The Advocate, Issue 1, September 26, 20011

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Refund drop date moved five days earlier

September 26, 2011

‘Light and Dark’ dominate Fireside Gallery exhibit

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Map may help students navigate MHCC campus

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Volume 47, Issue 1

www.Advocate-Online.net

Parking at MHCC

Student pockets Take a

HIT

As fall term begins, students face increased tuition and a new parking fee and permit system.

Local Community College Parking Fees

by John Tkebuchava The Advocate

In addition to tuition increases, MHCC is also imposing a new parking permit fee, effective Oct. 5.

There are signs posted throughout campus indicating where students can acquire their permits. Students can purchase a permit in cash for $25 per term or $75 per year at Student Services. However, students can save a few dollars on both if they buy the permits on the MHCC website.

There will be a grace period until Oct. 5 to allow students the chance to obtain permits before the policy is enforced.

A citation for parking permit violations is $25.

Students with motorcycles will receive special bands rather than permit slips that can be attached to their vehicle.

Each car permit and motorcycle band will be equipped with serial numbers that are registered into the system and are linked to the student’s name and information.

Students can register up three vehicles under one permit.

See Parking Page 3

Portland Community College

$150* Mt. Hood Community College

$75* Clark College

$0* Clackamas Community College

$0* *Cost of Annual Parking Permit

ASG to make a push on diversity

by Mike Mata The Advocate

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Developing a Diversity Resource Center (DRC) is a main goal this year for Associated Student Government President Jackie Altamirano and Vice President Erika Molina.

After returning from a retreat in the third weekend of September, ASG will hold talks with the administration to develop a DRC to benefit all members of the student body, particularly those who are minorities or “a part of a disenfranchised community,” Altamirano said.

“We are doing a lot of research into how others colleges and universities are doing it and getting a feel for how it can be run,” she added.

Molina said, “We (ASG) want to know how to best represent everybody, how Gresham is changing and taking that into account so we are representing and embracing all cultures.”

Besides the need for greater diversity awareness and support, Altamirano and Molina are leading ASG to a greater presence at the Capitol in Salem and to lobby for student issues and rights.

These issues include a bill for tuition equity that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if an Oregon school accepts them. There is also a bill that would help regulate textbook prices in Oregon.

See ASG Page 4

Hundreds of students welcomed at orientation

by Mel-Isha Jones The Advocate

Nearly 800 nervous, excited and in-between new students flooded the MHCC gym Thursday and settled in for the eighth annual student orientation.

“Don’t go through life disoriented. Go to orientation,” print center office assistant Theresa Snyder said.

Students were welcomed at a breakfast while Associated Student Government officials and Student Activity Board members danced with Barney, the college mascot. They worked up the audience and gave out t-shirts, chanting, “When I say ‘Mount,’ you say ‘Hood!’”

MHCC interim President Michael Hay, ASG President Jackie Altamirano and Vice President Erika Molina officially welcomed the students.

Hay said he was also a community college student, and reassured the audience, “It’s all about you. We want to make that the hallmark for what we do.”

See Orientation Page 4 Mt. Hood Community College

Gresham, Oregon

2 opinion September 26, 2011

The advocate Editor-in-Chief Jill-Marie Gavin

Assistant Associate Editors John Tkebuchava & Mike Mata

Sports Editor Chanel Hill

Living Arts Editor David Gambill

Assistant Living Arts Editor Kylie Rogers

Opinion Editor Shelby Schwartz

Copy Editors Kylie Rogers & Yuca Kosugi

Photo Editor Riley Hinds

Web Editor John Tkebuchava

Advertising Manager Jen Ashenberner

Reporters Brittany Ghinga Mel-Isha Jones Laura Knudson Mario Rubio

Interim Adviser Bob Watkins

Assistant Adviser Dan Ernst

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New year sprouts new hope following a rocky 2010-11 Doom and gloom hovered over the college last year.

Significant budget cuts and a very public and adversarial faculty contract negotiation may have left students with a hangover. In addition, President John Sygielski abandoned the college to take a similar post in Pennsylvania and there are three new faces on the Mt. Hood Community College District board.

These events may make it hard to step into this school year with an optimistic eye.

But students still have one very strong beacon of light to cling to heading into 2011-2012, and it’s tucked away in a corner of the Academic Center, coming from the College Center.

New Associated Student Government President Jackie Altamirano and Vice President Erika Molina lead a team that will surge forward with an ambitious list of student-serving campaigns that include partnering with local colleges to bring attention to the heavy financial loads placed on students through tuition and book prices.

They also have high hopes of creating a diversity resource center that will serve as a haven to minorities who may have felt isolated thus far in their student journey. This is a commendable project that holds virtue, considering the Portland metropolitan area was cited as more than 75 percent Caucasian in the 2010 U.S. census. However, this center will serve as home to all types of minorities, reaching further than just ethnicity.

Students can even choose to put hope into the drastically

Guest Column:

Students suffer most from administration blunders

by Shannon Valdivia

Instructor of speech communication/director of forensics

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.

different team of administrative bigwigs.

The departure of the Mt. Hood president last year may have seemed like a bad omen, if you want to look at it that way.

The loss of three long-standing board members may also have seemed like yet another hit to the college in a long run of public battery, if you want to look at it that way.

A better view to take is that a new interim president and three new board members may have a perspective that students have not yet seen in the well-furnished offices upstairs and they may turn out to serve students very well.

If the ASG leadership is able to take the reins on delivering a more tolerant and fiscally relaxed campus on the student side, and if the new administrative super team can finally take a step down and see through the eyes of students and faculty, even just 2 percent more than last year, then everyone has a good chance at having a serene school year.

It’s a choice students all have had to make at the beginning of this year: Will they focus on all of the mistakes and disappointments in past experience at MHCC — or will students hope for the best and embrace a brighter future?

A strange and wild summer is turning into a cool and chilly fall – especially if you are an MHCC student on financial aid.

Now, I am not here to rip on the hard working staff led by Financial Aid Director Christi Hart. My comments are aimed at the administration, which seems to want to ignore the perfect storm they find themselves in: an increasing number of students needing financial aid and a financial aid office that is understaffed and cannot handle the mountain of applications.

In a series of emails on July 8 with Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Services David Minger, he acknowledged the issue and said he, his staff and the President’s Council were working on solutions to the problem. On July 12, a financial aid FAQ was posted to the MHCC website to give students information regarding the delays. To their credit, I did hear from some students that Mr. Minger, Dean Robert Cox and David Sussman were in contact with students who had been impacted by this problem – but I am sure there are many more who did not get that personal attention and the problems only continued.

I taught two public speaking classes during the second half of summer term and had close to a dozen students that had not received their financial aid. I was able to get them through the course by cleaning out my cabinets of all extra copies of my textbook (even older versions). Yet, I need to let you know some of those students took their final exams with those borrowed books having never received their aid. This problem created challenges in the students other courses as well. One student would leave my class and go directly to the library everyday so she could check out a math book to do her homework. Some students spoke of sharing books with classmates or going without and praying they would pass the class. I have many more stories I could share with you, but this column would then be too long to print.

To expedite more award letters, the financial aid office has been closed until 2 p.m. daily since July so that staff can focus on working

through files. Yet, even with the extra time, it is achingly clear that they need more staff. As of last week, they were working on files from July 18. Many students who have been told to not expect their aid until mid-to-late October, which means they will be starting this term without their textbooks and unable to pay for their parking passes.

This 8-10 week delay is unacceptable.

Now, to be fair, students need to pay closer attention to deadlines and not put things off to the last minute. But at the same time, the college must do more to communicate the importance of getting FAFSA and all other paperwork completed and turned in by an established deadline. When students ask questions, please do not read the talking points from the website or patronize them. Students see through the façade and the empty promises as their friends at other colleges— LARGER, not SMALLER, than ours — are receiving their financial aid in two weeks or less. Students are angry and frustrated and some have left or are strongly considering leaving MHCC. Students: Get informed and make your voices heard. Contact your ASG leaders. Write emails to the board members; their addresses can be found on the MHCC website. Request a meeting with Dean Cox, Vice President Minger, or interim President Michael Hay. Information is power. Customer service is suffering, and you deserve better.

Many faculty are doing what they can to help out. I call on my fellow faculty members to continue our commitment to placing copies of our texts on reserve and work to increase the number of online resources we can use in our courses, as well as continue to look for other cost-effective alternatives. These challenging times are going to be long-term and our students can use our help.

A strong indicator that students are losing their faith was illustrated by some of my summer public speaking students who donated their textbooks so that other students who needed books could get them — because they knew that if it could happen this summer it most likely will happen again in the fall. Other students are contacting me through the Faculty Association Facebook page to offer their used books for other classes. To those students who have stepped up: THANK YOU! However, I just cannot stop thinking your donations should not have been necessary.

New parking fee does not guarantee a spot so why bother?

by Shelby Schwartz The Advocate

The MHCC administration should have gotten its act together so we could all start the year off on a good foot. I was hoping that when I came back this fall, the apprehensive feeling in the pit of my stomach would go away.

But it didn’t. And now MHCC has implemented parking fees, yet another fee that students are required to pay.

The cost of the permits is $25 per term or $3 per day. I am not happy about this, probably because I was only informed of this fact when I read about it on the back of a bathroom stall during summer term. Wow, MHCC, thanks for letting us know about this.

Many students at MHCC need help to pay for school and therefore use financial aid to pay fees. Adding an ex-

tra $75-100 a year on top of class fees, textbooks and extra supplies may be a problem for many students. Students also have many other things to pay for.

It is great that they have so many places to buy the permits. There are four on-campus locations to purchase them, although the website makes it seem as though you can only purchase with cash in the Student Services office, Financial Aid in the bookstore and cash, credit and debit in the College Center. And you can only purchase day passes at ticket kiosks located between lots D & E, and next to south entrance of HPE building. Students can find information on where to purchase the permits on the website. If students are required to pay this fee, they should make them easier to purchase. Also irritating is that employees do not have to pay for parking permits.

According to the college website, MHCC has 2,700 parking spaces. That seems like a very large number but, in fact, there are staff, teachers and students all on cam-

pus during the day trying to find a parking spot. This is generally a chore, and if students are paying this fee then they probably would want to be guaranteed a spot.

Parking is limited on campus and I hope the administration realizes that this fee will anger students. Due to delays in the Financial Aid office, they may receive their financial aid late this year.

The reason for this new fee has not been explained to students, and because of this we may assume that it’s because of the massive debt that MHCC has incurred over the years. Are parking fees just a ploy to get more money from already broke college students?

Assuming the parking fees are here to stay, then the students have the right to know why they are paying this fee. And where is the money going? Is it going to help pay for this new system which most likely cost a pretty penny? Or is it going to help pay off the college’s mounting debt? We want the answers and we deserve to know.

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Refund deadline moved forward by unanimous board vote

September 26, 2011

Board tours completed center

Refunded drop deadline now day 7 of term

by Mario Rubio The Advocate

Full refund dates have been moved up from the last day of the second week of the term to Sunday after the first week.

The new policy began summer term and grants 100 percent tuition refunds if a student wishes to withdraw for the term before midnight of the seventh day of the term, giving students the option to drop their classes from home.

The decision was approved in a summer meeting with a unanimous vote by the MHCC District board. David Minger, vice president of student services, confirmed this decision.

Previously, the college granted a 100 percent refund for students until the second Friday of the term. This change moves that date back five days, typically on Sunday, giving the last instructional day to drop for a refund the first Friday of the term.

Peggy Maas, registration adviser, said that the shorter refund date will help students become more decisive in choosing their classes and will give instructors a shorter time in eliminating students who don’t show up or don’t drop their classes during the first week.

Library adds fee for copying and printing New fee requires a flash drive and debit or credit card

by Kylie Rogers The Advocate

Mt. Hood Community College implemented a printing charge, campus-wide, on July 6 The new fees range from 7 to 20 cents per sheet for black and white printing, and 15 to 60 cents per sheet for color, according to a library FAQ sheet available on the MyMHCC website, according to Sue Aschim, manager of auxiliary services,.

Faculty must log in to use their printing services; those charges are paid out of the department’s funding. Aschim said it’s up to the department managers to manage staff printing costs.

The changes were implemented for two reasons according to Aschim: “Number one, to be accountable, and number two, to reduce printing.”

To print, students must download all files to a flash drive and have a debit, credit or ExpressPay card ready to purchase prints.

ExpressPay cards are available at kiosks and can be prepaid with cash at the kiosks.

Cards are free and do not come with a preloaded amount.

Aschim said any student who still had remaining funds on the previous copy card could trade in their old card for the new one with the closest dollar value.

“If they have 10 cents left on their card, they’ll get a dollar. We round up,” said Aschim.

Photo by Riley Hinds/The Advocate

Capital Construction Project Manager Paul Dunlap demonstrates a water pump in the new Childhood Development Center’s sandbox for members of the district board Sept 14. From left: board members Diane Noriega and Maggie Nelson; interim President Michael Hay; board member David Shields; board clerk Michelle Gregory; Dunlap; and Vice President David Minger.

Parking: Permits to

raise $400,000 in first year Continued from page 1 As for who will need a permit and who does not, as of now, all students are required to purchase a parking permit and faculty will not have to pay (as decided by in collective bargaining agreements) and will be provided annual passes by the school. Visitors and guests to the school will follow different parking regulations.

Customers of the dental and cosmetology department will have reserved parking spaces in lots H (for dental) and A (for cosmetology). Neither students nor faculty can park in these lots; customers will not be required to obtain permits. “(Customers) have to sign in at the lobby and desk,” said Gale Blessing, head of public safety, in regards to the new parking arrangements, adding that enforcement officers will then check the logs to make sure lots are filled with legitimate patrons.

A similar arrangement will be used for parking lots near the aquatics center.

“Staff and students have to pay, but patrons don’t,” said Blessing.

Blessing said there would be a log for visitors at the aquatics as well, and that lots P and L will be reserved for them.

As for days and hours the parking permits would be enforced, Blessing said, “It’s enforced 24/7. Our public safety department is a 24/7 operation.

They not only regulate the permits, but will regulate other parking violations.”

Asked if limited public safety staff enforcing these new regulations would put a strain on the departments, Blessing said, “I don’t think it’s a strain.”

“We will have a presence in the parking lots more than ever before,” she said, adding, “Last year we were up to 10 staff members. This year we’re up to 30.”

As for special events and occasions, Blessing said requiring permits would

be decided on a “case-bycase basis.”

For visitors who are only stopping in the school temporarily, parking E will be available for free 30 minute parking. There will also be permit-dispensing machines throughout the campus where students and visitors can purchase day passes for $3.

As the parking permit system is new to MHCC, Blessing said there will continue to be changes made when necessary.

“After the term, we will be making enhancements and take out what needs to be changed,” she said.

Students will also be able to view all of their citations on the MHCC website and will have the ability to pay for the citations online as well.

Blessing also said students can appeal their citations through the citation committee, which meets once a month to review citations.

A limited 75 carpool permits will be also be available per term to students.

To qualify for carpool tickets, the carpool must consist of two or more people and the students must ride together at least three days a week.

According to Blessing, the parking permit will raise $400,000 in the 20112012 school year over a period of three terms (fall, winter and spring) and over $600,000 the next year over a period of four terms (including summer).

The revenue will be split three ways: one portion goes to help provide an increased security presence, including surveillance cameras, in parking lots; another portion will support the cost of technology and enforcement used for parking permit sales; and the remaining portion is to go into the college’s general fund.

The citations will begin Oct. 5, and will be handed out by the paid staff of public safety as well as the volunteers.

Parking Permit Facts Parking policy in effect Oct. 5

Expected first year-revenue $412,000 200% increase in public safety officers and volunteers Parking permits $25 per term

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September 26, 2011

ASG: Incoming

leaders to lobby for students

Contiued from page 1 “We’ve joined with Portland State University and Portland Community College to hold a rally to bring attention to bills that affect students,” said Altamirano.

“As MHCC students, we may not think of some of the bills that would affect us but, for example, as many students go to four-year schools after Mt. Hood, things like skyrocketing tuition would affect them,” she added.

Besides lobbying on behalf of students, Altamirano and Molina are also involved in lobbying for immigrant rights groups and other community issues, often going to meet with state legislators either in Multnomah County or at the Capitol.

For students interested in lobbying, they recommend setting up appointments with local representatives such as a state senator or representative.

Parking has been another issue for the new ASG regime, with emphasis on an increase on specialty spots. These spots include carpool, increased from 26 to 35 spots, 8 more disability spots and 4 more 30-minute parking spots. As well as more spots, they also gave their input to the new parking permit system.

“At least it [the parking permit system] is not like PSU. They have to pay hundreds more,” said Molina.

The contrast in schools is that PSU students can pay between $82 and $342 for full-time permits or between $82 and $283 for part-time permits.

Altamirano said, “As a student it’s another fee, but I like to think of the benefit to the college and hopefully the benefit that will go on to the students.

“It’s also inspired me to be more active (to try to avoid driving),” she added.

The new ASG looks to build on the passion exhibited by the previous President Larry Collins-Morgan, said Altamirano.

“Larry was very passionate. For me, that’s what gets you through the thick and thin. I’ll put my own spin on it, but I want to carry on that passion and drive,” she added.

Photo by Mike Mata/The Advocate

ASG President Jackie Altamirano (left) confers Wednesday with Vice President Erika Molina outside the College Center about upcoming Welcome Week events.

Orientation: Ice cream social and clubs welcome students Continued from page 1 A slideshow of past students and teachers was shown, highlighting their favorite memories and activities at MHCC, giving the new students hopes for the memories they can create through attending MHCC. Following the video, 50 groups, consisting of 12-14 people, embarked on a campus tour with their designated S.O.A.R. (Student Outreach And Recruitment) leaders and volunteers.

First-year student Ashly W. marked the tour her favorite part of orientation, “You get to know a lot of stuff.

(You know) where things are, and everything that can help.”

Students retired to the main mall for lunch and an Academic Fair. Organizations such as Hospitality and Tourism, U Core (Catalytic Outreach and Research Experiences), Planned Parenthood, and Phi Theta Kappa waited with a smile to educate people about their programs.

The Learning Success Center (located in above the library in AC3300) displayed “5 Ways To Be Successful” on their

“I think it went great. I just hope they took something from it. If they need anything we’re here to help.”

Jackie Altamirano ASG president

table, encouraging students to invest in their free tutoring, student seminars, computer skills lab, learning skills specialists and online learning resources.

Public Safety Director Gale Blessings stressed the importance of safety for the students and the staff, “Officers are in control 24/7. We have emergency and of-

fice numbers students can call, also safe escorts that walk students to their cars if it’s dark. They also do car unlocks and jump-starts.”

The student success panel, led by fellow organization directors, assisted students in the importance of following the admission process and how to get and maintain financial aid.

Raw Action Crew showcased their break dancing skills for MHCC as well. Meadow McWhorter, Student Event Coordinator and advisor for ASG, said that Raw Action was “entertaining. (They) had great energy.”

ASG closed orientation passing out door prizes like an Xbox 360 Kinect, iPods, MHCC merchandise and Visa cash cards. The bookstore handed out gift bags to the first hundred students in the store.

Altamirano was excited about the turnout and said, “I think it went great. I just hope they took something from it. If they need anything we’re here to help.”

An ice cream social, given in the College Center was held after orientation.

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September 26, 2011

Photo contributed by Matt Hart

Mt. Hood’s men breaking off the starting line of the 8K cross country race Sept. 17 at the 2011 Sundodger Invitational at the University of Washington.

Cross country starts the season strong in Seattle

by John Tkebuchava The Advocate

Summer is gone, a new cross country season has begun — and several MHCC runners have already shattered their personal best times.

The team has lost Tahir Chakisso, who won the 2010 Southern Region title, but that did not dampen the spirits and expectations of head coach Matt Hart or his athletes at the Sundodger Invitational Sept. 17 at the University of Washington, their first meet of the season.

The top five finishers on the men’s side for the 8K race were sophomores Chris Newell, (26:40), Jonathan Butcher (26:55) and Donnie Coulson (27:45), and freshmen Kyle Williams (29:10) and Robert Hanke (32:24).

“On the men’s side, we have Jonathan Butcher and Chris Newell who did not run sub-28 (minutes) all of last year but did at the meet,” said Hart, even though the team is not at full strength, with some athletes sitting out due to injuries.

The women’s side competed in the 6K race, with sophomore Gabriella Diaz finishing first on the team with a time of 24:11. She was followed by freshman Christa Collmer (24:40), sophomore Jennifer Tina (26:07) and sophomore Andrea Baseda (27:53).

Though Hart was content with the women’s performance, he said their success suffered because some runners did not report to practice as early as others, and therefore weren’t in the best shape they could

Photo contributed by Matt Hart

Freshman Christa Collmer finishing her first cross country race at the 2011 Sundodger Invitational at the University of Washington.

have been.

Newcomer Kyle Williams, though not displeased with his results, was determined to topple his first time. “I didn’t do as well as I wanted but it was the first meet and my first 8K so I can’t complain,” he said.

The team’s early success can be attributed to the work and preparation the team put in over the summer.

“We have some core individuals who trained hard this summer,” Hart said, adding that their men’s squad was particularly dedicated. “We already are much better (than last year) and it’s because our young guys grew up from last year.”

As for his projections for the season, Hart was optimistic. “I think our team is going to be a lot stronger overall. All of our cores guys are going to be in the higher part of the pack,” he said.

“We don’t have a huge (men’s) team, but the guys we’ve got are good,” he added.

“On the women’s side, we’ve got Gabriela Diaz back and we got a young freshman, Christa Collmer, hanging with Gabi,” he said.

Asked whether he thinks his team can build on last week’s success at the next meet, Hart said the whole team has a shot at taking it to that next level, after having worked out the kinks the opener.

Next up for the cross country team is the Charles Bowles Invitational Oct. 1 at Willamette University in Salem.

Saints volleyball begins 2011 season with a mission

by Chanel Hill The Advocate

Small college, big opportunities.

WARNERPACIFIC.EDU PORTLAND, OR

The Saints volleyball team is showing a sense of urgency in early season action with the pangs of falling just short of the NWAACC title for the second consecutive year lingering in their minds.

“Coming so close, to fall short . . . it was just one of those things. We made a few more mistakes and it just wasn’t meant to be,” said head coach and 2010 Southern Coach of the Year Chelsea Speer. But she says she is seeing a lot of early promise in her roster this season. “I’m confident in this team’s ability to get it done. We definitely have the talent,” said Speer.

The Saints held the number one seed in the Southern Region with a 1-0 record and an 11-1 record overall going into their Sept. 23 home match against Southwest Oregon CC (results unavailable at press time). The Saints defeated five teams at the Walla Walla Crossover Tournament Sept. 16-17, including last year’s NWAACC champions the Blue Mountain Timberwolves (40, 16-4 overall), en route of a 5-0 first place finish.

That momentum carried into their first league match against the Chemeketa Storm Sept.

21, with the Saints sweeping the Storm in three straight games (25-11, 26-24, 25-20). The program is relying on its veterans to lead the team with five of the six sophomores on the team being returners. Returners include middle blocker Demi Belshe, Natalie Dwight, Rylie Engelson, Saasha Jacobson, Kaitlyn Maddams and Devan Belshe, who sat out against Chemeketa because of an injury.

Joining the team are seven true freshmen — Kelsey Merritt, Samantha Bryan, Kylie Kitzmiller, Anna Vieru, Maycee Abendschein, Alyssa Hall, Casi Johnson and red-shirt freshman Kaycie Kitzmiller.

Next up for the Saints on Wednesday at 6 p.m at Mt. Hood are the Linn-Benton Roadrunners, who handed the Saints their sole loss of this season, beating them Sept. 10 in three straight games (25-19, 25-19, 25-22). Speer said they will be tough competition again. “In my mind, they are the team to beat this year in the entire NWAACCs. They are very talented,” she said.

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September 26, 2011

Art Feature

Former MHCC art teacher displays art in campus Fireside Gallery coloring.

The light paintings do not have exotic subjects, said Campbell. His intention with them was to have The current Fireside Gallery showcase, “Light people see the subjects as “different than the everyand Dark” from Douglas Campbell, is something he day.” classifies as photo expressionism.

The dark pieces are fantasy-based, he said.

Campbell, beginning his 22nd year as an art pro- Campbell said the process is slightly different as fessor at George Fox University, mixes modern tech- well, focusing on a small section of a larger photo. nology and color influences from early century Ger“It takes something that starts as dull and livens man expressionism in his it up,” he said about the dark artpaintings. work.

His process begins with “We take things at face value a digital camera. Photos instead of using our imagination,” are then edited with Phosaid Campbell. toshop, turned into a black The 31-year Portland resident and white overhead transhas been published in more than parency, projected onto a 25 arts journals and magazines canvas that has already and has been part of around 170 been painted its base colexhibits, according to Campbell or and then the photo is and his resume. sketched onto the canvas “I’ve been in a variety of exhibwith a pencil. its and have had a few things pubCampbell’s gallery lished. I’d rather have (his art in) pieces are all done with the shows because the published acrylic paint and painted image is so small. It doesn’t have in layers of complementhe same impact,” said Campbell. tary colors, he said.

This is his first time being “I was tired of how I shown at Mt. Hood but he is not Photo contributed by Douglas Campbell was painting. I had been “A Campbell Self Portrait” new to the campus. He taught bausing photos for other sic design classes back in the ’80s. things and started experimenting. It happened over He’s taught art around the Northwest as well, a couple of years,” Campbell said about developing teaching classes at Lewis and Clark College, Pacific his artwork.

Northwest College of Art, Oregon College of Art “Most artists want to do something different and Craft, Warner Pacific and Evergreen State Unifrom what other artists are doing. It makes them dis- versity-Vancouver Campus. tinct,” said Campbell.

The “Light and Dark” showcase will be on disThe differences between paintings in the “Light play in the Fireside Gallery in the College Center and Dark” are distinct by subject matter as well as until Oct. 27.

by Kylie Rogers The Advocate

On Campus

Jazz Band awaits approval Program activities waiting to hear the go-ahead

by Mel-Isha Jones The Advocate

The MHCC Jazz Band has two concerts scheduled for this year.

Director Susie Jones says the band has two end-of-the-term concerts planned: one Dec. 8 for the end of fall term, and the other March 6 at the end of winter term.

All other gigs are awaiting administrative approval, Jones said.

This is a result of several setbacks the

Top: “Second Street Parking” resides with the rest of the showcase on display until Oct. 7 in the Fireside Gallery. Photo by Yuca Kosugi / The Advocate Middle: “Nautilus Labyrinth” Photo contributed by Douglas Campbell Bottom: “I Pledge Allegiance to the Fish” by Douglas Campbell is on display in the Fireside Gallery located in the College Center until Oct. 27. Photo by Yuca Kosugi / The Advocate

program has faced, Jones said. “We no longer have talent grants, our program is not listed in the catalog [and] classes are cut without notice.”

However, she said she refuses to let the odds define the department. “We’re doing our best, in spite of that, for students who have chosen MHCC. The main mission is to prepare students for careers.”

Jones added, “I’m continuing to do

everything I can to make the music department successful.”

She promised that the Jazz Band is “a great band and a lot of fun to watch,” and that one will never forget the “talent level and the enthusiasm MHCC students play with.”

Jones wants viewers and readers to remember “the enthusiasm for jazz. It’s all about the art form. Jazz is America’s gift to the world.”

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September 26, 2011

Off Campus

‘Neighborhoods’ reveals a grown-up side to blink-182

by Yuca Kosugi The Advocate

Your weekly reason to stand up and hit the streets

Sept.26 10 a.m. — Auditions for the Children’s Theater Production, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” College Theater.

4 p.m. — Auditions for ComedySportz Holiday Show, Studio Theater.

Sept.27 6:30 p.m. — History Pub at Edgefield, “The 13,000 Year History of Columbia River Salmon.” Speaker: Virginia Butler, professor of anthropology, Portland State University; free, all ages, Edgefield’s Power Station Theater.

Sept.28 10 a.m. — Auditions for the Children’s Theater Production, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” College Theater.

It’s been eight years since their last studio album, and five years since they announced an indefinite hiatus, and after too much drama and a near-fatal plane crash later, blink-182 is back with a new album.

“Neighborhoods” will be released Tuesday and it has rekindled a herd of old blink fans that rocked out to the then-active band during puberty.

The album overall still has a punkish-edge but with evidence that the members have grown up and out of their initial potty humor lyrics and hard, fast punk instrumentals that was apparent in their earlier albums such as “Dude Ranch” or “Take Off Your Pants And Shirt.”

Some tracks — such as their single, “Up All Night,” “Snake Charmer,” “This Is Home” and “Love is Dangerous” —have an experimental style similar to Angels and Airwaves, a band that blink-182 vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge formed after the split of blink-182 in 2005.

Part of it is due to the fact that DeLonge sings the melody of those songs instead of Mark Hoppus, who is the bassist and the other vocalist of blink-182.

DeLonge has higher (sometimes described as “whiney”) style vocals, while Hoppus has a deep

voice, which when harmonized sounds excellent.

In fact, the whole album has a little too much Angels and Airwaves vibe, which can best be described as space rock.

Some songs, however, have a slight reminiscence of their older style. “Native” is just that, with both DeLonge and Hoppus singing melody with fast-paced punk instrumentals. “Heart’s All Gone” is also of a similar style, except DeLonge only sings backup to Hoppus, which they should do more often.

It may be important to note that the reunion of the band was initiated and catalyzed after blink-182 drummer Travis Barker was aboard a plane that crashed in 2008. He was one of few survivors and sustained near-fatal injuries with second and third degree burns.

This brought the trio together after a four-year stalemate between DeLonge and the other two.

Bottom line is, the longevity of the band is reflected in the maturing content of the music. Their last album, self-titled “blink-182,” released eight years ago, broke out some of their more laid back music and mature content with lyrics talking about the hardships of adult-life and becoming fathers.

And this album is no differ-

Theater to hold two casting auditions today The Advocate

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Party in the Park in the Portland State University Park Blocks. More than 100 student organizations and departments will host display tables. Free Lebanese food, beverages and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream will be provided. Live music from Sleeper Agent, Morning Teleportation and The Shivas will be presented.

Sept.30 The first of a two-day H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, Hollywood Theater, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd.

Single night passes are $15 at the door and $12 in advance. Two-night passes are $25 at the door and $20 in advance. For more information and tickets, contact www.hplfilmfestival.com.

change, but it helps to appreciate blink-182’s evolution because the original fans have grown up as well.

While much of the fan base scoffed at the idea of ever being that old (“No one likes you when you’re 23 . . . .” from their song What’s My Age Again?), both sides have since grown to realize that yes, they are that old now.

On Campus

by David Gambill

Sept.29

ent. It even takes another step further.

Although it is definitely not the best that blink-182 has released, it’s hard to not appreciate that they did not completely flop on their comeback. Yes, the style has changed quite a bit, but that was already pretty apparent an album before. It’s different, but bearable. Even enjoyable.

Most people seem to hate

‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ Auditions for this year’s Children’s Theater show, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Kathryn Shultz Miller, are 10 a.m. today and Wednesday in the College Theater.

The play is based on a Washington Irving short story of the same title.

Theater manager Bruce Hostetler will cast and direct the show. Hostetler worked in professional theater for 23 years, with 20 years in directing, including work with Portland’s Theater Manager Bruce Hostetler Northwest Children’s Theater.

Hostetler describes “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” as a play about a schoolteacher who brings personal fears of the world with him into his new town. He said that when the teacher, Ichabod, and a rival, Brom, compete over a girl, Katrina, Brom exploits Ichabod’s fear by becoming the headless horseman and chases the schoolteacher out of town forever.

“I think there have been reproductions of this play or movie.

There was a movie Tim Burton directed that was a version of this, where you’re a little sympathetic toward Ichabod,” Hostetler said.

He said he sympathizes more with the townsfolk instead of Ichabod and his fears.

Hostetler said, “We get to see the world as the townspeople see it, where it’s kind of warm and friendly and everyone knows each other, and seeing it the way Ichabod sees it. When Ichabod looks at the world, it’s dark and scary and full of shadows and things that might jump out and go ‘boo.’”

Actors auditioning should bring with them a sense of humor and a willingness to look a little silly, Hostetler said. “If you’re going to

do children’s theater you have to be able to be child-like. And that’s different from childish,” he said.

Hostetler said everyone is welcome to audition, even if you do not have prior acting experience.

“It’s a big cast, lots and lots of different characters,” he said.

Enrollment is required in TA153D or TA253D to be in the play, according to the MHCC website.

The show opens for school groups 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7 with additional shows Nov. 9, 14, 16 and 18. A public performance will be 2 p.m. Nov. 19.

For tickets, contact the MHCC Performing Arts Box Office at 503491-7154. Tickets are $2.

ComedySportz Auditions for ComedySportz Holiday Show are 4 p.m. today in the Studio Theater.

The group will perform improv theater, routines that are made up on the spot, said ComedySportz director Jennifer Hunter.

“The performers don’t have a script, but rather work together to create a story that entertains the audience. It’s not stand-up,” Hunter said.

She said students could use the television show “Whose Line is it Anyway” to recognize the style.

Students should bring a good attitude and a willingness to try new things, Hunter said.

Actors who make the group are required to take classes from 4 to 7 p.m. on Mondays.

Hunter said there are many reasons students who are interested should audition.

“Not only is it fun, but improv can improve a student’s public speaking, working in groups, listening and overall self-esteem,” she said.

Participating students will be considered for the ComedySportz College Team.

The ComedySportz Holiday Show is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 in the Studio Theater.

You can find more information about Improv at www.comedysportz.com and www.portlandcomedy.com.

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September 26, 2011

Mt��Hood�Campus Tricks�and�Tips Visual Arts Center Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. * ID cards issued here Mon-Thu 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat 11 a.m. - 5 a.m.

Sun 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Fri 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sun 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Industrial Technology

Bookstore: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

College Center  Barney’s Pantry *ID cards issued here Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4

4

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Library

St. Helens Bistro UL

AC1500 / 2500



AC1600 / 2600

6

Visual Arts Theatre

Student Services ML

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Security Information

Main Campus Computer Lab  Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

5

Bookstore ML

5

Town & Gown College Center 13 Vista ML  Dining

Main Theatre

Student Services Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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 LL ML UL

Places to sit/eat/study Lower Level Middle Level Upper Level

St. Helens Bistro  Mon-Thu 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Fri 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

welcome Week monday (9/26)

7:30 - 9:30 a.m. pancake breakfast in the main mall & 1600’s courtyard noon - 1 p.m. sweet snacks with rho theta honor society in the main mall

tuesday (9/27)

7:30 - 9:30 a.m. pancake breakfast in the main mall & 1600’s courtyard noon - 2 p.m. finger food feast and root down concert in the main mall

wednesday (9/28)

noon - 2 p.m.

thursday (9/29)

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. portland giving back fest and gift giveaway at 1:30 p.m.

A better informed you is just a better you overall. The Advocate would like to help with that. Join our staff for a fastpaced and focused year. For more information and to join The Advocate, email us at advocatt@ mhcc.edu or come by room AC1369 in the Integrated Media building.

Gym

2

Early Childhood Center

3

Health and Physical Education

Gallery

PE16

2

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i Stad

Tutoring Center 

Library 

AC1700 / 2700

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Fie d n a

campus blowout bbq on the lawn by the pond