Accent October 2014 by Accent Student Media

October 2014

Vaping on Campus p. 5 Gubernatorial Debate p. 9 ACC Bond Election p. 11

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Contents Vaping Policy...............................5

The Ungreat Debate ................ 9 Photo Contest Winner..........6-7

Hot Classes...................................10 Editorial Staff

Multimedia Editor

Contributors

• Forrest Milburn

• Joseph Van Vranken

Photo Editor

Online Editor

• Dillon Fleharty

• Crystal Raymond-Edwards

• Manal El Haj • Angela Rardon-Wyatt • Dave Creaney • Dan Groh

Design Editor

Adviser

• Preston Bezant

• Era Sundar

To Submit a Story Idea, Comment or Correction • editor@austincc.edu

To Place an AD • accent@austincc.edu

@TheAccent

Contact us Accent Austin Community College 4400 College Park Drive, Room 2107 Round Rock, Texas 78665 Phone: 512.223.0122

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On the Cover SHROUDED IN MYSTERY: Welding professor Tom Gingras uses some of the artwork he creates as examples for his students. The cover image shot by Accent photographer Dave Creaney, is one of the pieces Gingras displays in his classroom.

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Hazy Stand on E-Cigs

Illustration by Dan Groh

Manal El Haj, Reporter

As electronic cigarette usage increases, Austin Community College tackles the issue of whether vaping is subject to the same on-campus regulations as traditional smoking. ACC officially went smoke free in January 2012, banning cigarette smoking on all of its campuses and centers. However, many people are turning to vaping to wean themselves from nicotine, and the devices are showing up on campuses. “E-cigs are a lot less harmful than traditional cigarettes,” Rio Grande student Cheryl Pierce said, “[I] can tell the difference in lung capacity and [I] physically feel less tense.” Pierce, who started using e-cigarettes over a year ago, said they help her fight the urge to smoke traditional cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are battery powered devices that convert liquid nicotine and flavorings into a vapor that users inhale without the use of fire and without releasing the traditional smoky smell. ACC Board Policy C-10 states the ”College District prohibits the use, distribution, and/or sale of smoke-producing tobacco and related products and devices by any person on all premises owned, rented, leased, or supervised by the College District, including all College District facilities, buildings, and grounds.”

Dr. Mary Hensley, Executive Vice President of College Operations at ACC, said ACC’s policy is designed to ban all smoking without interfering with an individual’s right to use tobacco. The intent, she said, is to prohibit the individual from subjecting others to second-hand smoke. This means that products like ecigarettes and chewing tobacco do not violate Board Policy C-10. A l though electronic cigarettes are allowed on ACC campuses, Hensley said that if professors or other specialized service personnel on campus determine that electronic cigarettes are not allowed within their setting, they may prohibit them in the same way they may prohibit the use of texting, food or drink for reasons of equipment safety or distracting behavior. ACC Speech Professor Theresa Glenn includes restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes during class in her syllabus. Glenn said she is uncomfortable with e-cigarettes in the classroom, “because science doesn’t know what the secondhand hand effects of the vapors are” and she does not want to expose her students nor herself to potential dangers.

Board of Trustees: Policies C-10. Safe and Healthy Teaching and Learning Environment

Given these values, the Austin Community College District shall: Establish and maintain a smoke-free environment for all College District facilities. 1.1 The College District prohibits the use, distribution, and/or sale of smoke-producing tobacco and related products and devices by any person on all premises owned, rented, leased, or supervised by the College District, including all College District facilities, buildings, and grounds. This prohibition applies to property owned by others that the College District uses by agreement, and further applies to all District vehicles. The only exception to this total prohibition shall be in those circumstances where the College District is party to a contract or other agreement relating to the property that limits its authority in this regard. October 2014 | 5

The Love of Dance

Layla Elayyadi— Photo story First Place

POWERFUL — 19-year-

old ACC student Jasmine Lewis performs a traditional dance of Veracruz Mexico called La Iguana. The ornate accessories represent a strong, beautiful woman.

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DRAMA — Makeup is a necessity, including heavy eye liner to emphasize the eyes. “Passion is in the eyes, and the story is through the dance.”

PERFECTION — After two hours of working out, Jasmine is starting to feel the heat. “I

don’t mind the sweat, it just means I am working hard toward perfecting our dance.”

DEDICATION— Jasmine enjoys Baile Folklorico dancing and Mexican culture.

PERSERVERANCE — After a long week of rehearsals and performances, Jasmine’s feet feel the pressure. “When you are passionate about something, it does not bother you that it hurts. You just keep going.”

STRENGTH — Jasmine’s performances require traveling with many heavy costumes.

October 2014 | 7

Go Further. Continue your education by transferring to Concordia Discover more information on transferring to Concordia University Texas

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concordia.edu/transfer 8 | ACCENT

Lackluster Debate Sets Tone for Gubernatorial Race FORREST MILBURN — Editor In a display lacking the expected fireworks, State Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, faced off against Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott at the Edinburg Conference Center in the Rio Grande Valley. The Sept. 19 debate was the first of two debates set for this year’s gubernatorial election and was moderated by McAllen Monitor editor Carlos Sanchez and reporters Ryan Wolf of Channel 4 KGBT and Dalila Garza of Channel 40 KTLM. The panelists focused primarily on border security, immigration and other issues that appeal to the state’s growing Hispanic population, a crucial voting bloc that both candidates say they need to court if they plan on claiming victory come November. However, the opportunity largely passed by unused, with the candidates sounding more polished and rehearsed than one might expect during a contentious race. While Davis seemed to stay on-point and focus on Texas issues, Abbott often referenced President Barack Obama, seemingly trying to draw a clear connection between the White House and Davis. “It doesn’t matter if you’re here in the Rio Grande Valley or if you’re in the Panhandle, you want to ensure that your public officials are abiding by the law,” Abbott said, after being asked about corruption along the border and recent comments he made on how the area resembled a “third-world country.” “As your attorney general and as your governor, I will ensure that is done.” “These comments mean something. They label a community,” Davis said, directing attention to Abbott’s question regarding his “third-world” comments. “Mr. Abbott, although he’s said he has worked on corruption in other parts of this state, has never referred to other parts of [it] as ‘third-world.’ ” The format also detracted from the effectiveness of the debate. While Sen. Davis was given exactly one minute to answer the first question, After Sen. Davis answered the first question, Abbott was given 45 seconds to make his rebuttal arguments before one of the

panelists returned to ask him a separate question. Davis expanded on her stand on immigration when she said she believes everyone on the road should be insured including undocumented immigrants. “As Arizona does, Texas, I believe, should issue driver certificates for people who pass a driver’s test and prove that they have insurance,” Davis said. “That’s the safest way that we can assure that people who are driving on our roads are driving with the right authority and with the right insurance.” On to the topic of veterans’ health care, moderator Ryan Wolf noted in his question to Abbott that an annual report ranks the Rio Grande Valley as worst in wait times when it comes to health care for veterans. In response, Abbott said he would work with the federal government as governor to effectively improve the timeliness and quality of health care for veterans. “It is offensive that the men and women [who] have fought for our country are having to wait and now, it’s been documented, losing their lives because of the inadequate care from Veterans [Affairs],” Abbott said. “The men and women who serve on the front line should not have to be pushed to the back of the line when it comes to their health care needs.” Abbott also went on to criticize the Obama administration for its lack of establishing a VA hospital in the Rio Grande Valley, an issue that Abbott said Obama campaigned on. “It is offensive that during his campaign, Barack Obama came down here to the Rio Grande Valley and said that he would establish a veterans health

care hospital right here,” Abbott said. “We’re still waiting for the president to make true on his promise. I will work with federal authorities to ensure that we get the health care we need for our veterans.” Davis also sympathizing with the community’s veterans and said that she finds the veterans’ health care situation unacceptable. “Right now, [our veterans] are having to drive as far as San Antonio. We have a great opportunity for [fixing] this with the new [University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley] medical school,” Davis said. “I’d like to see us work with the UT-RGV medical school to see if we can create a shared campus that provides a medical hospital specifically for our veterans.” While both candidates disagreed on most issues, they both support Gov. Rick Perry’s deployment of troops to the Texas border. Both Davis and Abbott criticized the federal government for not acting on the surge of undocumented immigrants in an effective manner. “If the federal government will not act to secure our border, Texas must, and we will,” Davis said. “I did support the surge of DPS troops to our border, but I also asked [Gov. Perry]— and what I would [have done] had I been governor at the time — I asked him to convene us in a special session so that we could hear from local community members what their needs were here.” Both Davis and Abbott were also in agreement on their support for the death penalty. When asked about how he would ensure that innocents are not put to death in the state, Abbott reiterated his

“The men and women who serve on the front line should not have to be pushed to the back of the line when it comes to their health care needs.” ~ Abbott

support for the death penalty as state law, but also suggested that he would work to improve the law’s effectiveness. “I am in favor of the death penalty, and we want to ensure the death penalty is going to be enforced effectively,” Abbott said. “However, I think it is important that Texas continues to take a national leadership role in ensuring the accuracy and certainty of the death penalty, and that is why I worked with Sen. Rodney Ellis this last legislative session on an advance DNA testing process in death penalty cases to ensure that if a person is accused of a crime that would face the death penalty, we have the right person.” The debate between Davis and Abbott was the first gubernatorial debate Texans have seen since 2006. Some Democratic pundits were hoping that Abbott would make a life-threatening mistake on stage, like Clayton Williams did in the 1990 gubernatorial debate when he refused to shake Ann Richards’ hand. Some feel the gesture caused Clayton to lose to Richards by two points in the general election. However, Abbott made no glaring mistakes. Abbott often spoke past Sen. Davis, rarely addressing her. Some fiery comments made in each candidate’s answers, including, for example, when Sen. Davis gave her rebuttal to a question about pre-k funding. “My opponent has proposed standardized tests for four-year-olds to demonstrate that they deserve to have pre-k support, picking and choosing those which would receive it and those which wouldn’t,” Sen. Davis said. “Under Mr. Abbott, four-year-olds in this state can be assured that they’d be subject to standardized tests. The only way they’d get around that is if they hire a lobbyist, form a [Political Action Committee] and donate to the Greg Abbott campaign, because that’s how he works.” The next and final gubernatorial debate will be held in Dallas on Sept. 30. The debate will include timed responses and follow-up questions and will be televised on all major media markets in the state.

October 2014 | 9

Making Sparks Dave Creaney —Photography

GIRL ON FIRE— Encouraged to simply create to their hearts content, student Nikki Spencer bonds new pieces to a project that she is working on.

LIGHT ‘ER UP — Tom Gingras leads the Art Metals / Metal Sculpture class at ACC. Unreeling oxygen and acetylene to students is part of his daily routine.

ONE RING — Up close the pride and craftsmanship taken by Raynoldo Alanzie is apparent. His hard work and attention detail is made clear by the interact details in his work. HARD AT WORK —

Seemingly unfazed by the sparks of his torch, Devin Rudolph adds structure to his sculpture.

10 | ACCENT

Community College Bond Under Vote in November DILLON FLEHARTY — Photo Editor Voters will decide in November whether Austin Community College will receive roughly $386 million to build new facilities and renovate existing ones. The Bond package is divided into two propositions: one is focused on the planning and construction of future growth, while the second is focused on funding existing growth, health and safety issues, and sustainability. The propositions, totaling around $386 million, would increase the property tax rate by two cents, meaning homes valued at $200,000 would see an increase of $39 per year after the standard homestead exemption. However, seniors and homeowners with disabilities would only see an increase of $16. Trustees are also calling on voters to incrementally increase the college’s property tax cap to help stabilize tuition costs, cover deferred maintenance and expand veteran and adult learning pro-

rs ike Shelte B o r t e M en Now Op

grams. If passed, it will only be the second time a tax cap has increased in ACC’s 41 years. Board chair Jeffrey Richard said in a news release, “This proposal takes into account the impact on the public and allows us to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers throughout the region for the jobs of today and tomorrow, while keeping college affordable.” The ballot will include: Proposition 1 - Planned Growth and Workforce Advancement • Highland campus - creating space for digital media, commercial music, continuing education culinary careers and other creative media • Leander campus - planned for growth in the northwest • Land banking for the Southeast Travis County Workforce Training Center

Proposition 1 total: $224.8 million Proposition 2 - Existing Campus Growth, Safety, Technology, and Sustainability •District wide renovations - health, safety and sustainability •Renovations to career training programs facilities after relocations to Highland Campus •Hays Campus - First Responders Training Center •Elgin Campus - Veterinary and sustainable agriculture programs Proposition 2 total: $161.17 million Maintenance and Operations Tax Cap The ACC maintenance tax cap would increase one cent in fiscal years 2016, 2018 and 2020. The current maintenance and operations tax rate is $0.09 per $100 valuation. The total tax impact

is estimated to be five cents if all three measures are approved. In addition, school administrators will begin budgeting for a tuition freeze over the next four fiscal years. While ACC’s enrollment was 38,611 this past fall, it is down from 40,159 of last year. However, officials project an average annual increase of three percent as the region’s population continues to grow. ACC’s taxing district includes the city of Austin along with school dis- tricts of Leander, Hays, Elgin, Round Rock, Del Valle and Manor. Each ACC will hold information sessions on the bond. For more information visit austincc. edu/bond And for a list of information sessions vist http://bit.ly/1viaDNz

Taming a Thirsty Technology Generation in the Classroom

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There is a timeless great debate over how old a person should be when they begin to drink. Some say the age should be 18, some say it should be 21. I believe it should be 18, and parents need to have a greater involvement in educating their kids in the responsibility of drinking. Why do I believe it should be 18? Because there is a rebellious group of newly independent teens and young adults who are throwing underground parties for the sole purpose of binge drinking. Where is the correlation between the two? Look at Prohibition. The ban of alcohol never eliminated the drinking issue. It may have curbed it, but it saw a whole new wave of moonshining and bootlegging. Take away the thrill of rebellion, and it no longer serves the fulfi llment that is sought through doing what is highly denied.

GRAHAM COMSTOCK — Contest Winner Close your eyes for a moment, and think back to videos you’ve seen and books you’ve read about schooling in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Specifically think about college at those times. In my mind, I conjure up images of Ivy League schools, small classrooms, chalkboards, blazer-clad students and, briefcase-toting professors. Some of this might be true as going to college was far more elite back in those days. According to the 2000 US Census, about 25% of the population went to college to earn a bachelor’s, compared to today’s 80% (Garner). In those days, lectures involved writing on chalkboards, questions, and the professors lecturing for most of the class. It is easy to say that something in the college classroom has changed, since these times, but what?

These excerpts have been condensed and edited. To read the rest of these articles, please visit www.theaccent.org.

October 2014 | 11

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