RHO THETA WINS SEVEN AWARDS VOLUME 46, ISSUE 24
"It's unnerving and unsettling that we're going to be taught by the second best." Jon Francis broadcasting
For more student perspectives on the possible faculty strike, turn to page 8
APRIL 15, 2011
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"I feel that the board is pitting students against instructors. I just feel that's wrong."
"I'd rather graduate here than anywhere else where I've invested my time. The strike is pushing us into summer. "
Tommie Kell dental hygiene
Aaron Long automotive technology
"If the teachers strike, so will I"
"I don't want my instructor to come from the same place I got my coffee table"
Angela DeCorte student
Kristina Taylor funeral services
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PAGE 8
Stalled faculty contract talks stir discussion around campus By Jordan Tichenor The Advocate
The MHCC full-time faculty has begun to talk about starting the 10-day countdown to a strike because of the board’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful bargaining, according Sara Williams, the full-time faculty chief negotiator. This comes after a Wednesday mediation session resulted in one non-economic article being signed off, and no progress made on any of the economic issues. Randy Stedman, the labor relations consultant hired by the board to bargain the contract for the administration, had no comment Thursday when asked about the potential of the administration giving a five-day notice of implementation of the contract. Williams said, “The faculty made a proposal, with a four-page explanation with our reasoning, to try to communicate to the board. We need a counter-proposal to that to be able to move forward.” The main sticking points for both sides seem to be in the areas of extra teach, summer teach and retiree health benefits. Stedman said the faculty is “refusing to budge a single dollar on extra teach, summer teach or retiree health.” Williams said, “We’ve basically met their demands in the area of salary and medical, and they remain unwilling to move on extra teach, summer teach and retiree health.” Student interest in the negotiations has become more vocal in the last two weeks, resulting in 955 students signing a petition to present to the MHCC District board. “Many students have become very concerned,” said Jenni Simonis, a student who collected the signatures, Wednesday during the board meeting. She said after the meeting it appears to many that “the board isn’t listening to students and isn’t considering them during their negotiations. Angela DeCorte, a student who helped to collect the signatures, said during the meeting, “I don’t want to pull out of this school, because I love it, but I will. If the teachers strike, so will I.” Kristina Taylor, a funeral services student, also said during the meeting, “I don’t want my instructor to come from the same place I got my coffee table,” referring to ads posted by the college on craigslist for replacement teachers in the event of a strike. Part of MHCC’s financial problem is related to improving the physical structure, which could be remedied by passage of a bond measure. Asked how he thought a faculty strike would affect the college’s ability to pass a bond measure, MHCC President John Sygielski said Wednesday, “I don’t think it would have a major impact on our attempt to get a bond.”
Students to direct spring play
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No hitter for the softball team
2 OPINION Editors-in-Chief
Jen ashenberner & Jordan tichenor
Sports Editor Jon Fuccillo
Living Arts Editor David Gambill
Assistant Living Arts Editor Anevay Torrez
Photo Editor
Devin Courtright
Advertising Manager David Guida
Assistant News Editor John Tkebuchava
Reporters Jill-Marie Gavin Chanel Hill Riley Hinds Laura Knudson Yuca Kosugi Mike Mata Kylie Rogers Mario Rubio Shelby Schwartz Jessica Winters
Adviser
Bob Watkins
Assistant Adviser Dan Ernst
E-mail advocatt@mhcc.edu 503-491-7250 (Main) 503-491-7413 (Office) 503-591-6064 (Fax) www.advocate-online.net
Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030
Submissions The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc. edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.
THE ADVOCATE
APRIL 15, 2011
Editorial We need a resolution, even if it's temporary
It now seems as if students are the only ones istration and faculty association take a page taking the faculty contract negotiation mess from the federal government’s book and find, seriously enough to actually avoid a strike. at the minimum, a temporary solution in order The whole process has been turned into an “ad- to avoid a strike. We have students talking about dropping ministration said, faculty said” scenario. Both out of school and postponing their educations sides are being stubborn when it comes to the three items stalling the contract resolution: if the faculty members they know and respect retirement benefits, extra teach and summer are forced to strike. How much more serious can we as students get? That’s in addition to teach. The faculty negotiators have insisted a the negative reputation MHCC is developing in clause be included in the retirement benefits the community. The talk of a strike has already article stating that the conditions only apply begun to have its impact. An actual strike will to those who join the faculty association after cause irreversible damage. We sincerely hope neither side will let it the contract is signed. get to that point. It seems ridiculous that considering all the is- "We have students talking sues that have arisen, about dropping out of that the administration school and postponing wouldn’t just do it. The other areas — their educations if the extra teach and sum- faculty members they mer teach — seem to know and respect are be a matter of common sense. Instructors al- forced to strike." ready make a significant amount less to teach in the summer term. As for extra teach, instead of getting more pay (time and a half) like many other jobs, they get paid less than their regular salary when they work more than their contracted hours. Imagine this — the administration wants to cut the pay for extra teach and summer teach even more. That doesn’t seem like a good place to cut a paycheck if you ask us. Nevertheless, at this point, the faculty is going to have to deal with taking a cut in either summer teach or extra teach if a strike is to be averted. The Advocate urgently insists the admin-
Letter to the Editor:
Students need to vote in May board election To the editor: As a former MHCC student and current faculty member, I am writing to urge MHCC students to participate in the upcoming Multnomah County special election on May 17. In this election, four of the seven MHCC board of directors positions will be on the ballot. That means that this election will fundamentally affect the direction of the college for years to come. Who is eligible to elect the next MHCC board of directors? All registered voters who live in the MHCC district. A map of the district is available at http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dbcs/ elections/map/mhcc_zones.pdf. This year has been a tumultuous one on campus due to the difficult contract negotiations between the MHCC board of directors and the full-time Faculty Association. During this time, I’ve heard many students say they wish they could do something. Well, now is the time for
students to act. There is no more powerful tool at your disposal than the collective power of your vote and the opportunity to elect the next MHCC board of directors. By doing so, you will fundamentally influence the future of this college. I believe that the MHCC student body is the most important stakeholder in this critical election and, as such, should have the most significant voice in influencing the outcome. I urge students to research the backgrounds of the MHCC board of director candidates and to contact these individuals directly to talk to them about their positions on key issues. After all, they are being elected by you to run your college! The four positions up for election on May 17 include: • MHCC Zone 3 director, 4-year term ending June 30, 2015 • MHCC Zone 5 director, 4-year term
ending June 30, 2015 • MHCC Position 6, at-large director, 4-year term ending June 30, 2015 • MHCC Position 7, at-large director, 4-year term ending June 30, 2015 Information on candidates are running for these positions can be found at http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/ dbcs/elections/2011-05/c andidate_list. shtml#mhcc. Individuals must be registered to vote by April 26, 2011, in order to be eligible to vote in this election. People can register online or check to verify that they are already registered at http:// www.co.multnomah.or.us/dbcs/elections/ voter_registration.shtml. Long Live the Saints!
Kristin J. Kjensrud, instructor, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Allied Health Division
LIVING ARTS 3
APRIL 15, 2011
Café Thursday offers a Taste of Italy
Review:
Swedes cook up an atmospheric sound By John Tkebuchava The Advocate
Photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate
Administrative assistant for Humanities Garie Zordich, left, tastes the chicken fettuccine alfredo while Media and Public Relations executive secretary Barbara Howell enjoys the meat lasagna at noon Thursday in the Jazz Café.
Café Tuesday April 19
Soup and Sandwich Fair Seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Reservations required For reservations, call 503-491-7230.
Menu
Roasted Red Pepper Bisque Chicken tortilla soup Vegetable Beef Soup Brie and Apple Panini Chipolte Chicken Sandwich All American Roast Beef dip Peach Cobbler
$3 $3 $3 $6 $6 $6 $3
C a l e n d a r Monday, April 18 John Vanderslice, Ivan & Alyosha 9 p.m. perform at Doug Fir Lounge 830 E Burnside St., Portland
Tuesday, April 19 Cafe Tuesday in Jazz Café. Seatings at 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20 ‘A Walk in the Woods’ 7:30 p.m. Two diplomats, an American and a Russian, play mind games and grow close during nuclear arms talks. 3430 SE Belmont St., Portland
Thursday, April 21 Phosphorescent Family Band John Heart Jackie. Doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. Mission Theater, 1624 N.W. Glisan, Portland
Friday, April 22 ‘Passion Play’ 7:30 p.m. The students of Portland Actors Conservatory perform Sarah Ruhl’s own student work, in passion plays from 16th century England through Nazi Germany to 1970s South Dakota. 1436 SW Montgomery St., Portland
Jeniferever, a band hailing from Uppsala, Sweden, plays a brand of “atmospheric” indie/post rock on “Silesia” that, although not terribly original, is very easy on the ears. The group, whose name pays homage to the Smashing Pumpkins song “Jennifer Ever,” consists of Kristofer Jönson (vocals), Martin Sandström (guitar), Olle Bilius (bass, keyboards) and Fredrik Aspelin (drums). The album art, featuring a snowy mountainous range with jutting, jagged rock, is something one would more associate with Sweden’s infamous metal scene rather than an indie rock band. But rather than emphasizing the bitterness and cold of winter, the band’s sound seemed to explore its natural beauty and the solace it brings. The album opens up with the title track, “Silesia.” A bit of an odd sounding song, “Silesia” sums up the general sound of the album, with slow guitar melodies accompanied by soothing vocals and occasional outlandish keyboard and synth effects. There are some exceptions of course. “The Beat of Our Own Blood” is the popiest of the bunch and is much more upbeat. Others, like “A Drink to Remember,” are long and open slowly and are sometimes tedious. Although they are adept at the atmospheric style they offer on “Silesia,” this is both a blessing and a curse in that you’ve got to give the CD a couple of spins before you can truly begin to appreciate the tracks. Because of the atmospheric vibe, it was very easy listening the first time through, but almost too easy. When the final song, “Hearth,” faded out, it was hard to recall any particular favorites or standouts from the album. But after the second and third time through, distin-
guishing songs from one another was not nearly as difficult. Vocalist Jönson can be a hit or miss for listeners. Some might find the softness of his voice a bit empty or droning,
while for others it can be relaxing. However, his style of vocals fit right in with the atmospheric sound and flow of the music. At times, his voice can come off as emo, but thankfully without sounding whiny or too melancholy. With most songs generally slow to mid-paced, the guitar work can be simplistic but by no means ineffective, and the bass follows suit. Though you might often find that the guitars and bass take a back seat to the vocals and may mesh in with the keyboards and synths, they just further add to the atmosphere and tone that the band tries to set. The band also experiments with various other sounds, such as the violins on “Cathedral Peak” and other computerized effects that come up every so often in the songs. Their usage is fairly minimal, but the small segments in which they were showcased helped establish the individual identity of each song which can be a problem with the album and is its only major flaw. Overall, this release is a pretty good listen and is recommended to anyone interested in ambient music as these Swedes have a knack for atmosphere.
4 LIVING ARTS Theater students spring into first roles as directors
APRIL 15, 2011
wonderful production manager, they’ve been real troopers for us inexperienced people,” said co-directors Red and Johnston Red said with the time consuming directing of the first spring play there’s hardly time to do anything other than homework, “Off time, I’m looking forward to good weather so I can do some hiking and I like to dance.” On his off time Johnston said, “I listen to music a lot, I’m trying to learn the guitar I haven’t had much time at the present for practicing but I’ll get back to that.” After a day of school and directing Red said, “I have my shows I have to watch, like Dancing with the Stars.” When the play is done Red said, “I just want to hear them say I enjoyed that. It’s a real different play, it was real hard for me to get into it and see the humor in some of it so I’m just hoping we’ve done a good enough job that the audience sees that humor.” And Johnston said, “To me this play is about relationships how people relate to each other how they care about each other and how technology is having an effect on that and I want people to enjoy the play too. With this play I’d like to see people come away with a renewed interest trying to connect with each other and trying to consider how technology has affected the way we work with others.”
By Anevay Torrez The Advocate
Since the theater director retired last year the college has made it so students are more involved in more aspects of the spring plays this year; including directing. The first spring play is “Dead man’s cell phone,” which students Marietta Walker Red and Joseph Johnston will be directing for the first time. “I’m quite fond of ‘Fiddler on the roof ’ I saw it here at the college five years ago and it kind of inspired me to get back into theater,” said co-director Johnston about his favorite theater production. Co- director and medical billing and coding major, Red about her experience with theater, “Three years ago my theater group did ‘The diary of Anne Frank’ so that’s’ kind of near and dear to my heart.” After taking a one term to learn about directing and then going into directing Red said, “It’s been pretty confusing for someone to just step in and not know what they’re doing and just do it,” said Red. “I’m used to being on the acting side so learning to being more of a disciplinary.” Johnston said, “One thing I’ve found I really enjoy is when we first get the actors up and doing the blocking and movements. Seeing the words you’ve read so many times come to life; it’s really inspiring just watching.” Red said, “I’ve been in a community theater in Eastern Oregon for 11 years and I got to a point where I thought I knew it all, and I thought I can do that I want to get up there and I want to be able to say this is where you go and that’s where I want you to stand, it’s been a little different than what I thought it was going to be…it’s a lot harder.” Thinking about his directing techniques he brings to the play Johnston said, “Since this is my first time directing I’m relying a lot on the skills of the actors because I know that some of them actually have more directing experience than me so I’m king of giving general ideas and taking suggestions and mixing it together.” “That’s kind of what I’ve done too, I have an idea in my mind, I put it to my actors but I tell them I want their feedback,” said Red about her directing techniques as well. “We’re very proud of our cast they’ve done a very good job. We have a really great cast and
"Dead Man's Cell Phone" College Theater April 28, 29 and 30 Tickets: $10 adults $5 student Box Office: 503-491-7154. Photo by Anevay torrez/The Advocate
Directors Marietta Walker Red and Joseph Johnston pose after hanging out in the green room.
Guest column: Eye on Nature
Signs of spring brings precious gifts of nature's beauty By Wally Shriner MHCC instructor
During dark days, whether due to clouds or politics, flashes of beauty, no matter how brief, are precious gifts. Today, cheered by sun, the students of FW253, enjoyed the flash of gold from a flock of yellow-rumped warblers as they used the willows of Salish Ponds to refuel for their migration north. High in a still leafless alder, a pileated woodpecker perched proudly, seemingly soaking in our adoration. His prehistoric call proclaimed his territory and in reply the sweet notes of a song sparrow did the same. Equally precious were the smiles and laughs of
the students, friends and colleagues in this grand adventure of education. Certainly, it would have been hard to remain unaffected by the mood and energy of today’s field lab, but in reality the moments of beauty do not have to be grand to be powerful. May the sun of today, and the beauty of spring, refuel your own spirit, just as the insects and flowers of our community fuel our feathered friends as they move through our yards, parks and campus. — Wally Shriner is an MHCC ecology, evolution and wildlife biology and writes a monthly column on the connection between our life and the rhythms of nature.
Photo by Anevay Torrez/The Advocate
Cherry blossoms line the upper walkway west of the academic center on the Gresham campus.
LIVING ARTS 5
APRIL, 15 2011
Food, dance and music highlight spring events Photos by devin courtright
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An Aztec performer dances in the Main Mall Tuesday, at noon.
Students enjoy the food and beverages offered by SAB during the Club Fair in the Main Mall Monday afternoon.
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Aztec dancers organized by SAB move through the Main Mall in full costume Tuesday.
Student Events and Special Projects Coordinator Pam Kuretich places chips out for hungry students on Tuesday in the Main Mall.
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Music 1
Orchestra students playing at a benefit concert perform Brandenburg Concerto No.5 by J.S. Bach Monday. The instruments were remade to look like the original Baroque instruments and used strings made of animal innards. Stephen Garney sits far left.
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Photo 1 by devin courtright Photos 2 and 3 by Riley Hinds
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Members of MHCC vocal jazz group Genesis sing in the Visual Arts Theater April 8.
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Featured artist Emily Braden and her bassist perform in the Visual Arts Theater April 8.
6 NEWS
APRIL 15, 2011
Photo by Anevay Torrez/The Advocate
Protesters line up on Kane Drive Wednesday to voice their concern about a Planned Parenthood clinc being established on the MHCC Gresham campus.
Planned Parenthood clinic draws negative reaction By Riley Hinds The Advocate
Horns honked and middle fingers waved from the windows of passing cars during a protest Wednesday of the new Planned Parenthood office on MHCC campus. Despite the fact that none of the services they were opposing (physical abortions and the chemical abortion pill: mifepristone, commonly know as RU-486) are offered in the Planned Parenthood office at MHCC, the bunch was bound and determined to voice their opinion. “We had a contest to see who got the most middle fingers,” said protest organizer Liberty Pike. “I think I got 40-something.” The students seemed prepared for the negative reception.
Pike, at one point, shook a sign saying, “Don’t hate me because I (heart) babies” at vehicles. After the event, Pike said she thought 30 people had shown up to the event. “Our turnout is usually small. A lot of people are scared. Confrontational and judgmental are words I hear from people.” Protestor Mariann Pike, sister-in-law of the organizer, said, “I’ve been with a few different groups protesting things. It’s very rewarding and I think a lot of people just don’t understand that.” Another protestor, Liberty Pike’s younger sister Varity Grant, said, “It’s not their right to offer abortion services on campus.” Liz Delapoer, public relations person for Planned Parenthood, said, “We do not offer, nor do we intend to offer, nor have we ever claimed to
offer any kind of abortion services on the MHCC campus. That office provides: annual exams and pap tests for women, comprehensive birth control, family planning services, screening for women for breast and cervical cancer, testing and treatment for S.T.D.’s, emergency contraceptives and free pregnancy tests.” According to the opposing group’s (MHCC ProLife Alumni) petition on www.thepetitionsite.com: “This alleged “health organization [Planned Parenthood] actually harms it patients. Most of them — innocent babies- — do not leave the clinics alive. Adult patients leave with lifelong psychological scarring and guilt, if not physical harm, including increased cancer risk.”
MHCC's 'Grand Canyon' to remain open for near future By John Tkebuchava The Advocate
More than a year after an electrical malfunction caused shutdown of the Gresham campus, the status of the pit dug between the College Center and the Visual Arts Center remains uncertain. The hole was dug in the first week of April 2010 after water entered the main electrical cabinet, shutting down the system and forcing a closure of the campus. Maintenance workers dug the hole to divert water from electrical conduits that provide power for the college. “We have no (immediate) plans for the hole,” said Dick Byers, director of facilities management, on the future of the pit. “There has been no discussion between facilities (department) and the administration,” he added.
Asked about this strategy, Byers said, “We are engaged in developing an electrical system replacement design and any work performed on that hole now could be money wasted when the new design is realized and installed.” According to last year’s estimate from Portland General Electric officials, replacing the college’s electrical system could cost upwards of $2 million. In a budget forum last year, President John Sygielski said the PGE officials recommended that work on the electrical system be done soon, saying repairs might occur in summer 2010. Asked about a timeline for this new system or repairs, Byers said, “That depends on what type of phasing or plan the board might approve. It could be any time between September of this year and next year.” As for any problems that might arise from the hole being exposed to the elements, Byers said complications are “not likely.”
NEWS 7
APRIL 15, 2011
Board adopts plan to curb losses at Aquatic Center
Raising money for a good cause
By Jen Ashenberner The Advocate
The MHCC District board spent Wednesday night accounting for operating losses from the college Aquatic Center, being scolded by students regarding the possibility of a faculty strike and deciding how much to pay the interim college president. Board members sat silently as MHCC students made statements reacting to a strike vote taken by faculty April 6. After gathering 955 student signatures on a petition to present to the board, Jenni Simonis, organizer of the petition, stated her case to the board. “Many students have become very concerned,” said Simonis. Talking points by Simonis included making an example of college president John Sygielski’s recommendations in 2009-10 to eliminate five administrative positions, which actually resulted in the board “salting” the school’s wounds by adding eight administrative positions. Simonis also pointed out that after the board has claimed there was no money to negotiate with faculty, they have approved: expenditures in the amount of $400,000 for a new phone system “that still doesn’t work, a month after installation;” $310,000 for an “overhaul on the website, outsourcing, instead of providing competent and able students an internship, or web-design staff an opportunity;” $175,000 for the master plan and remodel of the college when “we have no money;” and $275,000 for an attorney to “tell the faculty something like, ‘Here’s our offer, take it or leave it.’” No board members responded to statements by Simonis. Another item on the agenda was operating costs for the Aquatics Center and a decrease in revenue since 2006. In a proposal submitted by the aquatics staff, the calculated operating costs for 2009-10 were more than $1 million. “With revenues just over $300,000, the Aquatic Center experienced a net loss of approximately $700,000 during 2009-10,” according to the proposal. Board member Ralph Yates said, “We’re in a time when people aren’t taking swimming lessons, which makes revenue go down.” Board member Dave Shields said the report is preliminary and any action taken in regards to the pool would be like “shooting in the dark without accurate numbers.” The board unanimously directed the aquatics department to explore ways to increase revenue from already scheduled swim meet contracts through 2014, evaluate a cost benefit analysis of contracting with the National Swim Center Corporation (NSCC), and review the existing contract with Mt. Hood Aquatics (MHA) to explore ways to increase revenues for both MHCC and MHA, all to be completed by June. The aquatics department is also authorized to analyze the operating costs of shifting swim meets and events scheduled at the outdoor pool to the indoor pool and evaluate not installing the dome cover on the outdoor pool during winter months. A report is due back to the board by September. The board also approved a salary for incoming interim college president Michael Hay. The board granted Hay a $2,500 salary increase salary for May and then a $3,000 increase from his current salary for June. His starting annual salary as interim college president will be $160,000 beginning July 1. He was also authorized an auto allowance of $700 per month.
Photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate
MercyCorps and Japanese Club sold 43 shirts as of Wednesday at $10 a piece. The money goes towards disaster relief for those affected by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Another raffle fundraising event will take place next week. Center: Corie Mallen, who lead the project. Far Right: Ruby Harris. Second from left: Ryan Watkins. Far left: Dan Stewart, first-year English major.
Board election set for May 17 By Jen Ashenberner The Advocate
Candidates in the May 17 election for the MHCC District board include some familiar faces at the college. Running for position seven, an atlarge seat, is current board member Ralph Yates. Yates is a family and sports medicine physician in the Gresham area and has served three terms as an district board and serves on the Oregon Medical Board for three years. His opponent is Jenni Simonis, an MHCC web design major and organizer of a labor negotiations student movement on campus. Her governmental background includes serving on the City of Gresham Fire Subcommittee, Rental Inspection Task Force, a northeast Gresham neighborhood association president, and was elected as a precinct committee person from 2000-2010. Other open seats include: Zone Three, previously occupied by Duke Shepard who resigned in February due to personal reasons prior to the end of his term; Zone Five, occupied by Bob Morris and
position six by Beverly Russell, neither of whom has filed for re-election. Candidates confirmed from the Multnomah County Elections website include the following: Zone Three Maggie Nelson: a retired teacher and previously elected precinct committee person and house district captain. Paul Capell: program manager for HDR Engineering, who has served on the Prineville City Council and as mayor in 1997-98. Eric Flores: ESL/social studies teacher. Zone Five Robert Coen: president of BCI Group, Inc. since 1990. B. Anthony Smith: U.S. Bancorp Financial Sales Position Six Diane C. Noriega: retired teacher and previous interim college president of California State University-Monterey Bay James Zordich: retired curator of technological history
Administration to present 2011-2012 budget proposal Wednesday night By Jen Ashenberner The Advocate
The administration will present its official 2011-12 budget proposal at Wednesday’s MHCC district board meeting at 6 p.m. in the boardroom. College President John Sygielski will present his MHCC balanced budget proposal at the meeting and has assured the community he and the administration have “left no stone unturned” when building this proposal.
Challenges the college faces during the next budget cycle, which begins July 1, include cuts being made to community colleges by the state Legislature, increases in P.E.R.S. (Public Employee Retirement System), and the projection of flat enrollment. Proposed solutions include layoffs of full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and some administrative positions. The proposal may also include a $50 parking fee for students per term and possible tuition hikes. The board will hear public input after the proposal has been presented.
8 NEWS
THE ADVOCATE
APRIL 15, 2011
Honors society takes seven awards at international meet By Laura Knudson The Advocate
Rho Theta was honored as first runner up for Most Distinguished Chapter at the annual Phi Theta Kappa International Convention held in Seattle April 7-10. Rho Theta walked away with seven awards. The awards were: Distinguished Chapter Officer Team, Distinguished Chapter Adviser, Distinguished College Project, Distinguished Honors in Action Project, Distinguished Honors in Action Issue, Distinguished Chapter, and Most Distinguished Chapter Finalist “Rho Theta has never won anything at the International level, so to come home with seven awards was amazing,” said Onjalai Flake, vice president of scholarship and Division IV vice president. Other team members include Jackie Vitron, Brian Arrell, Max Seiler, Katie O’Donnell, Rae Nichelle-Peres, Toyoko Akiyama-Becker and Vanessa Bishop. More than 3,500 faculty advisers and students attended the conference, representing more than 500 chapters.
Asked of her expectations at the convention, adviser Beth Sammons said, “The officers should expect to come home inspired, exhilarated and exhausted.” Flake said she was looking to gain knowledge, bond with her fellow officers, have fun and “if we just so happened to win an award or two, that would be awesome.” At this year’s convention, Hilary Pennington of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation spoke about college completion. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson gave a presentation titled “Modern Skepticism in the Internet Age.” It “was both hilarious and thought-provoking,” said Sammons. General sessions were held in a meeting hall at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Sammons said, “The lighting, stage settings, four huge screens, music and cheering crowds do have a bit of a rock concert feel.” The team also attended educational forums where they learned about applying to colleges, increasing membership, finding scholarships, understanding officer’s roles and managing finances. Sammons said her role as adviser is rewarding.
Students Sound Off Continued from page 1
"Without our instructors, we're not able to get certified. We took out loans for this and now they're (the college) pushing it back for us. We still get our credits, but won't get certified and then we can't work. Some of us have families. I just got married and have a kid and need to support them." -Greg Cameron
automotive technology
"It's really between the union and the board. Students are taking a hit. If faculty was really for the students, then they'd take a cut."
-Bramdon Vogelpohl automotive technology
Deadline is today for ASG posts By Mike Mata
“There’s nothing quite like being at the formal induction ceremony in May and hearing a student say, “I’ve never been an honor student before and it means so much to me to be invited to join Phi Theta Kappa.” Flake said, “I feel this was a timely morale boost. There is nothing that motivates any team better than recognition.” Sammons said she hopes “the excitement of the convention will help Rho Theta bring attention to the importance of college completion. Phi Theta Kappa is a leader in the national Community College Completion initiative, and we want to help develop a culture of completion at Mt. Hood Community College.” Flake said, “Three years ago, my father paid the $60 membership fee and I haven’t had any regrets yet.” Next year’s convention will be held in Nashville. Membership of Rho Theta is granted by invitation to those who meet requirements. A 3.5 GPA is needed. Orientation sessions will be held April 28 from noon to 12:50 p.m. in AC 1553 and from 4 to 5 p.m. in AC 1251.
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Filing deadline for president and vice president of the MHCC Associated Student Government elections is today and application packets are due to Student Events & Center Coordinator Meadow McWhorter in the College Center by noon. “We haven’t received any packets yet, but I have seen several students collecting signatures,” McWhorter said Thursday. There were 50 packets handed out in the last two weeks, though the list of candidate names was unavailable at Thursday’s press time. There will be mandatory candidate meetings on Monday in the Council Chambers; candidates may attend either the 1-2 p.m. or 5-6 p.m. meeting, with the biographies of candidates due on Wednesday by 5 p.m. via email. Official campaigning begins April 25. There will be a candidate meet-and-greet April 28 in the College Center from 12-2 p.m. The vice presidential debates will take place May 3 from noon-1 p.m. in the Main Mall, with the presidential debates following the next day at the same time and place.
i wonder ...
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NEWS 9
APRIL 15, 2011
Solving the mystery of why people procrastinate By Jen Ashenberner The Advocate
I
t’s there and you know it. It might be buried in the dark nooks beneath your subconscious to-do list, but it’s still there festering until you face it head on. You have allowed weeks to go by, but you know that it’s coming and perhaps out of fear you have let everything else take priority. Even cleaning your shoes becomes attractive compared to the task that has been pushed aside.
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Procrastination, says Jessica Jozaitis, MHCC education major, is something she does quite a bit and regrets once she realizes it. “I ask myself, ‘Why did I do this,’ ” she said. Jozaitis might procrastinate for many reasons but it is more commonly related to fear, according to Larry Gilius, MHCC’s Learning Success Center coordinator. “Procrastination is the habit of putting painful things off needlessly,” said Gilius. “You could be putting them off not for any real reason or you may have a good reason, but it’s more than likely out of fear of something.” The fear could be resulting from a bad childhood experience, growing up in a negative environment or, the most common, fear of failure. “You might be afraid of failure,” said Gilius. “You might think people are watching your every move, waiting for you to fail.” Simply feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable with success are also common reasons why people put off things. Gilius presents student success seminars on avoiding procrastination and said “negative thinking and self-talk” are common triggers that lead to students avoiding what they know they need to do. “They could be telling themselves, ‘I don’t really care about this project’ or ‘I’m not going to do well anyways,’” Gilius said. Journalism major John Tkebuchava said he relates to this. “If it’s something I want to write about or I’m passionate about, I’m much less likely to procrastinate and will stay on top of it.” Negative self-talk is harmful to one’s image of themselves, according to Gilius, which results in inflicting pain. “It’s human nature to avoid pain,” he said. “We often put off pain, not wanting to deal with the painful things until later.” “The opposite of that is making a conscious plan to do what you need to do sooner rather than later,” said Gilius. “You have a choice of turning stuff in last minute and stressing about it, which builds up the anxiety, or you can get it done early and relieve that anxiety,” he said. “We should always be thinking of doing the hard and painful things sooner,” says Gilius. “The simple reason is to get it out of the way.” MHCC psychology instructor Stephanie Cramm says procrastination is a defense mechanism brought on to help cope with situations that create anxiety, stress or worry. “By nature, defense mechanisms are subconscious or preconscious, and tend to distort reality,” Cramm says. Denial is a factor of procrastination and Cramm says it is backed up with another defense mechanism: rationalization. “Rationalization is particularly used if a person procrastinates too long and is stuck then facing the music,” said Cramm. Cramm said other psychological components to procrastination may include a social explanation. “Procrastination is tolerated as something
many people do,” she said. “In cultures where procrastination is not tolerated in this way, it is a rare event. Individualistic cultures have more procrastination than collectivist cultures.” Another aspect is people continue to procrastinate because the behavior is rewarding in some way. “It could be positive reinforcement, gaining the reward of having fun doing something else that out-weighs the consequences of procrastinating, or it could be negative reinforcement, the removal of the noxious experience -- so that one feels better or less stressed out by avoiding facing or doing the task (which) has been perceived as causing the stress/anxiety,” Cramm said. “Like a phobia, one feels relief every time they evade the fear, thus strengthening the avoidance behavior.” A journalism student, Jordan Tichenor, said he often finds himself procrastinating. “The only thing I can ever find to help is setting up short-term deadlines for small progress on whatever I’m working on. Instead of saying, ‘I need to have all of this done a week from now,’ I say, ‘I need to get a third of this done in two days.’ “ Gilius said the Learning Success Center offers assistance to people who have an issue with procrastination. They can help narrow the possible causes of someone resorting to procrastination and provide tools and techniques for the “cure.” An “Avoiding Procrastination” seminar is offered once every term. Gilius said steps suggested by Gilius in the seminars include students realizing they are delaying something unnecessarily and recognize when they are doing it, figure out why they are doing it and argue against those reasons, then take immediate action. “It doesn’t have to be big action,” says Gilius. “Cut out some small pieces of a project and ask yourself if there’s something you can do for 10 minutes to help me start that research paper. Usually you will end up doing more than what was planned.” Gilius said it’s important that students not only say to themselves they are going to do something, but that they commit to it by jotting it down on a planner. “Don’t just say you’re going to start the paper — schedule it, commit to it, and keep whatever momentum you have going,” Gilius said. Utilizing friends and family can help keep students committed to their goal as well, according to Gilius. “Tell them the plan and that you’re depending on them to keep you responsible,” he said. “Say to yourself, ‘If I study for 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., then I can go out with my friends tonight,” said Gilius. “Recognizing your progress will increase your energy and boosts self-esteem.” Describing herself as the “queen of procrastination,” Jozaitis says, “I don’t think there could possibly be a cure for procrastination.” Gilius agreed, saying, “There is no one technique that will be the cure all. Students should just take small steps to overcome procrastination.”
10 SPORTS
APRIL 15, 2011
Photos by: Devin Courtright/The Advocate
Clockwise from left: Sophomore Kayla Anderson pitches a no-hitter Tuesday vs. Chemeketa Storm; Saints huddle after sweeping the Storm 7-0 and 4-0 ; Anderson relaxes Tuesday after pitching no-hitter; sophomore Chelsea Schriber delivers during her 11-game strikeout performance in game one against The Storm.
Saints sweep Storm, Anderson pitches no-hitter By Chanel Hill The Advocate
Heels dug into the dirt. Eyes looking straightforward to home plate. Composed and focused, Kayla Anderson’s expression never changed. MHCC’s sophomore ace pitched a nine-strikeout no-hitter Tuesday afternoon in the second game of a doubleheader against the Chemeketa Storm. Anderson, who didn’t realize she pitched a nohitter until receiving a call from head coach Meadow McWhorter late Tuesday night, didn’t want to jinx herself. “I thought that something was happening, but I didn’t want to say it,” said a modest Anderson. “I just took it one pitch at a time.” One pitch at a time, Anderson, who has one no-hitter under her belt while at Barlow High School, set down the Storm hitters one-by-one, walking only one player and allowing two on base. With one out in the top of the seventh inning, a Storm player hit a slow chopper past Anderson that freshman shortstop MacKenzie Samuelson saved in the nick of time to make the second out of the inning and keep the no-hitter alive. “Behind every no-hitter there is excellent defense,” McWhorter said Tuesday night. “You’re not going to strikeout everyone.” The next play and final out resulted in a routine
infield fly. “I’m super proud that our defense stepped up. It shows how hard we work,” said Anderson, “We need every person to play the game. I didn’t do that by myself.” The 4-0 home victory followed a game one 7-0 victory by the Lady Saints behind the fierce pitching of sophomore Chelsea Schriber who went the distance, striking out 11 players and scattering four base hits. Anderson who shares a friendly rivalry with fellow pitcher Schriber, knew she had to bring her Agame on the mound. “We’re really competitive with each other. When she succeeds, it pushes me to succeed; if she puts in extra pitches, I put in extra pitches,” said Anderson, “If there’s anyone that pushes me, it’s Chelsea.” The Saints softball team, after four straight rainouts, is making up for wlost time, sweeping their last four games in Southern Region play and now sharing a three-way tie for Kayla Anderson first place. The Saints, who also pitcher for the Saints have been plagued by injuries, seemed unaffected Tuesday by their slow season start. “Through the adversity, we learned a lot of lessons and applied them,” head coach Meadow McWhorter said Tuesday night, She said that in preseason play, “We were committing four or five errors a game. Now, we’ve been errorless. We’re putting
“I thought that something was happening, but I didn't want to say it.”
the pieces of the puzzle together.” Tuesday’s double-header sweep over Chemeketa (1-12, 0-4), showed proof of a team beginning to hit its stride, highlighted by the dominant performance by Anderson in game two. “I’m always really nervous,” the sophomore said after the game. “I think all athletes get those nerves until you get going.” Going is exactly what Anderson was, as the Storm batters were swinging relentlessly and in vain. The team wasn’t taking anything for granted. “There was momentum coming off the first game, but we always talk about how important the second game is,” said McWhorter, praising the standout pitching performances of Schriber and Anderson, “Both girls did a great job getting ahead in the count, working off-speed pitches, and keeping the ball in the core.” The Saints, tied for first in the Southern Region with a 4-0 record (6-4 overall), still have many games to play, including a series with the rival Clackamas Cougars (4-0, 8-1). Still, the Saints are confident in their ability to turn it on and get it done. “This team is awesome,” said Anderson. “Seeing how good the girls play, and knowing we’re solid in each position, it definitely makes pitching easier.” In first game, the top of the lineup struggled, but the bottom of the lineup picked up the slack and sophomore pitcher Chelsea Schriber racked up 11 strikeouts. On offense, Guy had a single and a double and freshmen Samuelson and Alexis Cline helped push the Saints to the 7-0 victory. Anderson said, “Our defense was awesome. We are definitely small but mighty.”
SPORTS 11
APRIL 15, 2011
Left: Saints sophomore Chris Zeller high jumps Monday during the first day of competition at the Mt. Hood Multi Meet. Photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate
Off to the races: Zeller and Co. show up big at meets By John Tkebuchava The Advocate
Freshman Tyler Callahan broke the MHCC javelin record for the third time last weekend and several Saint athletes became auto-qualifiers for the NWAACC heptathlon and decathlon events earlier this week to cap a bustling series of competitions. On Friday, the track and field team headed up to Western Oregon University for the John Knight Twilight Meet — and Callahan blew away the competition with a javelin throw of 215’ 11’’. Callahan was the only individual to throw over 200 feet, with the next best throw coming in a couple inches over 199 feet This is the second time Callahan has broken his own record after setting a new school record in the beginning of March at the Eric Anderson Icebreaker meet. Callahan’s record-breaking effort highlighted an all-around day of successes for the Saints at Friday’s meet. Freshman Erica Drake placed second in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.52, freshman Laura Knudson placed third in the 400-meter dash (1:01.08), freshman Terra Zodrow placed third in the long jump (best jump of 5.13 meters) and freshman Robert Hanke’s won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 55.01 seconds. “The weather was pretty good. A little breezy, but not too bad,” said head coach Matt Hart, something that has become a rarity as the spring
sports have been plagued this year with endless bouts of rain. “We had some anxiety. We’re slowly gaining experience. We had several really strong mid-seasons,” said Hart. One of MHCC’s standout athletes, Chris Zeller, was pulled from some of his events. He passed on the 400- and 200-meter dashes, where he ranks second and first in the NWAACC, respectively, after some hamstring issues arose. But pushing past injury, Zeller came back in full force at the Mt. Hood Multi Meet on Monday and Tuesday where he placed fourth overall with 5,656 points in the decathlon. Sophomore Zach Young, and Hanke also competed in the decathlon and freshmen Terra Zodrow and Whitney Swenson competed in the heptathlon on the women’s side. Young placed sixth (missing fifth by one point) and Terra Zodrow placed second in the heptathlon. Swenson, who was in first place after the first day’s events, was forced to pull out after some health issues arose. “Whitney had an awesome meet the first day. Apparently she went to the doctor and toward the end of the day she said she had strep throat,” said Hart. Swenson said, “If I had competed (Tuesday), I
could have qualified for NWAACC (for heptathlon).” Though Swenson wasn’t able to compete Tuesday, she placed seventh and said she was excited to try something new, “It was my first time doing it. I liked it. It’s fun to do all the events,” she said. In the 10-event decathlon (males) and the fiveevent heptathlon (females), competitors participate in a variety of sprinting, throwing, jumping and distance events ranging from the shot put, to the 1500-meter run. Hart said, “It’s the best of all worlds. It’s the best athletes on the track,” said Hart of the decathlon and heptathlon events. Zeller said, “It was a lot of fun, but definitely a challenge. It was a lot of fun doing stuff that I’ve never done before and trying new things.” “I’m definitely going to do it again. I’m for sure going to do it at the NWAACC (championship meet). With such big performances early on in by athletes, it begs the question of whether these individuals might peak early. “Peaking is a myth. Peaking doesn’t exist in a good program,” said Hart, “Right now, we’re transitioning from a fitness stage to a speed stage. “Their level of fitness is higher than it has ever been in their lives. We’re not anywhere close to peaking right now.” “I’ve got about 16 years of experience doing this and its highly prevalent that our athletes have big PRs at the end of the season,” he said. “I anticipate the same this year.”
Offense comes to life
Saints sweep third straight doubleheader By Jon Fuccillo The Advocate
Photo by jon fuccillo/the advocate
Saints sophomore Matt Nylen, shown earlier in the season, had a four-hit game in the Saints 13-5 game one victory over the Clackamas Cougars Tuesday afternoon in Oregon City.
The South’s No. 1 Saints overcame their recent offensive woes Tuesday afternoon in Oregon City as they lit up the Clackamas Cougars for 26 runs on 31 hits in a doubleheader sweep. The two victories, by scores of 13-5 and 13-2, extended the team’s win streak to six games. The Saints are now 8-2 in Southern Region play (12-5 overall) while the Cougars are now 3-7 in conference (9-13 overall). Sophomore outfielder Matt Nylen torched the Cougars staff in game one to help Saints freshman starting pitcher Isaac Henslee (10). Nylen pieced together a four-hit performance, including two singles, a double and his second homerun of the season. The bat he used to hit his homerun was only good for two hits before it snapped. “He (Nylen) bought a cheap bat from Big 5 and used it kind of as a joke because he liked the way it felt,” sophomore infielder Grant
Fink said Tuesday night. “He said it felt good and hit a homerun and a double with it — and then it broke.” Nylen said, “My dad got the bat for me and said, ‘Hit a bomb with it and if it breaks, it’s not a big deal.’” Fink said he feels the Saints offense has caught stride and can match the strength of their pitching. “It was incredible,” Fink said of the high-scoring offense. “We were hitting like crazy. It was a rival game and we’re better than them. We knew what we had to do. “We expected to win,” Fink added. “Now it’s time to forget about these games and move on. Leave the past in the past and worry about the future and make a run at this thing (Southern Region championship).” Sophomore ace Jeremy Burright (3-0) did his part in taming the Cougars in the second game after the Cougars jumped out to a 2-1 lead after the first inning. The Saints offense responded in the top of the second by piling six runs. The Saints went on to score three runs in both the fourth and sixth innings.
“We’re hot right now,” freshman infielder Trevor Cass said Tuesday night. Cass ended the night 5 for 7 with two doubles and three RBIs. “We knew our hitting would come through,” Cass added, “It just took a little time. Our confidence was always there. It just took a couple of games to get hot.” Cass also praised the pitching staff. “Our pitching is always good,” he said. “We have a great staff and pitchers who can command games. The way we see it, if we score three or more runs, we think we will win.” Nylen said, “Our pitching staff is the best in the South.” Sophomore outfielder Jared Chase said, “A good day for the Saints today. It’s going to be hard to beat us this year.” The Saints return to the diamond Saturday as they head south to Albany to face the Linn-Benton Roadrunners (11-11, 5-5) in a doubleheader. On Tuesday they travel to Eugene to square off with the Lane Titans (11-11, 6-4) for a doubleheader.
12 THE FLIPSIDE
THE ADVOCATE
iF THe BOaRd FORCes a sTRike, is THe COllege ReadY?
APRIL 15, 2011
Actually, they just got started thinking about it. What about interruptions to your spring term? The College has assured you that your education will be “seamless”. Here’s their solution: “...students will receive all the required hours... by adding a week or two to the end of the term...” —email from top-level administrator
Seamless. Really? Spring term into July? Besides impacting your summer plans, the Administration is making other short-sighted decisions that risk: • your accreditation • your certification • your graduation • your education
Tell the MHCC Board to put YOUR education first. Brian Freeman, Board Chair: 503-666-1606 brianjfreeman@msn.com
Rod Monroe: 503-760-4310 pogomonroe@aol.com
Dave Shields: 503-666-6167 dave.shields@comcast.net
Beverly Russell: 503-512-8854 bevruss@comcast.net or Beverly.russell@mhcc.edu
Bob Morris: 503-669-0744 BnBmorris@comcast.net
Ralph Yates, D.O.: 503-667-9647 ryates@tpcllp.com or cfma525@msn.com
Your MHCC Faculty do not want to strike, but will if necessary. Your actions and your voice could make the difference between a strike and a settled contract. Paid for By the mhcc faculty association
find out more @ www.Be-informed.net