scheduled Activities

Sunday, March 3 • No Scheduled Activities

South Monday, February 25 • Philosophy Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.102 • SOS Brigade Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S10.112 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 8:30 p.m., S21.120

Tuesday, February 26 • Student Bible Fellowship, 12 p.m., S6.196 • Game Enterprises Guild Meeting, 3 p.m., S8.1062 • ESOL Meeting, 4 p.m., S7.138

Wednesday, February 27 • GSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., S9.250 • Coyote Future Teacher’s Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S7.102 • EDG Meeting, 3 p.m., S13.274 • SOS Brigade Anime Club Meeting, 3 p.m., S10.112 • Writer’s Block Meeting, 3 p.m., S9.214 • Geo Jac’s Meeting, 5:30 p.m., S7.148

Thursday, February 28 • College Community Day - No Classes

Friday, March 1 • Mixed Martial Arts Meeting, 9 a.m., S21.105 • PTK Meeting, 1 p.m., S8.2028

Saturday, March 2 • Geo Jac’s Fundraiser - Off Campus

Sunday, March 3 • No Scheduled Activities

San Jacinto Times

February 18, 2013

Page 6

Sports & Fitness

San Jac green offers local golfers a putting dream that have never been exercised on this course.

Hilda Boyce, director of Auxiliary Services hired Neil Hickman so the golf course will operate efficiently and follow best practices. Boyce indicated that Neil brings a unique skill-set that no one else has brought to this golf course in the past.

“He's a PGA member, he's aware and been trained on certain aspects that we have never had on this course," Boyce said. "We want to make the golf course what it can be and what it should be.

We have a really good golf course that not many people knew about, but what we need to do is make it so that everybody knows about it and bring in more play."

Hickman believes he was hired to promote the game of golf.

“I don't believe the game of golf has been promoted to the fullest here and the marketing of more junior golfers, lady golfers, and beginners. This is a

great beginning golf course and that's one of things I believe we can improve on so we can get players out here to stay open," Hickman said. "Once I get At the corner of Fairmont and Cungoing, I hopefully want to do junior ningham resides a plot of land that has and adult clinics and maybe league belonged to San Jacinto since the play.” Hickman hopes to get the com1960s. The healthy greens will draw a munity more involved at the golf passerby’s attention and the hazards course by doing this. will have them wishing for a mulligan.

“I think this golf course has a unique The land is home to the San Jacinto point on entering new golfers, its only Golf Course. nine holes walking. That's where I see The San Jacinto Golf Course is a par the potential in this golf course," Hick36, nine hole course open to anyone man said. wishing to have a fun time while on a Hickman hopes to see these changes budget. The course has undergone sevwithin the year. eral changes over the years including The San Jac Golf Course offers allchanges in management. The new face day unlimited play so where visitors of the Golf Shop is Neil Hickman, a pay once and stay as long as they want. member of the Professional Golf AssoThe course does not have a set tee-time ciation who replaced Terry Miller when so golfers can tee off at their convince, he retired. whereas other golf courses have a set According to Neil, he plans to bring a tee time where players have to tee off new feel to the golf course by providat that time. Even though the course is ing better services and new practices nine holes players can play it twice to make it a full 18 hole course, or play from blue tees to white tees. If players are playing from the blue tees it is 2,954 yards and from the white tees it is 2,666 yards. It is a different golf course depending on the way it is played.

"The longest hole we have out here is a regulation par nine which is 146 yards and in tour standards is about average,” Hickman said. “The fairways are wide and aren't jammed up to each other where a lot of short courses are," Christopher Rodriguez San Jacinto Times "If you played this course 20 years ago, A player clears the path for his putt on the San Jacinto College Golf Course.

Christopher Rodriguez Staff Writer

Christopher Rodriguez San Jacinto Times

A golfer on the San Jac Golf Course concentrates before taking his swing.

it's not even the same golf course,” Hickman said. “The whole thing has been reshaped, even some of the holes have been redesigned in a sense that they've moved them around. Now, there are elevated tees to USGA standards, all the greens have been reshaped and drains have been done properly."

The course is convenient for students,

faculty, and members of the community because of its location and affordability.

Visitors can rent clubs if they do not have a set.

Currently, the fee is $12 for regulars and $10 for seniors on weekdays and $15 for regulars and $13 for seniors on weekends and is open daylight until dark.