BTS Guide 2018 by The Montage

the

MONTAGE

table of contents Letter From the Editors Page 5

as you put on the tights

Jordan Morris Tyra Leesman Melissa Wilkinson Amanda Harris Lauren Johns Will Murry Mary Wilson Gina Carr Noah Sliney Ashley Biundo Syed Ali Morgan Ratliff Stephen Buechter Tania Robin Monica Obradovic Madison Bouse Tori Williams Meghan Guile Owen Bullivant Jason Waters

Online Editor-in-Chief Print Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Production Manager Art & Life Editor Art & Life Editor Emeritus Opinions Editor Graphics Editor Graphics Editor Emeritus Sports Editor Emeritus Photo Editor Copy Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Designer Contributor

Shannon Philpott-Sanders

Faculty Adviser

Editorial Views Expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessarily the views of St. Louis Community College, the board of trustees or the administration. The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122 (314) 984-7655. One copy of The Montage is free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, in the office of The Montage, SC 220A. Bulk purchases may be arranged with the circulation manager. To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., Call (314) 984-7955

Proud member of

06 - Your Lair Away From Home 07 - Save Money Before You Save the World 08 - Campus Map 11 - Technology Hubs of Meramec 12 - Advice from Fellow Heroes 13 - Advice from Fellow Mentors 14 - The Do’s And Don’ts of STLCC: Meramec

creating your origin story 16 - Super-Stops in St. Louis 17 - Find Your New Team: Meramec’s Clubs 18 - Crash Into Academic Resources 19 - Villains of Meramec 20 - Meramec’s Everyday Heroes 23 - Parks to Recharge Your Powers 24 - Hero Hangouts for Fantastic Friends 25 - Local Hero Recieves Highest Honor 26 - To Defeat Hunger: The Enemy Within

before taking flight 28 - Continuing Your Hero Training 29 - Showdown: Two-Year Vs. Four-Year Schools 30 - To New Horizons: College Comparison 31 - Super Skills for a Super Interview 32 - From Sidekick to Superhero: 15 Things to Live By 33 - 10 Missions to Accept with an Associate’s 36 - How to Write a Super Cover Letter 37 - Example Resume

Previously at Meramec 41 - SLASH! BAM! POW! Budget Cuts Hit Faculty Hard 42 - The Legend of Steve Taylor 43 - The Reduction in Force Rundown 44 - Creativity is the Greatest Super Power 46 - Chaco: Flying in Song and Spirit 47 - Changes to the Command Center 48 - How Meramec Athletes Became Heroes 50 - Previously on the Meramec Stage Front Cover illustration by Noah Sliney BAck cover photo-illustration by amanda harris

aphic by N oah

Sline y

A T

M E R A M E C

The Music Program at Meramec offers courses and ensembles for all students. Classes are available for general education credit and the Associate in Arts degree with a concentration in Music to prepare for transfer into a Bachelor of Music program. ** SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE **

COURSES

MUS 101,102,201,202 MUS 103 MUS 113 MUS 114 MUS 115,116 MUS 121,122,221,222 MUS 128 MUS 130 MUS 138,139,216 MUS 141,142,241,242 MUS 150 MUS 152 MUS 154 MUS 211,212

Music Theory I,II,III,IV Basic Music History of Jazz Music Appreciation Class Voice I,II Class Piano I,II,III,IV History of Rock Music Beginning Guitar Jazz Improvisation I,II,III Applied Music (Lessons) I,II,III,IV Fundamentals of Music Technology Audio Engineering Music Recording with ProTools I Music History I,II

Interested in performing in an ensemble? All Meramec students may participate. No audition is required!

ENSEMBLES

Music 132 – Orchestra Music 134 – Symphonic Band Music 135 – Concert Choir Music 138 – Jazz Improvisation All ensembles hold a seat/part assignment hearing during the first rehearsal. Members of the Concert Choir may audition for the Chamber Singers and/or the Creative Contemporary ensembles.

For more information, contact Music at Meramec Dr. Jerry Myers, Program Coordinator, gmyers34@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7638

letters from the editors Welcome to the Back to School Guide, a super summer magazine written and produced by The Montage student newspaper staff. This guide has one mission: to help you as you get Tyra Leesman started on (or continue) your Meramec career. Think of it as your Alfred, your Jarvis, your pre-mission briefcase without the self-destruct feature. In the “As You Put On the Tights” section, we’ll highlight the need-to-know facts for attending college at Meramec. You won’t need to leap tall buildings in

Jordan Morris Section 1

a single bound, but you might need to know where to find a printer or a quiet study spot! Next is “Creating your Origin Story”, wherein your trusty Montage sidekicks go over the amazing self-discovery opportunities available to you during your time here. From plays to parks and places to hang out, Meramec is your Gotham City and it needs you! Section three is all about getting ready to burst into the real world as the fully-realized, fully-evolved superhero you will have become. Whether you’re getting your degree or entering a trade with a hard-earned certificate, our “Before You Take Flight” section will get you informed. Finally, “Previously at Meramec” is the section where we give you some

Welcome to the halls of Meramec and thank you for picking up this summer issue of The Montage. I have been working on The Montage for two years now, but I’ve always wanted to try to push our paper to new horizons. That being said, there have been many things I want to change here at The Montage,

backstory. If you’re new to campus, you’ve missed a lot of action! These are your case files on the news you might have missed last year. As your new Editor-in-Chief, I am excited to head the print platform of The Montage. I don this cape at the tail-end of my fourth consecutive semester at Meramec and to the metaphorical table I bring more than five years of writing experience as a copywriter and proofreader in St. Louis. I have two children, a divorce and more than a decade in the workforce on my tool belt. I believe that my life experience (AKA: old age) makes me a decent representative of the back-to-school demographic on campus and proof that even busy single moms can make time for extracurriculars!

including having a greater online presence and making sure that we are building a strong community at STLCC. My main goal as the online Editor-in-Chief is to make sure that our readers have a place to share their ideas, concerns and greatest achievements at Meramec. We as a paper strive to bring

you the news in a comprehensive manner. For our online platform and social media presence, I will strive to give up-to-date news while also providing truth and accuracy. We want to have a dialogue with students and our community alike. Thank you for this grand opportunity to serve all of you.

as you put on the tights

Your Lair away from Home Tori williams - Staff writer

Every villain needs a lair, but sometimes the lair isn’t the best place to develop devious plots. You know how it is. The creative juices just stop flowing and you keep staring at the sombrero you used in that absolutely disastrous scheme last week and it’s just not working. What you need is a nice, quiet, secluded place away from the prying eyes of heroes. Here are some spaces on campus where you can get your work done and get away from your bumbling henchpeople.

The first place you can go to get away is the second floor between the lecture hall and science buildings. There are tables to spread out your blueprints and plenty of natural light. This space is set away from most major foot traffic, so it is an ideal place to get work done or spend some time away from the bustle of campus life. The second place is the garden space next to the upper west parking lot. This area is rarely busy and has multiple benches, a babbling creek, lots of shade, Photos by Tori Williams

some interesting sculptures and myriads of flowers (in the spring). It may not seem like the kind of place a villain would frequent, but that is what makes it even better. No hero would expect to find you there. The third place is just outside the east theater lobby. There is a bench and some trees; it’s just a quiet little space to spend some time away from people. Because of the trees, this area also offers ample shade. This is a place you are likely to have all to yourself. If you prefer something more drab yet climate controlled, the upper floor of the Social Science building is often deserted. This is a poorly lit hallway, but it is wide and does have comfortable seating. Since it rarely handles foot traffic, it is usually quiet and secluded. Despite its position on the second floor, this hallway most closely resembles a lair and will thus make any villain feel right at home. Finally, if none of these spaces are really your speed, there is always the library. It may not always be the most silent of buildings, but there is a silent study area located upstairs. If you are the kind of villain that needs to be completely alone with your thoughts, this is the spot for you. However, you must be warned that heroes may be nearby too. This area is not always empty.

Garden space next to upper west parking lot

the secluded east theater lobby

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lecture hall study space

as you put on the tights

Above: Meramec’s Bookstore

photos by amanda harris

Save Money before you Save the World Tania Robin - Staff Writer

We’ve all struggled with the evil of textbooks. Not only are they expensive, but sometimes they’re difficult to find. No matter what your class, The Montage has you covered. Join the crusade for cheaper textbooks with these tips and tricks. Amazon Often the cheapest in price depending on the course, this website also offers perks for being a student, like a free trial of their Prime account (which grants free 2-day shipping for all orders.) After the free trial expires, students can purchase a Prime membership for $50 a year. Textbooks can be bought or rented via Amazon and sold back to Amazon after use. Some older textbooks are available for between $10 and $30. Bookbyte Bookbyte has been around since 1999 and is based out of Oregon. In addition to buying or renting, you can also sell books and it offers free shipping when you do so. Section 1

Meramec Bookstore Whether you added a class last minute or simply procrastinated for a bit too long, when all else fails, there’s always the Meramec bookstore. They carry both new and used books and often offer rental options for less. Purchase them direct from the store or buy them online and pick them up in person. You can also sell your textbook back to the store at the end of the year. (Don’t expect much in the way of profit, though.) Chegg An extremely popular website, Chegg lets users buy, rent or sell textbooks online. Prices are very cheap compared to other rental sites and they have a wide variety. Be wary of editions, though; some professors will require a specific textbook edition while Chegg may only have older versions. Selling textbooks here is a good way to make a little extra cash if you don’t mind waiting three to five weeks for a check.

Barnes & Noble Barnes & Noble’s online shop doesn’t usually have free shipping, but the low book prices make up for that. Semester-long rentals are potentially cheaper than buying and they offer extended rent times and option to purchase at the end of the rental. While there are other options for buying textbooks, try these sources before you blow a ton of your hard-earned cash on Psychology 101. Always do your research, consider renting instead of buying and make sure you’re getting the right textbook and not a prior edition or similar title. Happy shopping!

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Students with disAbilities

have Access at STLCC.

St. Louis Community College makes every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you have accommodation needs, please contact the Access office at the campus where you are registered. While accommodations may be requested at any time, some accommodations may require many weeks to arrange. Florissant Valley Access Office 3400 Pershall Road St. Louis, MO 63135-1499 E-mail: fvaccess@stlcc.edu Phone: 314-513-4551 Fax: 314-513-4876 Relay Missouri: 711

Forest Park Access Office

Meramec Access Office

5600 Oakland Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1393 E-mail: fpaccess@stlcc.edu Phone: 314-644-9039 Fax: 314-951-9439 Relay Missouri: 711

11333 Big Bend Road Kirkwood, MO 63122-5799 E-mail: mcaccess@stlcc.edu Phone: 314-984-7673 Fax: 314-984-7123 Relay Missouri: 711

Wildwood Student Enrollment and Disability Support Services 2645 Generations Drive Wildwood, MO 63040-1168 E-mail: wwaccess@stlcc.edu Phone: 636-422-2000 Fax: 636-422-2050 Relay Missouri: 711

St. Louis Community College expands minds and changes lives every day. We create accessible, dynamic learning environments focused on the needs of our diverse communities. Florissant Valley

Forest Park

Meramec

www.stlcc.edu

Wildwood

Technology hubs of Meramec Let’s say you’re having tech problems; your internet is down, your printer is out of ink, your computer has a virus or you just don’t have the software or hardware you need to get that project done that’s due next week. Meramec is here to help with your tech woes! While there are many computer labs on the Meramec campus, here are the top four tech resources that are available to you as a student enrolled here at STLCC Meramec. The main hub of technology you’ll likely be using most is the library. The library here has an ample amount of both PCs and Apple computers at your disposal, all fully equipped with the Microsoft Office Suite for essays, spreadsheets and Powerpoint presentations. For the art majors who can’t afford a Wacom drawing tablet and the Adobe suite, they have you covered too. Drawing tablets are available at your request so no artist is left behind. This next feature of the library is probably the most important feature of the entire building, one that has saved many a hide at Meramec: 100 percent free printing. That’s right, you heard me; free printing. No student ID, date of birth, email, mother’s maiden name, or last four digits of your social security number required. Just free printing. Next is the newest computer lab to pop up on campus in Student Center room 216, hosted by the TRIO student assistance program; the TRIO lab. Available to students registered with the TRIO program for those with learning disabilities, the TRIO lab is the most convenient way for students with disabilities to get help with studying from fellow students who care and understand. This lab is strictly for those registered with the TRIO program. If you would like to register for TRIO, call (314) 984-7303 for more information. For Meramec music majors, there is a lab for you. The Humanities East building’s piano lab in room 112 has 18 digital keyboards and PCs equipped with the composition program Finale, the music

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production program Pro Tools and the music theory tutoring program Auralia. All are programs essential to the development of the modern-day music major. Also, if you don’t like digital, there are practice rooms right outside the lab with real pianos in each room for you to practice on. Last but not least on our list is the Business Administration building’s math lab, room BA201. Whether you take math online or on campus, the second floor math lab is available to you for you to work and practice on your math whenever it’s open. Math is an essential subject for the general transfer degree here at Meramec, so it’s advised you get all the help you can. No matter what kind of tech assistance you may need, STLCC Meramec has you covered with a variety of options and opportunities at your disposal so you can never be left in a hard spot.

Photos by Will Murry

Will Murry - art & life editor Emeritus

Top: Piano in Humanities East building. Middle: The Ba201 Math lab. Bottom Left: A student uses a library computer. Bottom right: The Trio Computer Lab in SC216.

as you put on the tights

advice from fellow heroes meghan guile - staff writer

Incoming Meramec students!

We are so happy you will be attending classes this year. To new students, welcome! And to all returning students, we are glad to see you again. A new school

can be scary, but fortunately, we have some advice for you about our wonderful school: STLCC Meramec. This advice is not just for incoming students. Not everyone knows the best ways to stay on track

or the best places to study, so we have gathered some advice from seasoned attendees of the college. Every school has its perks, so here are some tips on how to use them to your advantage! Photos by meghan guile

-Kourtney Timper Sophomore “Don’t fall behind in school. If you do, talk to the teacher about it. They will help you. Don’t fall asleep in class and make sure you are always on time. There will always be extra help in the library for any classes you are falling behind in or other help on papers.”

-Isaiah Wilson Freshman “Pick classes in which you can learn something that will correspond with your everyday life. Also, explore the varieties of classes offered.”

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-Concilia Ndlovu Sophomore “Take your classes seriously from the first day. Be proactive; read your textbook before class so that if there is anything you don’t understand, you can ask your professor in class. Do your homework on time. Basically, stay on top of things and attend all your classes.”

-Alex Schejbal Sophomore “Manage your time wisely and and hang with people who push you to excel in school and life.”

-Jason Loomer Sophomore “Don’t sweat the big stuff. Never be afraid to ask for help. The campus has a plethora of resources.”

Graphic by jason waters

advice from fellow mentors lauren Johns - Staff Writer

Welcome, new recruits!

Meramec is happy to have you. Whether you’re coming to us fresh out of high school, from another university or from a cozy retirement, a new campus can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Meramec’s faculty are here to help you ease into your new role as a campus superhero. During the beginning of fall and spring semesters, Meramec hosts “Welcome Week” events to help you get to know your fellow

-Carl Campbell Geology Professor “Students incorrectly assume that a community college doesn’t teach the same curriculum as four year schools. In reality, this is the same material taught at Washington University.”

-Carolyn O’laughlin Campus Life “Meramec shouldn’t be like Target, where you have a transactional experience and leave. The fact that this school doesn’t supply housing shouldn’t prevent you from getting the full experience and making real connections with someone.”

students and find some common ground, including the Club Expo, where campus clubs set up a booth in the cafeteria or outdoors and field questions from prospective members. Meramec has a club for everyone, but if you don’t see any club that you like, you can create one by working with Carolyn O’Laughlin of Campus Life on the second floor of the Student Center. Take advantage of fellow students and teachers here at Meramec. Most

-Maxine Beach College Composition Professor “Students often come into college with bad habits from high school. You have to be willing to learn. Just showing up won’t get you that A.”

-Sophia Pierroutsakos Psychology Professor “As importance as attendance and active participation is, many students don’t reach out to me enough. I think part of that spans from the fact that many of them don’t read the syllabus.” Photos by syed Ali

of the time, all you’ve got to do is ask and you’ll receive whatever help it is you need. Whether you need directions to the bathroom or general life advice, Meramec’s excellent staff and professors can help you on your way to greatness. No matter what you’re studying, count on a teacher to answer questions about class, school life and beyond. They’re here for you and they want to talk to you. Get to know your teachers and make the most of your time on campus.

-Jerry Myers Music Theory Professor “For singing auditions, I really look for good pitch, nice tone and where the student has sung before. Being dependable, hardworking and pleasant to be around is also significant.”

-Amee Colvin Public Speaking Professor “I look for a step up from casual, so avoid tanktops, wearing hats, anything that will distract from your speech. And avoid speaking over your alotted time. In the work force, people get angry due to other priorities.”

as you put on the tights

The Do’s and Don’ts of STLCC: Meramec Monica Obradovic - emeritus staff writer

Obtain a free parking pass. Park like a grandma post eye-dilation.

Greet friends.

Shout from one floor of the library to the other. Yes, you haven’t seen ‘ya girl’ Jamie in forever. But Jamie’s doing great, as everyone else now knows.

Be polite. Smile at strangers as they walk by. It’s creepy and this isn’t Canada.

Walk on the right side of the hallway. Walk distractedly. No one cares if you’re playing Pokemon Go and there’s a bulbasaur 30 feet away.

Respect the campus. Leave empty Doritos bags to roll in the breeze like hallway tumbleweeds.

Enjoy the great outdoors of our open campus. Climb trees and observe people from your hallowed perch.

Walk at a moderately brisk pace in the hallway.

Bring food to campus.

Walk negative two mph and make everyone behind you wish they were Eleven from “Stranger Things” so they could trip you with their mind.

Whip out a full Jimmy John’s sandwich with all things crunchy and smelly mid-lecture.

Proudly project your unique and beautiful personality.

Proudly project music from a backpack speaker.

Eat delicious foods in the cafeteria. Eat a bag of Cheetos and then leave fingerprints everywhere.

Bathe.

Study in the library.

Drive up to school in your week-old stank.

Have a heated conversation with your mother on the phone for all to hear.

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as you put on the tights

super-stops in Saint Louis Lauren Johns - Art & Life Editor

a VIEW FROM THE ARCH, 630 FEET UP

The Muny This is the largest outdoor theater in the country, seating 11,000 at a time. In addition, they are currently celebrating their 100th year. Ticket prices are reasonable, starting at $15.00 per person, with shows for every age and preference. It’s the perfect place for those who want to watch a show while soaking up some rays (or starlight). Forest Park Surrounding the Muny is the seventh largest urban park in the United States. If you’ve ever been to Central Park in New York City, you’ll be shocked to learn that this park is 450 acres larger. St. Louis Zoo This particular zoo, located in Forest Park, is 89 acres of over 603 different species of animals. With a petting zoo for young children and animal shows for all ages, this is a must-visit on nice day, especially in the summer months. Better yet, it’s free. St. Louis Art Museum With exhibits on Egypt’s lost cities, jew-

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elry and artifacts from the Chinese dynasties and Greek embroideries, you can travel the world without leaving home. And it’s only a ten minute drive from the zoo. Science Center With over 700 interactive and exciting exhibits for learning something new, you can fill your mind with facts on any subject you desire, ranging from natural history, and paleontology to industrial machinery. There’s giant dinosaur anamatronics, a planetarium, an IMAX theater and a chance to peek inside an ancient mummy’s tomb. You can even attempt to build a replica of the Arch. Botanical Gardens It’s basically a “zoo for plants”, which makes it the perfect spot for nature lovers of all kinds. During the summer and winter months, light festivals are widely popular. The area is set aglow with giant dragons, numerous lanterns, dandelions and plants galore. The colder months bring light tunnels and flashing reindeer.

Botanical Gardens’ Stone fountain

City Museum The main entrance is enough of a surprise when the first thing you see is a lifesize whale. If you wander further into the building, you’ll come across several indoor caves, random tunnels hidden in every nook and cranny, a human size hamster wheel, a hall of mirrors and a small room for shows involving circus acrobots. Outside, you’ll discover two ball pits, old airplanes hanging in the sky with wire tunnels leading up to them, a school bus on the roof and a castle-like building.

Just avoid tight spaced areas if you’re claustrophobic. (Or if you prefer not to become well acquainted with the entire museum staff as they struggle to yank you out if you get stuck. Busch Stadium Baseball fan? This year marks the Cardinals’ 127th season of play in the National League, joined in 1982. Since then, the team has won over 9,900 games, finished in first place 25 times and won 11 World Series Championships. With a stadium capacity of 45,529 people, feel free to take your family, your family’s friends and the friends of your families friends. Delmar Loop Think of the Loop as the St. Louis version of Chicago’s Magnificient Mile. Tourist favorites include Snow Factory (with their insta-famous rolled ice cream and dragon’s breath, aka fruity puffed cereal dipped in liquid nitrogen). Also on this list: Vintage Vinyl, (records never go out of style); Fitz’s (known for diabetic-coma inducing rootbeer floats) Delmar Hall (for concerts) and eateries like Blueberry Hill. There is also a ‘Walk of Fame’ which features stars for Chuck Berry, Maya Angelou and many other St Louis icons. photos by AmandA HARRIS

You’ve already made the journey here, but haven’t reached your final destination. Don’t forget your camera as you experience tourism at its finest. The Arch Take an elevator to the top to admire the vast city and spacious skies. The Arch was built in 1834 as a “Gateway to the West,” memorializing the starting point of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition and the beginning of Thomas Jefferson’s Westward Expansion.

a Fitz’s float in the Delmar Loop

Creating your origin story

Find your new team: Meramec’s Clubs Tania Robin - Staff Writer

Looking to be a campus hero? Consider being more involved on campus by checking out Meramec’s vast variety of student-run clubs! Think beyond getting good grades and take the time to meet others, expand your horizons and try new things. Here are three active clubs on campus to get you started building your new team, but don’t forget to attend the club fair at the beginning of the semester to check out everything else available. photos by Amanda Harris Queer Student Union This is a club for every color of the rainbow. They work to provide acceptance, support and opportunity to all LGBTQ+ students of Meramec through outreach programming, volunteer work and providing knowledge of the queer community. QSU sponsors different student activities, such as sexual education workshops, movie trips and seminars, which are open to all students, club members and non-members alike. They are a friendly, welcoming club set on building a family through students who want more of a community on campus. QSU meets every Thursday from 3:30 to 5 p. m. in SC204.

Women’s Club Women’s club began spring of 2018. Their goal is to create a safe place for discussion about the societal issues that women face as well as work to encourage women to better themselves in their education and career with greater emphasis on STEM. Although it might not be obvious by the title, you don’t have to be a woman to join. “Women’s club is a community of great people who want to do great things. Come join us to make new friends, make lasting memories and make a change,” says president Maria Stoentcheva. Women’s club also hosts events on campus. For example, last semester they invited a panel of speakers to raise awareness about sexual harassment with a large student turn out. Contact advisor Amanda White (amwhite@stlcc.edu) with questions.

Student Social Action Committee The SSAC is designed to provide students with a platform by which to make an impact on local and state level government and an opportunity for the discussion of the contemporary political arena and the ideologies which inform it. Each semester, this club selects and votes on the most important issues that students feel passionate about and they work all semester to achieve their goals. If you want to be a part of making positive change for the campus, school and students then this is the club for you. The SSAC is open to everyone interested. They meet Mondays at 4 p. m. in BA120.

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Creating your origin story

Crash Into Academic Resources Stephen Buechter - Staff Writer

Online

In-Person

Some courses use online books, assignments, or forms. Refer to The Library has a wide variety of books to read for your class syllabuses or ask your teachers to see what resources entertainment or research. There is also a copy machine, are online. computers and printers. Blackboard is the most important student resource, where you can find your grades and class information or send emails to teachers. All students have access after registration.

Math Tutoring is available on the second story of the library for all math courses. It requires signing in with your student ID number, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free and has hours from 9-8 on Monday -Thursday or 9-3 on Fridays.

Banner Self-Service is where you can register for or drop classes, make payments, or view and send transcripts. Banner uses the same login as Blackboard. The Course Catalog is a listing of all available programs for the college, including degrees and certificates. It is available at https://catalog.stlcc.edu/general-information. THe Interactive Class Schedule is a listing of all available courses in a semester, along with the next and previous semesters, including start and end dates, class times, teachers, Academic Advisors are available to discuss academic and how many slots are open. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available at https://applications. planning, transfers, careers, graduation requirements and more. They are available Monday-Thursday from 8-7 and Friday stlcc.edu/ClassSchedule/Term_Courses.asp. from 9-4:30. Computer Labs are quiet and available in addition to library computers in rooms in AD 201 or SW 110. Hours may be found online at https://www.stlcc.edu/student-support/campustechnology/tech-support.aspx

Student Email addresses are assigned to all students and can be used to communicate with teachers, and receive both schoolwide and class announcements. photos by Amanda Harris

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creating your origin story

Villains of Meramec Tyra Leesman - Print Editor-in-chief

Attention, heroes! Facing turmoil while trying to achieve greatness? Here’s some stellar advice to combat the campus’ greatest evil-doers! Procrastination

This dastardly villain works his evil by whispering into students’ ears, “You still have time!” Whether it’s baking, napping, going to the movies or actually doing something productive (just not the productive thing one should be performing), Procrastination is a difficult foe to overcome. This is a sneaky villain who favors working in increments of “just five more minutes” or “one last episode” to silently steal time away from would-be studiers. What’s more, students often find it difficult to resist Procrastination, since it appears to be a matter of choosing what one should do over what one wants to do. To combat Procrastination, good students can put a number of measures in place. Setting a timer for non-study-related activities, scheduling homework and study time in advance and finding an accountability buddy are all solid ways to win the fight against Procrastination. Fatigue

Hard-working students aren’t immune to the villainy of this Meramec baddie. In fact, it’s the hardest working students who most often fall prey to the mischief of Fatigue. Many community college attendees hold jobs, sometimes working fulltime schedules. On top of that, many Meramec students are parents, or spend time volunteering (or all of the above)! Fatigue can sneak up on a student suddenly, knocking them down in the middle of lunch break, or grow slowly heavier and heavier on their shoulders like a loaded-down backpack after a week of overtime and short-staffed call-ins.

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Once a person is tired, accomplishing anything, let alone making time to study, can seem like a monumental task. When wise students find themselves clashing with this villain, they make time for self-care. Short naps, well-timed coffee breaks, drinking enough water and cardiovascular exercise are all proven tricks to beat Fatigue when it strikes. It goes without saying that limiting screen time in order to get a full eight hours of sleep every night is hands-down the single most effective weapon students can give themselves when fighting Fatigue. Poor Study Skills

Poor Study Skills is a villain who preys on those who haven’t studied in a while, have trouble concentrating, or struggle with learning disabilities like dyslexia. Students who find that they don’t test well or can’t remember the material they are learning in class may come to realize

that studying isn’t their strong suit. The fact of the matter is, sometimes the subject a student is studying simply isn’t their favorite. This is bound to lower retention of the information. Meramec campus boasts many common-sense remedies to this scoundrel’s schemes. The student center contains a writing center, math tutors and much more for those who need some extra help. The heroes in the Access Office ensure reasonable accommodations for any disability, including extra time for taking tests. Some simple ways to improve study skills include taking detailed notes, studying in groups and asking professors for clarification when questions arise. Engagement is key!

Creating Your Origin Story

Driving to Campus? Geyer Road: N e w S c h o o l Ye a r, N e w R e s t r i c t i v e M e a s u re s

N e w P e d e s t r i a n M e a s u re s o n S o u t h G e y e r • M o re c ro s s w a l k s a n d a d d i t i o n a l s i d e w a l k s . • R a d a r s p e e d s i g n s t o i n c re a s e d r i v e r a w a re n e s s . • N a r ro w l a n e s . • C ro s s w a l k b e a c o n s a c t i v a t e d b y p e d e s t r i a n s – l o o k f o r f l a s h i n g l i g h t s , a n d t h e n S T O P.

Driver Tips: • Wa i t u n t i l p e d e s t r i a n s h a v e c ro s s e d t h e e n t i re ro a d w a y b e f o re d r i v i n g f o r w a rd . • Do not pass another vehicle that is stopped at a c ro s s w a l k . • B e a l e r t . R e d u c e s p e e d i n a re a s w i t h p e d e s t r i a n s a n d c ro s s w a l k s . • S T O P i f p e d e s t r i a n s a re c ro s s i n g o r p re p a r i n g t o c ro s s . • Yi e l d t o p e d e s t r i a n s i n a c ro s s w a l k , e v e n w h e re t h e re i s n o s i g n a l - t h i s i s t h e L a w i n M i s s o u r i .

Alternate Route Option:

Dougherty Ferry to I-270

Alternate Route Option:

Big Bend/Kirkwood Road to I-44

• F ro m I - 2 7 0 : G o w e s t o n

• F ro m I - 4 4 : Ta k e L i n d b e rg h ( K i r k w o o d

D o u g h e r t y F e r r y. Tu r n r i g h t o n t o

Road) exit. Go north to Big Bend and then

Ballas, which becomes Adams

left to campus.

Av e n u e , a n d t h e n r i g h t o n C o u c h

• F ro m I - 4 4 : Ta k e B i g B e n d e x i t . G o w e s t

to campus.

• F ro m c a m p u s : Ta k e C o u c h ( o n western side of campus) north to A d a m s Av e n u e . T h e n l e f t o n Adams (which becomes Ballas) and left on Dougherty Ferry to I-270.

Parks to Recharge Your Powers Tori Williams - Staff Writer

Whether you’re a full-fledged hero or just in-training, everybody needs a place to relax. With so many options close by, there are plenty of parks to choose from, each with its own scenery and qualities. Organized from closest to farthest proximity, here are nine parks within 10 miles of Meramec where you can recharge before a long day of crime fighting. Dee Koestering Park (0.8 miles) Once a quarry, Dee Koestering has stacks of rocks, a scenic overlook and a hiking trail. Handicap parking is available and the overlook trail is wheelchair accessible. This park is perfect for a quick yet strenuous hike or an afternoon of exploring. Kirkwood Park (1.2 miles) Kirkwood Park is perhaps one of the best known parks around Meramec, offering walking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, an amphitheater and a lake. This park is good for a quick outing or general recreation. Laumeier Sculpture Park (1.3 miles) Laumeier Sculpture Park features more than 60 sculptures, extensive walking trails and plenty of open ground. Great for both art students and for people who would prefer to admire art from a distance, it’s the perfect place for a quick hike, lunch or even a full-day trip. Walker Park (2.1 miles) This is a small park on the outskirts of downtown Kirkwood. It has a pavilion, a couple of sculptures, benches and ample tree cover, all of which make this park ideal for a quick lunch break. Watson Trail Park (2.3 miles) Like the name suggests, this park is a great source of walking trails. The largest park in the Sunset Hills area, this park

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includes a lake, several playgrounds and picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts, three swimming pools and a 9-hole frisbee golf course. Emmenegger Nature Park (2.4 Miles) This is a hiking park next to the Meramec River, with miles of trails that span its valley and hillsides. On one side, visitors look out over Interstate 270, and on the other, they can look out over the river and into Fenton. Pioneer Park (3 miles) Pioneer Park is a small park in Des Peres with tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court and plenty of open, grassy area. This park would be an excellent park for a picnic under the trees or a quick ball game with friends. Twin Oaks Park (4.9 miles) Twin Oaks Park has a large pavilion, picnic tables with backrests, three waterfalls in its pond, a playground, basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, tennis courts and lots of open fields. It’s a small park, but it is well worth a visit. This is the perfect place to study, have lunch, or just hang out. Drace Park (6 miles) Drace Park has an interesting design. It features a large pavilion, a playground and a walking path. Also in the park are three log cabins and a cleverly designed play area. The play structures are made of wood and blend in well with their surroundings. Castlewood State Park (7.9 Miles) Castlewood State Park features miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and river access, as well as a playground and creek. The extensive trails take hikers up to the top of the bluffs where they can look out over the rolling hills and all the way down to the Meramec River.

photos by Tori williams

Top: Dee Koestering Park Middle: Twin Oaks Park Bottom: Laumeier Sculpture Park

Creating your origin story

Hero Hangouts for fantastic friends Tyra Leesman - Print Editor-in-chief

The Library

The Student Center

The Quad

Your first impression of the STLCC Meramec library as a hangout spot might be that it’s too quiet for quality hanging. The foreboding signs on the second floor declaring a large portion of area the “silent zone” or “quiet section” certainly don’t invite friendly conversation. However, this section is exactly what makes the rest of the library a great hangout! As long as you’re not too close to the section lovingly nicknamed “Cram Central”, the comfy chairs, openness and large tables accommodate social interaction from study groups to gossip. The line for the printer is a common place for conversation.

In the cafeteria, students can choose to sit in the open section (by the food) or the booth and round table section, separated by an artistically curvy wall. Romantic encounters are not an uncommon sight in the darker corners of this area, whereas ten feet away, one might see a group of ten or more loudly debating the music videos on the nearby screens. It’s not just the cafeteria where students love to chill, though. The bookstore offers snack opportunities and conversation as you browse. The lobby boasts a long booth with low tables (good for foot-propping) and taller dining tables for more intimate chitchat.

On warmer days, students with good pollen tolerance can be seen lying in the grass or sitting at one of the many stone picnic benches around the corner. More than one hammock has been spotted in the low branches of trees over the years, and if you’re willing to carry a blanket around campus, folks are rarely shy about approaching your lunch setup to request a piece of ground. Invite your friends to bring their lunches outside on a warm fall afternoon. Pop the top off a rootbeer bottle between classes with a study partner. Vitamin D is crucial to your brain, body and energy levels. Soak it up!

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Section 2

Creating your origin story

Local Hero recieves highest honor Tyra Leesman - Print Editor-in-chief

Section 2

photo by Noah Sliney

Benjamin J. Talley, recently instated as St. Louis Community College’s new police captain, has been a law enforcement officer for roughly 17 years, 14 of them with St. Louis Community College. Talley took over the post in May 2018, after a series of terminations left STLCC without a police captain for over a year. He described his new post as overseeing multiple open-to-the-public campuses. “My job is to provide officers throughout the community that can embed themselves and earn your trust so we can provide the best services to you. If you believe in us, we can help you,” said Talley. Among his accomplishments are a bachelor’s from UMSL, a master’s in organizational security management and certification as a protection professional. Talley held the rank of Lieutenant for four years prior to his promotion to Captain on May 18. Part of Talley’s plans for the future of campus security at the college incorporate a discussion about what he called a long-standing fault in the system – campus divides. “Cultures are different on each campus. We need to be united throughout the district,” said Talley. “What I know here is the same as the officers at Florissant Valley campus. We’re reorganizing our structure. We can’t survive as many entities; we need to work together.” In the current political atmosphere of Saint Louis, as well as the nation, some controversy about over-policing and distrust in the system have arisen. The unexplained discharge of STLCC officers last year, which was a direct violation of the Sunshine Law, has contributed to this distrust on the Meramec campus. Though Captain Talley did not comment on this infraction, he did address the underlying issue by stressing the importance of trusting those whose job it is to protect students and the difficulties his officers face in doing this at a two-year campus.

Benjamin J. Talley accepts captain position at board of Trustees meeting on May 17, 2018.

“Turn-over is faster at a two-year campus, so it’s hard to get buy-in for [security] programs. Campuses where people live have more in-depth programs. We need to look at the system with a more student-oriented approach. I think we need to be more embedded in the community,” said Talley. “We’re out here on foot. We’re out here on bikes. We’re out here for you. This is not a police with a college; it’s a college with a police. If you don’t feel safe and secure, you’ll probably go somewhere else. I am Saint Louis Community College. I believe in the students here and I want students, faculty, and staff to believe in us.” To help students feel protected, Talley and his officers carry business cards with tips on staying safe. Many students are unaware that according to school policy, carrying mace or pepper spray is prohibited. Crossing a dark campus or parking lot can be frightening for those who find themselves walking alone. For situations like these, any student at STLCC is encouraged to call for an escort by an of-

ficer. Talley also encourages calling the number on the cards if a student notices anything that could be a hindrance to vision, such as a burned-out light or an overgrown bush. “It sounds goofy, but these cards; See something, say something. You don’t know what we’re looking for. That little thing you call us on, you may think it’s nothing. It’s really simple things that could be the answer to some of our problems,” said Talley. Talley’s promotion to captain could mean new security structures across all STLCC campuses and the implementation of new measures that students will likely never notice. Being used to behind-the-scenes work, Talley expressed little frustration with the years it took to be promoted or the lack of recognition campus police sometimes receive. Talley said he is happy to serve and looks forward to continuing to change STLCC for the better. “It’s just exciting to see changes,” said Talley. “I’m part of that!”

Creating your origin story

to defeat hunger: the enemy within Monica Obradovic - Staff Writer

Every superhero gets hungry sometimes. Time wasted battling hunger is time that could be spent tackling the true enemy of school life: homework! Fortunately, Meramec is surrounded by ample choices for your morning, midday and evening fill-ups. Whether you’re on a coffee run, seeking junk food or health food or in the mood for a full meal, check out some of these suggestions. Don’t let hunger ruin your study sessions! Grab your food and get back to work. You can’t save the city on an empty stomach.

Spencer’s Grill Located in the heart of historic Kirkwood, Spencer’s Grill was rated as one of the best diners in St. Louis by the Riverfront Times. The restaurant offers a traditional diner experience, with a menu consisting of mostly breakfast items, but don’t forget their infamous quarter-pound burgers!

Yolklore Yolklore is a casual breakfast and brunch spot only ten minutes away from campus. For students coming to class from the city, Yolklore is a fast and convenient food option. With options spanning from BLTs to their Pancake Roll Up (two scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and roasted salsa all wrapped into a pancake) there’s something for everyone. The best part? All menu options cost under $10.

Kabul Express This Afghan restaurant is farther away than the others, but offers a diverse menu of gyros, kabobs, wraps and homemade Afghan cuisine. You don’t have to be Middle Eastern to sample the food in this small nook off of Broadway Blvd. Enjoy a meal at Kabul Express whether you’re a native Afghan student or an adventurous American eater. Photos by Amanda Harris

IHOP How to go wrong with IHOP? The menu is cheap, and where else could someone eat a stack of New York Cheesecake Pancakes? From campus, IHOP is a less-than-fiveminute drive down Geyer Road. Get your fix of morning calories and coffee before coming to class, grab a leisurely lunch or enjoy dinner or a snack after class in this classic 24-hour eatery.

Blaze Pizza Ah, pizza. The human body consists of sixty percent water, and the rest is pizza. At least it should be. Opened in April 2018, Blaze is new to Kirkwood and has ever since been packed with locals wanting to get a mouthful of their ‘fast fire’d’ pizza. Blaze is like the pizza version of Subway, where patrons walk down a line and tell employees what they’d like on top of their crunchy crust. Blaze Pizza is open until 10 p.m.

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Jack in the Box Does this place need an introduction? Tacos, burgers, curly fries. Cheesecake? Name the food and Jack in the Box has got it. The area surrounding the STLCC Meramec campus is jam-packed with amazing restaurants. Jack in the Box, however, is a quick and cheap option for students on the go. Just a short drive from Lindbergh to Watson Road, this fast food restaurant is only five minutes away from campus.

Great Harvest Bread Company If there’s an entity ruling this universe, they have truly blessed the world with Great Harvest’s cheesy garlic bread. For those carb-conscious eaters, this bakery uses fresh and healthy ingredients and offers some vegetarian options. With a coffee bar and sandwich and salad menu, Great Harvest is a quick and healthy lunch option for Meramec students.

Creating your origin story

Continuing your hero training Stephen Buechter - staff writer

While You’re Here Pick a Major and a four-year institution:

This will influence which classes you need to take before transferring, along with financial planning and university insight.Taking required courses for General Transfer Studies is a good start, but it will benefit you to take other courses specific to a chosen major. Follow your Transfer Guide: The STLCC website provides information on classes needed for specific majors in nearly all Missouri universities. Information for each can be found at www.stlcc. edu/admissions/transfer-planning/transferring-out-of-stlcc.aspx See an Advisor: An advisor can double-check your plans, make suggestions on when to take classes and provide other information to make sure the transferring process goes smoothly. To Be Continued... Contact an of choice:

advisor

your

school

Nearly all universities have transfer offices. They can assist you in registering, finding financial aid and any other questions or concerns you may have. Send transcripts: Make sure your school has a copy of your final transcript; universities require this. Check here for more information and help sending a transcript: www.stlcc.edu/admissions/ transcript.aspx Apply for scholarships: Fill out your Federal Application for Student Aid and check your school’s website or call their financial office to find where to apply for scholarships from the school and its associates. Plan your Finances: School isn’t cheap, so you will need to budget your expenses. Make sure you know costs for room and board, class fees, tuition and anything else you may need to pay for. Graphic by Gina Carr

Section 3

Before Taking flight

Showdown: 2-Year vs. 4-year schools Tyra Leesman - Print Editor-in-chief

Two-year and four-year colleges differ in many ways, but both are good options for furthering your education. It is important to weigh the varying elements they offer in order to make the decision that is right for you.

2-year College

• You can be a part time student • They will generally not have on-campus housing • Tuition costs much lower

are

typically

• They usually offer very few bachelor’s degree options • Generally smaller class sizes • Teachers can be more focused on individual students 4-year College

• It will be difficult to work fulltime while attending • Tuition is higher priced • They offer a wide variety of advanced degrees, often including master’s programs • They are usually larger schools • Teachers are likely to focus heavily on research Information: www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/community-college

Graphic by Gina Carr

Section 3

Before taking flight

To New Horizons: College Comparisons Stephen Buechter - Staff Writer, Will Murry - Art & Life editor Emeritus

washington university Missouri State University

saint louis university

Located in Springfield, MO Estimated Yearly Tuition: $17,381 Has connections in China, including a campus there Formerly known as Southwest Missouri University, Missouri State is the second largest university by enrollment in the state. The 225-acre university is home to 40 buildings and has a rich sports community and several greek fraternal organizations.

• Located in St. Louis, MO • Estimated Yearly Tuition: $43,160 • Private Jesuit school The oldest St. Louis city college, St. Louis University, founded in 1818, is the second oldest Jesuit school in the United States and is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. They also have a campus in Madrid, Spain operated for almost 50 years, making the facility the first freestanding campus operated by an American university in Europe.

• • •

University of Missouri

• Located in Columbia, MO • Estimated Yearly Tuition: $28,046 • Offers over 300 degree programs Hailing from central Missouri, Mizzou has Missouri’s biggest student population with 30,870 students enrolled in 2017. The massive 1,262-acre campus is home to siz museums, 14 libraries and 23 on-campus residence halls, making it the largest public university in Missouri. With a 77 percent acceptance rate, Mizzou is one of the most popular transfer choices.

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• $52,400/year cost estimate • Main campus in St. Louis, MO • 77 diversity-related student groups Named after first president George Washington, WashU was founded in 1853 and is known as St Louis’ most prestigious university. Even the campus has been host to important events the most notable being the 1992, 2000, 2004, and 2016 presidential debates. The university’s undergraduate program is ranked 18th in the nation and are known for their high standards in academia.

university of missourisaint louis Truman state university

• Located in Kirksville, MO • Estimated Yearly Tuition: $32,000 • School mascot is the Bulldogs Originally known as Northeast Missouri State, Truman State is a moderately sized university. The name change, after US president Harry S. Truman, was to better reflect their new pursuit of high academics. The Greek fraternal organisations make up 20 percent of the campus population and the university sponsors 18 individual sports teams.

• • •

Located in St. Louis, MO Estimated Yearly Tuition: $23,080 Known for their optometry and fine arts programs Located just outside St. Louis city, UMSL was established in 1963 and has a current student population of over 16,000. The St. Louis metro transit system has a station specifically for the campus, making car-free travel not only possible but convenient for students. The university also owns St. Louis’ NPR branch, KWMU 90.7 FM St. Louis Public Radio.

Before taking flight

Super skills for a super interview Tyra Leesman - Print Editor-in-Chief

Interviewing can be scary. Sometimes sitting in a desk chair, facing down a potential employer and talking about yourself feels like public speaking. The job interview can seem like a monumentally difficult challenge, particularly for people with anxiety or those who get nervous in office settings. How does one talk oneself up without sounding self-absorbed? What does an interviewer observe in a potential hire’s non-verbal language? Almost everything a job-seeker needs to know fits into the three P’s of interviewing: punctuality, put-togetherness and preparedness. They are the most easy-to-remember, common sense concepts for interviewing like a rock star. Be Punctual Being habitually late is a problem for employers. If employees cannot self-manage well enough to get themselves to work at the expected time every day, it is unlikely that they will be able to self-manage on the job. This means constant supervision and often uncomfortable reprimands for being off-task or for poor performance. Being late to an interview is a great big no. Not five minutes, not one minute, not even 30-seconds is acceptable. This shows that a candidate doesn’t care about getting the job enough to be on time; or worse, that the candidate is incapable of meeting the most minimal of expectations on their own. When interviewing for a new job, a candidate must consider the time of the interview, the time it will take to get there and time for finding the location if one has never been there. A good candidate will budget around fifteen extra minutes for delays and last minute primping. (Half an hour implies an overabundance of free time. Five is safe, but could leave an interviewee in a crunch if nature calls at the last minute.) Be sure to leave with plenty of time for driving and parking.

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Be Put-Together When an employer invites a person to meet at their business to discuss a job, it is expected that the potential hire will not make that business look bad by arriving in

Graphic by Gina Carr

jeans or a hoodie. It is also expected that the interviewee will use the non-verbal language of appearance to promote their

ability to prepare and be professional. One way to talk about oneself without actually resorting to, well, talking about oneself, is appearance. To cut back on the amount of “Here’s why I’m awesome” discussion, an interviewee can speak volumes about him or herself simply by dressing appropriately. This also demonstrates an understanding of how the business tries to present itself publically and that a new hire fits into that image. Being put-together demonstrates organization. Not only has a good candidate researched the public image of a company, but they have budgeted enough time in the day to go the extra mile and will therefore go the extra mile in all aspects of their life, including work. Be Prepared All interviewees should have a well formatted, printed copy of their resume in hand for an interview. The information in it should be relevant to the specific job for which one is applying. Even if this item is not specifically asked-for, it shows that a potential employee has qualities they believe to be worth showing off. In addition to a hard copy of one’s resume, having a pen or other writing utensil says a lot about what a person brings to the table. Being prepared for whatever comes their way – from additional paper applications to W-2s – an employer can get excited about an employee who doesn’t need supervision and accommodation. Thanks, but I actually brought a pen! Having thought about the questions an interviewer might ask is the ultimate preparation. If an interviewee freezes or blurts, the results can be bleak. However, if an interviewee knows just where they want to be in five years, and has rehearsed an appealing way to present that information, an employer will certainly notice and appreciate their forethought. Forethought leads to more desirable outcomes for workplace projects.

before taking flight

From Sidekick to superhero: 15 things to live by Morgan Ratliff - Copy editor

So, you think you’re ready to be an adult. You want to put on your big-boy cape and wreak havoc on the world, subjecting other actual adults to your idiocy. However, there’s a secret that you may finally be ready to hear—everyone’s an idiot and no one knows what they’re doing. You’re all running around faking it ‘til you make it, hoping nobody notices how dumb you really are. Even so, there are 15 things even the biggest baby can do to get by. By following these rules, you might be more convincing than three kids stacked in a trenchcoat. Here’s hoping your reading comprehension is good enough. 1. Don’t be so quick to cash in all your IQ points for JC Penney store credit, you moron. Instead, favor coupons and handme-down shopping as a viable alternative. Stay smart. 2. You might work a job you hate and hate the job you work. It is normal. Find fulfillment elsewhere like in friends or a neato TV show. Ya ever heard of friends? Probably not. 3. Always pay your bills on time, just like your speeding tickets. Also, don’t get speeding tickets. 4. Cook your own meals. Most of you imbecilic infantiles burn water but flip to the nearest Rachel Ray channel and work your way up from that sludge to Gordon Ramsey YouTube videos. Your ears may need to adjust to the abuse, you overly sensitive nitwits. 5. Devote time on a daily basis to exercising. Age is like an upcoming winter and once it arrives it stays. Everything goes south for the winter. Everything. Stave it off by taking care of your physique. You’ll live longer to boot, too. 6. Speaking of living longer: If your mental health is suffering, take yourself off those creepy internet forums and into a licensed office with a therapist, psychiatrist, or even a strait jacket. Whatever fancies your particular brand of crazy. Pop pills like mini-M&Ms if the doctor insists,

Section 3

go for a walk in the sunlight, drink a glass or two of water and hope your brain starts making the happy chemical. 7. Consider relationships as mutually beneficial partnerships built upon plenty of respect, honest communication and devotion. This isn’t high school. Don’t try to maintain a relationship purely through text, with nothing in common except your mutual love of getting wasted in your parent’s basement. 8. Put that phone down. Crutches are for people who can’t walk, not the socially-handicapped. Talking to people is important, such as, for example, actually having a conversation. Think of it like a forgotten art form, kick yourself in the groin for thinking like that and simply strike up a conversation. It’s simple and easy. 9. Don’t be afraid to meet people. Your four-year degree will get you about as far as the people you know, in some instances. I’m not saying you have to like Joe from marketing. But Joe from marketing should like you. 10. Put on some sunscreen. Unless you want to look like a catcher’s glove and have a cancerous mole for every year of your pathetically short existence thus far, grab some SPF 50 and lather it on. 11. Cut back on the swearing. Amp up the strategic swearing. Particularly the volume. A curse word soaring across the high school cafeteria with the

grace of an eagle is like a poorly hurled pile of crap in an office. It won’t work out in your favor. 12. Balance your checkbook. (Just kidding. Who has a checkbook anymore? Let your bank app do it.) 13. Change your oil on time. And change the oil in your car on time. Don’t tell me you aren’t a robot. Admit it. Anyway, learn how to change a tire while you’re at it. 14. Accept the inevitability of aging. I mean, duke it out with fate, sure. But be 50 when ya hit 50. Deal with it. 15. Eat your veggies. All of that fast food will catch up with you quickly. Go figure.

Before Taking flight

10 missions to accept with an associate’s Tyra Leesman - print Editor-in-chief

1. Accountant Salary Range: $30,00 - $62,410 Description: Accountants keep track of financial documents, complete tax forms, track spending and much more. If you like numbers, math, and more importantly, money, accounting might be for you! Helpful Classes to Take: Applied Accounting, Survey of Business Taxes

managing and hiring staff and bookkeeping. If you are organized and task-oriented, you might be well-equipped to be an office manager. Helpful Classes to Take: Small Business Management, Elementary Statistics

7.Graphic Designer Salary Range: $30,597 - $60,923 Description: Graphic designers take on projects like illustration, cartooning and display design. Commercial advertisers and copywriters use graphic designers to make their products and services look appealing. This is a job for people who doodle! Helpful Classes to Take: Computer Art Studio, Figure Drawing

2. Automotive Technician Salary Range: $23,000 - $62,000 Description: Automotive technicians perform routine maintenance and repairs on automobiles, as well as diagnostics. If hydraulics and suspension sounds super exciting, look into automotive technology! Helpful Classes to Take: Automotive Electronics, Automotive Powertrains 3. Office Manager Salary Range: $31,294 - $66,380 Description: Office managers handle the day-to-day operations of businesses, including filing paperwork, doing inventory,

Graphics by Gina Carr

4. Clinical Laboratory Technician Salary Range: $25,890 - $60,810 Description: A clinical laboratory technician is responsible for collecting and analyzing specimens and maintaining lab equipment. This is a job for people who can label well and record in detail. Helpful Classes to Take: Pathogenic Bacteriology, Clinical Chemistry 5. Cyber Security Analyst Salary Range: $50,103 - $116,665 Description: Cyber security analysts test and audit computer security. This job is for people who take privacy and security seriously. Helpful Classes to Take: Digital Forensics, Enterprise Security Management 6. Dental Hygienist Salary Range: $34,191 - $75,314 Description: Dental hygienists perform general dental duties in a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office. They do cleanings,

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sealant applications, and patient education, among many other specialized tasks. Helpful Classes to Take: General and Oral Pathology, Dental Nutrition/Biochemistry

8. Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Range: $30,407 - $61,520 Description: Occupational therapy assistants are responsible for aiding Registered Occupational Therapists in caring for patients in rehabilitative settings, including physical, mental, behavioral and other capacities. Helpful Classes to Take: Adaptive Activities, Health and Disease 9. Photographer Salary Range: $24,685 - $76,376 Description: A photographer must be up-to-date on the latest tech in their field. They must know cameras, lighting, editing and have a good eye for composition. Helpful Classes to Take: Digital Photography, History of Photography 10. Software Developer Salary Range: $48,729 - $102,692 Description: Software developers are in charge of inventing, maintaining, testing and updating computer systems for companies. If programming gets your heart pumping, check out software development. Helpful Classes to Take: Computer Literacy, C# Programming

Before taking flight

? g n i r r e f s n a r T n i d e t s e r Inte uriâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;St. Louis isso

Transfer

University of M

Office hours for STLCC Meramec students: Advising Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clark Hall

Monday & Tuesday, contact Christy at askchristy@umsl.edu or 314-984-7512 for an appointment. Wednesday thru Friday, contact Terri at furlowt@umsl.edu or 314-984-7512 for an appointment.

Christy Hummel Transfer Specialist

To learn more about our Off-Campus Degree Completion Program in Business at the South County Education Center, contact Sue Bateman at 636-481-3244 or batemans@umsl.edu.

CHOOSE Terri Furlow Transfer Specialist

Serious education. Serious value.SM

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The Montage

We know words. We have the best words.

How to write a super cover letter Stephen Buechter - Staff Writer

December 25, 2018 Mr. Fred Fury Tree Cat Removal Company 122 E. Hero Ave. Largeville, IL 63119

Dear Mr. Fury, I believe my experience as Meramecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendly neighborhood superhero has prepared me to serve the wider community as a cat rescuer. I have assisted numerous students and many requested my return, as shown by the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online reviews. I bring to the table great jumping height, punctuality, responsibility and friendliness.

Last semester provided interesting challenges. Though I was accustomed to pet cats being the only animals stuck in trees, the support dogs brought in during finals week required the development of new and unique strategies. In addition, my day job tutoring other students required me to forge deep community connections which helped me realize that becoming a superhero is my true destiny. Through my experiences on campus, I have learned and developed skills in community organization and cat removal. I personally created a school beautification day to clean the campus, as well as a fundraising program to ensure every cat owner in the school can afford a ladder, just in case. In closing, I believe I am a prime candidate for the job of cat rescuer. I have two years of experience in the field, as well as quality people skills. Should I be hired, I would be a valuable asset to your organization. Please feel free to contact me on my personal phone, 314-999-5555, with questions or concerns.

Sincerely, Meramec M. Mann

Address the letter to the individual by name. Include their full title, the organization to which they belong and their full address.

Open with a message of intent. Include why you are writing and your qualifications.

Explain why you are interested in joining the company and why the company would benefit from hiring you.

Close with a thank you and include your name and contact information.

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Before taking flight

Meramec M. Mann 11333 Big Bend Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122 | (314) 999-5555 | mman@justicemail.org SUMMARY I am a freelance superhero with a lifetime of experience working for the people of Kirkwood. I possess a vast range of physical and interpersonal skills and an excellent eye for detail. SKILLS Enhanced physical capabilities Ability to work under pressure Conflict resolution Microsoft Office Suite

EDUCATION CPR and First Aid certification - STLCC Meramec AAS in Human Services - STLCC Meramec AAS in Cybersecurity - STLCC Forest Park EXPERIENCE

Kirkwood Animal Shelter July 2014-Present I assisted in caring for animals as well as interviewing and discussing pet ownership with interested parties to ensure the animals found a proper home. I have managed to ensure a total of zero cats have ended up in the hands of devious supervillains.

STLCC Meramec Work Study (Campus Life) Student Worker, April 2016-Present I assisted students in replacing lost ID cards. In addition, I signed up students for school and federal programs and helped them sign up for classes.

Freelance Heroics Birth-Present I provided services to the wider community and especially the Meramec campus. Services range from helping old ladies cross the street to fighting monsters. I received an official service medal from the mayor of Kirkwood, as well as a similar medal from the Meramec chancellor.

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Before taking flight

Get Involved & Make a Difference! Ask about letters of recognition through the Semester of Service Program! Join Service Works Club!

Visit our booth at EXPO August 28 & 29, 2018 Contact Debbie Corson, Coordinator of Service Learning & Civic Engagement Student Center 207, 314-984-7234, dcorson2@stlcc.edu

Begin your degree at St. Louis Community College ... finish at Webster University! Why Webster? Student-centered. Small class sizes, personalized learning experiences, and dedicated faculty and staff support student success. Expert faculty & excellent academic programs. Learn from our experienced faculty and choose from more than 100 undergraduate programs. Ease of transfer. Generous transfer credit policies, friendly staff, and community college transfer guides will assist your transition. Study abroad. Explore the world and experience new cultures. Webster will pay the airfare for your first trip abroad! Transfer scholarships. Webster offers competitive academic scholarships and many other financial aid options for our students. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll school. Recognition from Phi Theta Kappa for our support of community college students in reaching their educational goals. Global network. Webster has an extensive network of locations across the U.S. and around the world. Learn more. webster.edu/transfer â&#x20AC;˘ 314-246-7800

EC-3307 Web U_Meramec_1807.indd 1

5/16/18 9:29 AM

Graphic by Gina Carr

LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY Our Mission is Your Success • • • • • • • •

90+ degree programs Simple transfer process Average class size of 17 with 1-on-1 advising No application fee, rolling admission Individualized program planning On-ground, evening, and online course options Eight St. Louis-area locations Career services and internship opportunities

www.lindenwood.edu • 636-949-4949 209 S. Kingshighway, St. Charles, Missouri

photos by Tania Robin Adjunct faculty march with student allies across Meramec to protest their unfair treatment and request better working conditions in October.

students chant “justice for Faculty” at the nov. 30 Board of Trustees meeting, where the BOT voted to approve a major reduction in force.

SLASH! BAM! POW! Budget Cuts Hit Faculty Hard Stephen Buechter & Tania Robin - Staff Writers, Melissa Wilkinson - Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Due to a nine percent cut to the Missouri higher education budget, and a further three percent cut withheld by Gov. Eric Greitens, Chancellor Jeff Pittman announced in August of 2017 that the district would suffer a $5 million reduction in core funding. Pittman responded to the cuts by creating work groups under titles like Program Review/Consolidation and Employee Benefits Analysis. The Chancellor also warned of the possibility of a reduction in force. In a September board meeting that lasted more than three and a half hours, students came forward to voice their concerns about the budget with trustees. “We need to channel this passion into helping our legislators understand how important STLCC is to St. Louis,” Pittman responded. The budget response team proposed a cut of some 70 full-time faculty. Also included in the team’s response was the recommendation that a voluntary separation incentive payment (VSIP) be offered for employees wishing to consider that option. In October, Meramec’s Student Social Action Committee (SSAC) hosted an occupation and protest march to draw attention to “the plight of adjunct professors in their struggle for fair pay and treatment,” according to member Michael Marino.

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The occupation, which lasted four days— Monday, Oct. 16 to Thursday, Oct. 19— represented the four years during which adjuncts have been trying to negotiate a contract with administrators. “Ultimately, we want the college to adopt a growth model which does not require faculty to be cut,” said SSAC President Xavier Phillips. “We know there are ways to reduce cost without reduction of faculty.” The Student Social Action Committee (SSAC) met with Chancellor Pittman and several other board members on Nov. 6 to formally introduce proposals to prevent a reduction in force. During this meeting, Pittman and other administrators heavily defended the recent reduction in force (RIF) recommendations created by the budget response team. On Nov. 30, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the RIF amidst heavy student protest. As of Dec. 15, all 58 faculty affected by the Reduction in Force (RIF) were notified of their status via email, letter and in-person meeting with their division dean. According to Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Andrew Langrehr, the selections were made by himself alongside provosts, deans, human resources and data from institutional research and planning. Selections were determined

primarily through seniority. In the midst of a major reduction in force, STLCC National Education Association Vice President Emily Neal said the atmosphere was “awful.” Pittman also confirmed that negotiations would be in play to improve conditions for adjunct faculty. Among adjunct demands were a three percent pay raise and a payment of $100 per credit hour in the event that an adjunct’s class is cancelled. In March of 2018, the final numbers of the reduction in force were in. Only 18 of the initial 58 full-time faculty that received reduction notices in December lost their jobs at the end of the spring semester. The number is a result of what Pittman called a “successful” Voluntary Separation Incentive Program campaign. Over 100 faculty and staff elected to voluntarily separate, heavily mitigating those who were involuntarily cut. According to Langrehr, the notices were rescinded based on how many VSIPs were taken in a certain discipline. This is how some disciplines, like physical education, ended up with no cuts, but disciplines like English and reading, which comprised of collectively almost half of the original 58 cuts, ended up with several faculty that could not be spared.

Previously at Meramec

The Legend of Steve Taylor Stephen Buechter - staff Writer, Melissa Wilkinson - Editor-in-chief Emeritus

The 2017-18 school year was a bumpy ride for former adjunct professor Steve Taylor. Last October, the Wildwood math professor was tackled during a Board of Trustees meeting for “rushing” at Vice Chairman Rodney Gee. After a speech in the citizen’s address section of the meeting, many audience members applauded the speaker. Vice Chairman Rodney Gee silenced the applause, inciting Taylor, who began yelling from the back of the room about the injustice of the situation. “When the first person was done giving their statement people were clapping,” said Isaiah Wilson, a Meramec student

Soon after the incident, Steve Taylor called for the removal of Chancellor Jeff Pittman in an Oct. 25 interview. “I believe the Chancellor has changed the culture. Mr. Pittman has created a culture of intimidation where faculty are afraid to express contrary opinions for fear of being fired or demoted,” said Taylor. Pittman told The Montage he disagreed with the statement, referring to the faculty as “vocal” and non-hesitant to voice their concerns. “The culture that I’ve been working on is one of civility, one of transparency and one of accountability,” said Pittman. According to Pittman, his accomplishphoto by Noah Sliney

Wildwood professor Steve taylor is escorted out of the oct. 19 board of trustees meeting after being tackled for “charging” the board.

who attended the meeting. “After that, Rodney Gee told people to stop clapping, that it was a disruption to the board meeting. And [Steve Taylor] was trying to stand up for our freedom of speech.” Taylor refused to leave and began walking up the center aisle toward the board members, at which point he was thrown to the ground by a police officer. Taylor continued yelling as he was escorted from the room.

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ments to date include repurposing funding to include student experience and student services, raising money for student scholarships, aligning the school with community, university and employing partners and setting in motion a deal to sell the Cosand Center to increase student funds. Tension between Taylor and Pittman continued into January 2018 when Taylor filed a lawsuit against STLCC. Taylor’s law-

suit specifically targeted Pittman as well as Gee and Officer Robert Caples, the policeman who tackled him. Taylor sued for 10 different counts between the three men including First Amendment violations, unlawful search and seizure and libel. The lawsuit demands trial by jury and asked for damages of $25,000. His lawyer said preparations are in progress but will likely take years. Taylor later faced charges pressed against him by STLCC, but in February 2018, he was was acquitted. Late afternoon on Feb. 14, a municipal court judge dismissed the peace disturbance charge. According to Meramec student Xavier Phillips, who testified on Taylor’s behalf, the judge’s closing statement left no ambiguity. “The judge’s closing remark was, ‘There’s no way this court could or would or should charge this man…The city has failed to provide sufficient evidence that this man has broken any ordinance,” said Phillips. Taylor won another victory he was elected to the Wildwood City Council in early April 2018. He ran without donations, stating he didn’t want to be “beholden to any contributors.” Taylor called the April 3 election a “stunning victory” and mentioned the significance of six fellow board members winning elections without the help of political action committees, organizations designed to pool donations for political candidates. “I think people are ecstatic that there’s going to be some independence, some grassroots representation on the council and I feel very well received by all my fellow council members,” said Taylor. As a Wildwood council member, Taylor said he wants to include stronger accountability and easier accessibility to council members. The order of no-tresspass placed on him by Chancellor Pittman is, however, still in effect, meaning that the Wildwood City Council can no longer host meetings on the Wildwood Campus. Previously at Meramec

The Reduction in force Rundown

After 2017’s reduction in force resulting from major budget cuts, several teachers lost their jobs. Many more decided

to leave voluntarily to mitigate the cuts. Here are three faculty you won’t see at Meramec again. Heed their words,

young hero. Their wisdom may aid you on your quest as you navigate the waters of college life.

Lisa Martino-taylor, Associate Professor

Katy Smith, Ph.d. Reference Librarian/Professor

DAMARIS SCHMITT reference librarian/professor

Ph.D.

Submitted photo

photo by Syed ali

Why are you leaving? I felt that a culture of intimidation against faculty and students was being fostered by the present administration. Under Chancellor Pittman, the college has forced out experienced, full-time faculty in favor of exploited part-time faculty who lack job security and are thus not in a position to advocate for students.

Why are you leaving? I am leaving the school because the school does not think librarians are necessary in this age of fake news and bad, expensive information. I think they’re making a huge mistake...to the fact that we need to prepare our students...to be savvy, efficient, effective information users. We can’t do that with the staffing numbers we have now. It’s going to be impossible to do that if they reduce library faculty by half.

Why are you leaving? We are cutting library staff as part of the resizing of the college. It takes four people running full tilt to be librarians here. The librarians are people who have, at a minimum, masters degrees. All of us here full time have more than that. We buy materials for the collection; we have a myriad of responsibilities. Looking at doing that with one person left here, as a senior person, that would have been me. I’ve been here 46 years. I really did not feature doing that level of running around. The bonus is, my leaving meant one of my younger colleagues’ [reduction notice] would be rescinded.

What is your favorite memory at Meramec? I so valued the student-mentor relationships that I was fortunate to develop and that helped some of our students to advance seamlessly from STLCC into some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. do you have any advice for future students? The faculty at STLCC are some of the most dedicated educators you will find anywhere. Make sure to connect with them as they will open doors to your future. Your education is only as good as the caliber of your professors. You should work to your highest potential each day so that your role of college student becomes your main identity. Section 4

What is next for you? I really don’t know what my next step is going to be. I recently completed my Ph.D. in research science which gives me some more options. I’m looking at public libraries again. I’m also looking into government work. do you have any advice for future students? Whether you’re a student or a citizen, use your libraries. People don’t understand the wonderful wealth of information we have. We need to have citizens who are well-informed, who can evaluate information, who can find information they need when they need it. My advice to students particularly is get to know a librarian.

What is next for you? I have always been a writer and a reviewer, so I will expand that role again. I’ve always been an active volunteer. I will probably expand what I’m doing in volunteer work. do you have any advice for future students? Talk to your faculty members, because they really want to talk to you. This is one of the few places where you will be able to have a relationship with people who are leaders in their field.

previously at meramec

Creativity is the greatest super power Melissa Wilkinson - Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Will Murry - Art & Life Editor Emeritus Tania Robin - Staff Writer

Last school year, Meramec students and professors showed off skills to rival any comic book artist. Here’s the what and when behind last year’s powerful pieces of art, including galleries, concerts and everything in between. “The Artist Collects”, an exhibition in Meramec’s Contemporary Art Gallery, featured works from the private collections

Chesla regarding his work. In the fall, Meramec also hosted an exhibition for artists who are Meramec alumni. Three artists were featured, with art both from their time at Meramec and after leaving. The three artists, Wolfgang Ibur, Matthew Johnson and Brian Lathan, helped orchestrate the exhibit along with the Meramec art department. photo by Noah Sliney

David Hanlon (center) speaks with guests at “The Artist Collects”, an exhibit which he curated for the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery. Art was displayed from the private collections of many local area artists, including several meramec professors.

of a variety of area artists. The show was displayed from Sept. 28 to Oct. 20 and featured submitted works from 28 artists. Meramec professor Joe Chesla had an exhibition at the Sheldon in the fall semester, featuring his rust and paper works. The show, called “Lying Heavy” featured pieces created by placing rusting metal onto archival paper in a mild acidic bath, leaving behind imprints. “It’s a conversation between what [the material] wants to do and what I want to do and how we can work together,” said

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Oct. 22 featured “Visions of the Voice”, a choral music showcase and the result of a collaborative effort between choral students and other art programs. A painting was created on stage during the concert. The Meramec Symphonic Band played in their annual Winter concert on Dec. 3 to a full audience. The concert featured pieces by, and was conducted by, Meramec professor Gary Gackstatter. On Jan. 18, students and faculty were invited to the opening of a collaboration between Meramec’s own Ken Wood

and sculptor Arny Nadler. Housed in the Humanities East art gallery, the exhibition, titled “Evident,” featured a mixture of both traditional prints and ceramic sculptures. “Arny and I found each other a long time ago,” said Wood. “He’s the sculptor; I’m the printmaker. But there are some aspects of our works that overlap.” The Meramec Orchestra and the Symphonic Band also had a performance on Mar. 4, conducted by Gackstatter. The Meramec Orchestra performed first, opening with a song called “Fanfare Nova Lux,”, written by Gackstatter specifically for the performance. The orchestra concluded with “Fantasy for Violin” by Gene Rauscher and featured Amanda Nahm on violin. Nahm is a former Meramec student and is currently a student at Southeast Missouri State University. Mar. 23 was the final day of the Meramec art gallery’s third annual regional high school exhibition. According to curator Jim Ibur, “Intrepid” featured artwork from 17 area high schools that “examine[d] moments or acts of fearlessness” in today’s era of struggling to forge an individual identity. On Mar. 9, the Meramec choir, directed by Professor Jerry Myers, joined with the St. Charles Community College and Lindenwood University choirs for a performance of Vaughan Williams’ “Dona Nobis Pacem.” Meramec professors and students contributed to a Sheldon Art Gallery exhibition about ancient Palmyra. Meramec photography professor David R. Hanlon was a leading force in its creation. The exhibit lasted throughout most of March and April. “We were hoping to make an exhibit that would allow people to feel the character of the city. There’s a number of ancient sites in the middle east that you don’t hear about in the west,” said Hanlon.

Top Left: Photo by tania robin, top right: photo by Amanda Harris, remaining photos by will murry

Top left: a student painting produced during “visions of the voice”, a choral showcase on Oct. 22 featuring multiple forms of art accompanying music. Top Right: The Meramec Symphonic band performs “concerto Rhapsody: The Arch” featuring gerry pagano on brass trombone. the concert took place in Meramec’s theater on march 5 and featured a slideshow of the arch’s construction. Middle Left: “Altered Conversation 1” by brian lathan, shown during the alumni exhibit in the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery. Bottom Left and right: “Furslip 2 & 3” and “Furcicles” by Wolfgang Ibur, also from the alumni exhibit.

Previously at Meramec

chaco: Flying in Song and Spirit Monica obradovic - STAFF WRITER

“Come, walk with me,” implores words projected on a screen. Feel the rhythm of the music. Know the beat of the drums. This is Chaco canyon, a sanctuary for Native American culture. It is also the inspiration for Meramec music director Gary Gackstatter’s sixth symphony. Not a single seat was empty in the University of Missouri – St. Louis’ Touhill Performing Arts Center on Monday, April PHOTOS BY AMANDA HARRIS

23, when the Meramec and UMSL music departments came together to perform “Symphony Chaco: A Journey of the Spirit.” Symphony Chaco is the culmination of years of preparation on the part of Gackstatter, who attributes the symphony’s beginning to all of his experiences. “It took me all my life,” he said. “It’s all a journey...The projects I’ve done before over the years brought me to a place where I needed this to grow as a teacher, composer, musician and person.” Symphony Chaco is music of Native American culture, not about it. The music incorporates rhythms and instruments whose sounds have not reverberated off the walls of Missouri in over a hundred years. For UMSL and STLCC student-musicians, the unconventional style of music provided a memorable and enjoyable experience. “It was a joy for UMSL students to be able to collaborate with Meramec… It’s a very exciting thing to get to work with people you don’t normally get to create with,” said Jim Henry, Ph. D and choral director of UMSL. Along with the majority of the con-

meramec’s concert choir, orchestra and symphonic band perform symphony chaco on Monday, April 23 at UMSL’s TOuhill Center.

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cert attendees, Henry had not heard of Chaco Canyon before learning about Gackstatter’s symphony. “Gary visited Chaco canyon which inspired him to write music. For us, it was the other way around. The music inspired us to get to know Chaco canyon,” said Henry. Similar to the Native American ideology that everything is connected, Gackstatter’s Symphony Chaco is more than the presence of an orchestra and a conductor. Symphony Chaco was a community effort and brought together multiple persons, cultures and artforms. A video played through the duration of the concert displaying student-made graphics to go along with the music. Photography student works were displayed in the venue’s lobby along with some of Gackstatter’s own ink artwork. There were multiple persons whose work was integral to the production of Symphony Chaco, perhaps most notably ten-time Grammy award nominee R. Carlos Nakai. A flute-player of Navajo heritage, Nakai contributed his instrument to the orchestra, conducted by Gackstatter. “The concert adds to my experiences as a performer of the Native American flute and of integrating the discipline of western European music into the capabilities of this instrument,” said Nakai. The musician flew in from Texas to play flute in the concert. However, Gackstatter was not new to Nakai’s music, having been a fan for 30 years. Nakai’s sound has been in his spirit for a long time, he said. Gackstatter also received suggestions from Nakai as he wrote Symphony Chaco. “Our culture is totally distracted today, from the time we get up and the time we go to bed,” said Gackstatter. “I wanted to remind them of that Native American idea that you do not waste time. That you’re connected to nature, and you’re connected to each other, because everything is connected.” Previously at meramec

changes to the command center Stephen Buechter - Staff Writer, Melissa Wilkinson - Editor-in-Chief Emiritus

New advising entourage hits STLCC in fall 2018 Students entering STLCC will have a new and improved advising experience from current students, according to Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tony Cruz. Cruz announced at a Feb. 22 board meeting that, beginning this fall, each incoming student will be assigned an advisor to assist them with registration, course planning and other needs.

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“When you want to see your advisor you can see someone in advising. Maybe over time you’ve got the same person, maybe you haven’t, but there’s not a lot of structure. It’s up to the student to build a relationship,” said Cruz. “In this [new] model the advisor is the one reaching out to students throughout the semester.” According to Cruz, this change, referred to as “case management,” was brought

problem with CN started with water damage last semester. “That’s how it all started big time. A few roof leaks caused that material to delaminate. The health hazard and exposure hazard of it was very small because it’s still in that paint. It’s just that you can’t have it laying on the floor or sweep it up, you have to hire people to clean that up professionally,” said Guth.

submitted photo

New math program is major plus for number haters There’s good news for those trying to avoid algebra: as of Fall 2018, STLCC will be adding more options for students in need of a mathematics requirement. Math Pathways, a statewide program, will allow students to take other classes, which are more tailored toward specific majors and areas of study, in place of the college algebra credit. “What the state wanted schools to do… is to offer alternatives to college algebra that are more appropriate to some kinds of majors,” said Professor Julie Tucker, Department Chair of Mathematics The program was created in part to help solve the issue of math courses causing many students who tested into the developmental levels of the subject to be unable to meet degree requirements. All three of the college-level classes meet the standards for Core 42, a program allowing students to graduate with an associate’s degree in general transfer studies in fewer hours. Any classes taken through the Core 42 program on an STLCC campus will transfer to any public four-year institution in the state of Missouri. There will also be new developmental courses to help ensure that students are able to graduate in their first semester at the college, said Tucker. Math 50, a developmental course, is “something new for math” and can be taken as a requisite with the college math courses.

Construction workers continue work on the Communications North building in May 2018. The building was closed during Spring Break for asbestos abatement and renovations.

on after research into other successful institutions. Many schools, said Cruz, have adopted a more proactive advising model. Cruz hopes the change will help with STLCC’s retention rates. The “Ground-breaking” new project for Cn building The Communications North (CN) building was shut down for asbestos abatement starting spring break 2018. Sam Guth, Meramec Facilities Manager, said that most of Meramec’s buildings have asbestos sprayed on the ceiling, but it poses no danger because it’s encapsulated within paint. According to Guth, the

Provost Carol Lupardus said that despite multiple air testings with safe results, the project was suggested in large part to improve student and staff experience. “I don’t know how many more times we can have the hazard tape up and the classroom signs up,” said Lupardus. Lupardus said that no remodeling will take place, only renovation. She also said she was “surprised” that the district was able to provide funding for the project. Prior to board approval, preparations have been made for renovations. “Our infrastructure is still very usable,” said Guth. “We’ve just got to make sure to invest some money into it.”

previously at meramec

How Meramec Athletes became heroes Ashley Biundo - sports editor emeritus, Melissa Wilkinson - Editor-in-Chief Emeritus will murry - Art & Life Editor Emeritus, Lauren Johns - Staff Writer

Many athletes brought honor and victory to the Meramec name last year. Here, we honor those victors and relive the glory days of the athletes of yesteryear, when teams banded together to vanquish their enemies, some harder to vanquish than others.

photo by noah sliney

said Gorman. “It’s a nod to [the Archers] that they do so well.” Despite the loss, individual talent was still praised through recognition of star players. The Great Plains Collegiate Inline Hockey League named STLCC player Jeremiah Keao as the season’s top scorer and Colin Gorman as top goalie. A few others received recognition from Coach Gorman for being phenomenal players: Steven Gould, Andrew Zack, Kyle Wedbush and Jacob Murphy. Softball This year’s softball team was on a roll with an overall win/loss record of 28-13 and a .336 batting average. The season Stlcc’s roller hockey team competes in a defined by scrimmage against maryville at midwest sport was rain. Head Coach hockey on sept. 19. Swiderski Kristi Roller Hockey said she grew tired of the constant STLCC’s roller hockey team began its weather inconveniences. “We’ve had at least 14 games cancelled second season in fall 2017. The Meramec team was born earlier that year. Despite this year…It’s been really hard to stay in a their relatively new status, both teams groove at times, when one day we’re playmade it to national championship in Far- ing and the next day it’s rain,” Swiderski go, North Dakota in 2018. Though one said. “We’re forced inside, where the gym team broke through to the semi-finals, floor is a lot different than dirt and it limits they lost to West Valley Community Col- what we can do practicing fly balls.” Swiderski recognized various players for lege in San Jose, California. Coach Greg Gorman found that two- their drastic improvement. Sadiya Collins year schools had a large disadvantage was below average but now has the third spot in the batting order. Morgan Moss compared to four-year universities. “The thing that is tough for the ju- led the team in various home runs. Anna nior colleges compared to the four-year Counts could effortlessly hit a ball in the schools is we do not recruit people to gap for a triple or drop a bunt for a base. A highlight of the season occurred come play, whereas a school like Lindenwood gives out scholarships to recruit during the Spring Break Tournament in players. That’s tough to compete with,” Cocoa Beach, Florida. STLCC faced Divi-

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sion one teams with national rankings and won several games, performing better than last year and becoming more united as a team. Baseball STLCC’s baseball team’s season concluded with an overall score of 27-26. Along with new players, the team welcomed two new assistant coaches in fall 2017: Zac Graefser and Joe Simokaitis. In September of the same year, they played in Busch Stadium alongside the Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds. Simokaitis played for the University of Nebraska before spending over seven years with the Cubs and the Mariners. According to Head Coach Scott Goodrich, Simokaitis’ experience with college and professional level baseball aided the team in their quest for victory at regionals. Graefser played for Meramec in 2004 before playing two years in Southern Arkansas. He previously coached the Archers, parting after six years to move to England with his wife. He has since returned to the United States. Freshman catcher, Anthony Rask noted that pitching was among one of the team’s greatest strengths in the season. Despite team improvements, Graefser emphasized that having the right individual mindset is just as important. “I tell them all the time, no coach has ever developed a player,” said Graefser. “We give them the tools, the ideas, the key to walk through the door, but ultimately it’s up to them for self-development, self-preservation and the mentality to go further in this game.” Basketball Despite both teams reaching nationals this year, both the men’s and women’s basketball seasons ended abruptly in April after a lost championship in Jefferson City. The Men’s Team lost 74-59 to Metropolitan Community College and the Women’s team lost 82-77 to North Central Missouri’s College. Men’s Head Coach

photo by amanda harris

Archers baseball high fives after their game at busch stadium in September 2017.

MCC - Blue River. Patrick Niehaus, the Assistant Coach, believes the score doesn’t tell the whole story. “I think that we did well overall. We definitely played better at home. The numbers supported that we had a winning record on the road, but I don’t think it tells the whole story there,” said Niehaus. “We seemed to struggle a lot more against teams who were as good as us. We seemed to lack the intensity necessary to win games against them. 10-7 is better than the last few years though, which is a big step in the right direction.” Men’s Soccer was first in the nation for several weeks during the 2017-2018 season. After they took the title, Head Coach Tim Mosby had high hopes for the remainder of the season. STLCC’s men’s soccer team did make it

Terry Collins blamed himself for the lack of mental preparedness of the team. “I think that after the big win Friday night, I didn’t prepare the team psychologically and emotionally for the next night,” said Collins. “We were playing short-handed because our top two scorers had been injured and we did a great job overcoming that, but we expended too much energy. I didn’t realize that our gas tank was on empty and I needed to fill it back up.” Though their loss was taken hard, the women’s team still managed a 13-game winning streak and finished the season fourth in the nation. Melanie Marcy, Assistant Coach for Women’s Team noted that despite the struggles, several players rose to the occasion and were awarded for their level of skill. “Honestly, we’re in this for these girls to be able to achieve success, to go on and win that scholarship and do something with themselves. If we do that, we’re successful. It’s not about our numbers, it’s not about any championships. To have four [sophomores] sign early with division one schools and know that their educations and futures are taken care of is a major highlight,” said Marcy.

Stlcc’s softball team is introduced at their april 16 game against St. Charles Community College.

Soccer The women’s soccer team made it to the semi-finals on Oct. 27, 2017, where their season ended after a loss against

to regionals, but their undefeated record for the season was blemished in their final championship game against Pima Community College in Arizona.

previously at meramec

Previously on the meramec stage Madison Bouse - Staff Writer, Will Murry - Art & Life Editor Emeritus Melissa Wilkinson - Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Meramec’s theater season kicked off Oct. 4-8 with “Fifth of July”, a play by Lanford Wilson set in Lebanon, Missouri. The play follows Vietnam veteran Kenneth Talley, his boyfriend and botanist Jed Jenkins and several visitors to their rural farmhouse. “Fifth of July” was selected by director and Meramec teacher Keith Oliver. “You have a group of young people who were sincerely hoping to change the world and I can’t help but feel like it reflects a lot of what’s going on today,” said Oliver. “We have a lot of people who are wanting to take a stand but maybe don’t know where to begin. I think this play reflects back on something that’s been hap-

one another, a war, a movement that didn’t take place…but they still have each other.” From Nov. 15-19, the curtain rose on Meramec Theatre’s production of “Middletown”. Theatre Production Assistant and Director Tricia Duffin described the show as a reflection of how individual lives intersect in small-town America. “It’s a story about life; everything from birth to death,” said Duffin. “I want [audiences] to come away with a greater sense of their purpose and who they’re connected with. All our shows this season have to do with defining home, family photo by amanda harris

From left to right: Kellie-yanise rayard, scarlett o’shaughnessy, kyra pearson, evan turek and adam jurotich, cast from “Avenue q”, perform song and dance to “Everyone’s a little bit racist.”

pening for many generations. We’re still trying to figure it out. “This is a real mix of family members and in the end it’s the love and concern for each other that keeps them together,” said Oliver. “With all the hardship they’ve gone through and worries about the world, whether it’s relationships with

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and community.” Just as “Middletown” set out to remind audiences that their lives are more than birth and death dates, it reminded cast members like Trey Marlette, Luke Elliott and Scarlett O’Shaughnessy that a production at Meramec Theatre is about more than the audition and the final cur-

tain call; it’s about the relationships made along the way. The theater began its spring semester with “The Piddlings”, a play written and produced by Meramec English-professor-turned-playwright Pamela Garvey. Garvey penned the piece after a request from theater professor Keith Oliver last winter asking for ‘quirky-eccentric’ characters, comedy, domestic scenes, no more than eight characters and no political agenda. The play is set in modern day St. Louis and stars Madeline Piddling, a girl trying to introduce her boyfriend to her family without being utterly embarrassed by them. “[Madeline] is most embarrassed by her family, so she spends a lot of her time with her boyfriend around his family because they think she’s the best thing since sliced bread,” said Garvey. “But in reality, his family is weirder than hers. She just can’t see it because she’s blinded by love.” The spring theater season ended with a short run of “Avenue Q”, a unique half musical, half puppet show featuring Jim Henson-style characters. With songs like “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist”, “If You Were Gay”, and “The Internet is for Porn”, “Avenue Q” was the perfect “show-stopper” to cap off the season, according to Director Michelle Rebollo. Students may relate to Princeton, the protagonist of “Avenue Q”, a 22-year-old recent college graduate struggling to find his purpose in life. Ultimately, said Rebollo, “Avenue Q” is about more than a college student’s journey through life. “We have so much division in our country right now. Many of the things these puppets are singing about have a lot to do with that. Maybe the message comes out in a way where people listen more coming from a puppet than coming from a person,” said Rebollo. “That sounds strange, but we learned through puppets when we were kids.”

previously at Meramec

2017-2018

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STLCC set to experience budget crisis Task force developed, potential faculty cuts eminent

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VOLUME 53, ISSUE 2 | THURSDAY, SEPT. 14, 2017 | WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM

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Chancellor Pittman responds to state budget cuts STLCC administrative team creates work groups to address potential deficits

Stephen Buechter | Staff Writer

Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief

Chancellor Jeff Pittman recently announced that the district is suffering a $5 million reduction in core funding. This is due to a nine percent cut to the Missouri higher education budget, and a further three percent cut withheld by Gov. Eric Greitens. This decrease in funding was also influenced by a drop in enrollment over last few years, which equates to less money earned through tuition and fees, according to Pittman. Pittman also expects St Louis Community College’s budget to be restricted further in the next three years. Meramec Provost Carol Lupardus said that budget cuts to educational facilities are not just a local issue, and are a factor

for colleges at least statewide. Emily Neal, Vice President of the STLCC National Education Administration (NEA), explained the possible reasoning behind statewide education budget cuts. “I would argue that, especially after the last election…[the government] has a sort of philosophy that state institutions should be doing more with less,” said Neal. “They have what I would call a ‘starve the beast’ mentality, this sort of notion that if you cut our public institutions and make them have to survive on the bare minimum, only what is necessary will be maintained at the institution.”

Neal said she disagreed with this policy, stating that she believes it can only lead to financial considerations driving higher education. “Just because an academic discipline isn’t ‘profitable’ or doesn’t have a lot of students doesn’t mean it’s not a worthwhile area of inquiry,” said Neal. According to Chancellor Pittman, the college has already taken steps to ease stress on the budget. Measures cited by Pittman were reducing various operating expenses, freezing and reducing positions not critical to college functioning, offering a separation incentive program, and

selling the college’s downtown district headquarters building, the Cosand Center. He said the college is forming a budget response team, whose duties include reviewing and updating staff contract language, reviewing and updating faculty handbooks, creating a realistic timeline for budget suggestions and communicating proactively with campus departments. A staff-wide email sent by the Chancellor on July 13 announced a possible reduction in full-time faculty, which was met with heavy concern from STLCC employees, said Neal. Neal expressed concern over the delivery of the message.

Chancellor Jeff Pittman recently announced via email that the STLCC administrative team has created several work groups in order to respond to the current budget situation. The email, sent Aug. 29, named five work groups in total - Employee Optimization, Employee Benefits Analysis, Employee Overload/Overtime/Sabbatical Analysis, Program Review/Consolidation and Departmental Outsourcing and Consolidation. Each group will focus on its titular concept regarding ways it can be altered to immediately ease the burden of the recent budget cuts. “We have for each [workgroup] a team champion composed from our leadership team,” said Pittman in an interview. “They may go into the initial meeting and say ‘here are some ideas’ and then they’ll

listen and collect information and feedback from the people there.” In addition to the team champions, each workgroup will contain additional members including division deans, academic department coordinators and representatives from campus police, information technology, human resources and the National Education Association (NEA). While some members have been announced, many are still yet to be chosen. Chancellor Pittman plans to allow the stakeholder groups to nominate their own representatives. “The bargaining unit leads are stakeholders,” said Pittman. “The faculty and staff governance are stakeholders. Some of the departmental leads are stakeholders. We’re trying to get a cross section of people involved who can provide us with ideas and in-

put and recommendations as we consider what we’re going to take to the trustees in November.” In addition to the work groups announced in the email, Pittman mentioned the creation of a new Innovation Council which will focus on previously untried methods of fundraising. “I was thinking,” said Pittman. “We’re looking at all these cost reduction measures but have we considered other options for revenue generation, or maybe new programming that could generate revenue through enrollment or other means?” Dr. Elizabeth Perkins, provost at the Florissant Valley campus, will lead the Innovation Council along with a co-leader she will choose from the faculty. “Essentially, we will work to find ways that we can assist our strategic planning groups by providing

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Solar Eclipse

Ending Hate Speech After Charlottesville -Opinions, Page 7

Archer Soccer Season Kicks Off -Sports, Page 8

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VOLUME 53, ISSUE 5 | THURSDAY OCT. 26, 2017 | WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM

VOLUME 53, ISSUE 4 | THURSDAY, OCT. 12, 2017 | WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM

Graffiti in a Different Light -Opinions, Page 7

Welcome to PITTMAN-VILLE

THE BUDGET CRISIS Police tackle adjunct professor at Board of Trustees meeting

-News, Page 3 Photo by Melissa Wilkinson Meramec students Rebecca Bolin (left), Luke Barber (middle) and Ian Buschmann (right) address the Board of Trustees to the backdrop of a full room. The students spoke about their passion for their teachers and their concerns regarding a potential reduction in force.

Students voice concerns over budget cuts

STLCC reacts to DACA announcement

Speakers, board members butt heads during open forum section of Board of Trustees meeting

Effects felt across campus according to teachers, students The White House announced on Sept. 5 that it would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act, also known as DACA. The act, established by the Obama administration, was an immigration policy that allowed some who entered the country as minors to apply for renewable two-year periods of deferred action from deportation and to be eligible for work permits. As of 2017, approximately 800,000 individuals have enrolled in the program, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These individuals are often referred to as Dreamers, a name taken from the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which has been introduced in the senate several times since 2001 but has failed to pass. President Donald Trump’s decision gives Congress six months to decide how to deal with Dreamers previous protected under DACA. According to Meramec ESL program coordi-

Tania Robin | Staff Writer

nator Lisa Wilkinson, the decision is an insulting blow to people who have invested

Forest Park adjunct faculty Brett Williams (right) gives Chancellor Pittman a report card at a union march on Oct. 23. The report gives Pittman failing marks in all subjects except for ‘prioritizing buildings over people.’

Photo by Noah Sliney Wildwood adjunct professor Steve Taylor is escorted from the Oct. 19 BOT meeting by armed police officers.

SSAC occupies Meramec in campus resistance Students camp out, march on campus in show of solidarity with adjunct professors seeking alternatives to reduction in force in response to budget cuts,” said Marino. SSAC member Katherine Johnson said she joined the organization after reading an article covering the budget crisis in ‘The Montage.’ According to Johnson, the administration is planning to demote many fulltime faculty members to adjunct professors in order to cut costs. “Adjunct professors make less than poverty wages,” said Johnson. But according to Chancellor Pittman, STLCC pays the highest rate among community colleges in the state of Missouri. “Adjunct faculty are, in fact, part-time employees,” said Pittman. “Equating contracted work to an ‘annual’ wage is inaccurate and misleading to students and the public.” A pay raise was one of several demands made by Forest Park adjunct professor Steve Thomas at the Oct. 19 Board of Trustees meeting. Specifically, Thomas said adjuncts are requesting a three percent pay raise retroactive to January, less time between paydays, 100 dollars per credit hour in class cancellation fees (should a class be cancelled) and recognition of service--

protection from being replaced after they have served the college for some time. The final demand, noted Thomas, would cost the college nothing. “We want a three percent raise, but we know about the money and that they don’t have the money,” said Thomas. “From there it’s an issue of what they can offer us. That’s why I made the point to have some sort of seniority system where we get some assurance that we have some value to the college, that they can’t just go and hire anyone to replace us.” Chancellor Pittman said he has been in negotiations with the SEIU bargaining unit but both parties have yet to reach an agreement. Pittman has called in a federal mediator to help facilitate an agreement. Amna Habib, Chair and Vice President of SSAC, announced at the Oct. 19 board meeting that on Oct. 2 her organization voted to establish an official subcommittee called the Reduction in Force Prevention Coalition. The RIFPC was established to make sure students are adequately informed and to generate proposals that the college could take to readdress the budget crisis. Habib said that the RIFPC has developed five proposals for the board to consider. All five were to

Walking for fitness

Lying Heavy

A Perspective on Autism

-Sports, Page 8

-Art & Life, Page 4

-Opinions, Page 7

summer announcement that the budget cuts will likely result in a reduction of full-time faculty. “I’m here to represent all students and faculty who can’t be here today,” said SSAC president Xavier Phillips. “All we are asking is that you do what’s right. Don’t do what’s easy. Make the right choice.” Student Emily Calton spent three to four hours protesting after class for several weeks leading up to the meeting. Calton said it was important to help educate other students about budget cuts, program cuts and how professors will lose their jobs. “My professors inspire all the students and myself to reach for the stars and to work hard for the education we deserve. [They] truly care about what they teach and the ways they teach,” said Calton. “That’s why I’m here, on behalf of my professors and my school.” Music student Amber Buckner, who commuted three hours to attend the meeting, couldn’t attend school in person this fall due to a recent surgery. She told the board about how her professors accommodated her medical needs and helped her start the

semester remotely. Prior to the meeting, Buckner created flyers encouraging other students to attend in order to help their professors and save the education they love and depend on. “At Meramec, the college feels like a warm community. The professors give students hope, inspiration, and makes them see they can succeed,” said Buckner. Buckner’s mother, Kathy Buckner, attended the meeting alongside her daughter. Kathy Buckner is a Meramec alumna who met her husband at Meramec. She spoke to the board about how STLCC plays a central role in the community, but also brought to the attention of the entire room that some board members were preoccupied during the meeting. “You really bother me that you’re not even giving some of the faculty members the courtesy of paying attention,” said Kathy Buckner. “You’re in charge... and you can’t even give people the respect to pay attention? To your own staff? That’s kind of disgusting in my opinion.” Chancellor Pittman responded to the incident in an interview. He said that he had heard a student

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Student organization attempts to sway board against cutting faculty The Student Social Action Committee (SSAC) met with Chancellor Pittman and several other board members on Monday, Nov. 6 to formally introduce their five proposals to prevent a reduction in force. SSAC’s proposals are as follows; push for legislation to amend the Missouri constitution to improve the tax code in the school’s favor, establish a student advisory council to aid the marketing department to increase enrollment, introduce a series of sustainability policies to reduce operational costs, investigate the possibility of funding from outside sources and consider event-based on-campus fundraising to earn revenue. “I thought it was a great meeting,” said Pittman. “They came very well prepared. I felt [the proposals] were fantastic ideas. Clearly this group is into looking into the future of the college.” The proposals were crafted in response to the ongoing budget saga during which Pittman announced the possibility of terminating full-time faculty members in order to reduce costs. The five proposals emerged from SSAC’s new subcommittee, the Reduction in Force Prevention Coalition (RIFPC). “Ultimately, we want the college to adopt a

growth model which does not require faculty to be cut,” said SSAC President Xavier Phillips. “We know there are ways to reduce cost without reduction of faculty.” According to Vice President Amna Habib, SSAC was treated with respect by the attending administrators who, in addition to Chancellor Pittman, included Vice Chairman Rodney Gee, Trustee Kevin Martin, Trustee Craig Larson, Vice President for Academic Affairs Andrew Langrehr, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Paul Zinck and Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Kedra Tolson. Habib said that Zinck was scheduled to give a budget presentation at the meeting, but upon hearing the SSAC speak, determined that they already had the information he was going to present. “They were surprised that we were more informed than they anticipated,” said Habib.” “But then Paul Zinck was helpful in providing clarification on certain things. They were receptive to us and agreed to give us additional budget information and statistics that we’ve requested.” According to Phillips, the administrators were

receptive to all but two proposals, one of which was to campaign to change the Missouri constitution. Although Pittman didn’t deny the effectiveness of a change to the Hancock Amendment, which limits state funding, he did say that, as a bipartisan construct, the administration by law cannot be directly involved in any sort of political agenda. “That’s not our role. We cannot be engaged at all at any political debate,” said Pittman. The second disagreement regarded the proposal to host fundraising events on campus. According to administrators, such actions would be in conflict with the Unrelated Business Income Taxed law, which prevents educational institutions from earning revenue from ventures unrelated to school activities. “Their response was that perhaps we could do more events but rather than for revenue they could try to raise our status in the community,” said Habib. While Pittman was receptive to the suggestion of establishing a student advisory council, Phillips said he remains wary about Pittman’s idea of what such a council would be. “They seemed fond of [the idea] but I don’t know if they want us to be there to look at what they’re doing

Archers Softball

Veterans Week: More than just patriotic decoration

Gun control: When will the government care?

Men’s Soccer: A team of many nationalities

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-Art & Life, Page 4

-Opinions, Page 7

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RIFPC: ‘Don’t vote for the reduction in force’ Tania Robin | Staff Writer

Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief

Meramec’s Student Social Action Committee (SSAC) hosted an occupation and protest march to draw attention to “the plight of adjunct professors in their struggle for fair pay and treatment,” according to member Michael Marino. The occupation, which lasted four days—Monday, Oct. 16 to Thursday, Oct. 19—represented the four years during which adjuncts have been trying to negotiate a contract with administrators. Marino, who slept on campus three out of the four nights, said he considered the event successful. “By the end of our efforts, our numbers had doubled, and I saw firsthand a campus that was willing to organize and struggle for its future,” said Marino. Protesters originally organized at the traffic circle on Big Bend but soon relocated to the quad for safety purposes. Students pitched tents and held signs with messages such as “Welcome to Pittman-ville” and “our educational staff deserve better”. “We slept out there...to let the administration know that we stand with our professors—all of them, adjuncts included--and we would like them to bargain in good faith, not only with the adjuncts union in pursuit of their contract but with the students who are

The Student Social Action Committee (SSAC) represented Meramec’s student body at the Sept. 28 Board of Trustees meeting at the Harrison Education Center in north St. Louis. Over 50 STLCC students made an appearance at the public forum, a much larger turnout than the board was expecting, evidenced by the lack of available space in the meeting room. An overflow room allowed those who could not be accommodated in the first room to watch the meeting via live television feed with a two minute audio delay. Chancellor Pittman was surprised at the turnout and said in a later interview that he was happy students want to be informed and involved in the school’s proceedings. “It’s very important for students to participate in the college’s government structure,” said Pittman. “Their input was very much appreciated by the trustees and myself.” Members of SSAC were given the opportunity to speak alongside faculty during the open floor portion at the end of the board meeting. Most students addressed fears in reference to Chancellor Pittman’s

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Gov. Greitens’ proposed budget could raise school fees for students

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VOLUME 53, ISSUE 10 | THURSDAY FEB. 22, 2018 | WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM

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to vote to anyone wishinghave what in Louisiana Do you administered the early 1960’s. this test was e education in A version of prove a fifth-grad but unable to the exam? Be nothing less. it takes to pass to , nothing more, in each statement of the test. You have 5 minutes are told to do Do what you denotes failure wrong answer careful as one test. complete the

In the midst of possible new cuts, STLCC slapped with $25k lawsuit

OPINION: How the reduction in force convinced me to quit Meramec

Story by Melissa Wilkinson Photo Illustration by Noah Sliney

Sean E. Thomas | Former Student

Board of Trustees approves RIF at Nov. 30 Meeting STLCC’s Board of Trustees voted to approve recent budget recommendations proposed by the Budget Reponse Team, according to a press release issued late Thursday night. Among these recommendations was a reduction in force of up to 70 full-time faculty members, which passed unanimously. At approximately 8:10 p.m., before voting started on any of the items, several students leapt from their seats and laid down in front of the board table, chanting “justice for faculty”, prompting the board to retreat to a private meeting room. “We just wanted to recess and let the students have time to vent and talk for a while,” said Chancellor Pittman. “We just let them have the protest basically.” Protests continued until approximately 9:30 p.m. when the board reemerged. They continued their meeting amid student protests with police guarding the board table from the front. The board voted on all items despite the protests. Pittman said it was something he’d never seen before. “I appreciated all their passion but it made it hard to conduct business,” said Pittman. “We can’t continue to operate that way going forward.” Due to loud chanting from protesters drowning

out board activity, audience members were left uncertain about the results of the vote until Spokeswoman Nez Savala confirmed that the RIF had passed in a press release. “I think we can all agree that this was a difficult decision for the board, but it was necessary. It’s our responsibility as leaders of the college to ensure fiscal stability and to face budget challenges sooner rather than later,” said Pittman in the release. “I want everyone to know that their hard work and dedication to our students and to the college community will always be appreciated. We will continue to work together in the best interest of our students and the future of the college.” According to the release, the next step for the college is to implement the recommendations. Beyond the cut of 70 full-time faculty, other recommendations include the reduction of low-completion courses and programs and an increase in cost sharing of employee insurance premiums. While first iteration of the press release stated that “faculty and non-faculty who are affected by the reduction in force will be notified in writing by Dec. 15”, an updated version of the release said that “STLCC

Board of Trustees has directed [Pittman] to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding to mutually agree to waive the STLCC NEA Joint Resolution December 15 notice requirement and to allow notice to be made by March 1, 2018.” According to Pittman, two Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIPs) will be offered. One is identical to the VSIP offered to faculty and staff this summer; the other is exclusive for full-time faculty. The difference is increased compensation for those willing to part with the college by June 30, 2018. If by March 2018 the number of voluntary separations has not reached 70, faculty will be given a notice if their position has been terminated. Pittman negotiated with the STLCC NEA to create the new VSIP. He said they agreed to delay serving faculty with employment termination notices in hopes that enough faculty will take the offer to prevent the need for notices in the first place. “We have a large number of faculty who are eligible for retirement,” said Pittman. “Rather than notice people earlier we’ll wait and see what happens with the incentive plans. We may get enough voluntary interested that we don’t have to notice anyway.”

Read related stories on pages 2 and 3

Dear St. Louis Community College, I came to you a couple of years ago seeking a way to constructively use a little free time. With no real goals in mind I thought, at the very least, that obtaining an associate’s degree might improve my chances for success in the future. To tell you the truth, I didn’t expect much from you, other than a possible stepping stone to another institution. I was caught by surprise when I found myself surrounded by such capable, ambitious and involved faculty and students. A semester later, I was officially a part of the Honors Program at STLCC Meramec. This, combined with interesting classes and becoming a writer for The Montage, has helped me understand who I am: the abilities that I possess, my place in this world, how I can use what I’ve learned to not only improve my place, but also that of those that will come after me. This is what the faculty, both fulltime and adjunct, at STLCC have given me: a sense of self, a sense of purpose and the tools to explore both. I owe my time here everything. STLCC saved this life. I changed profoundly and found myself no longer wandering aimlessly towards a degree but seeking out particular programs at specific universities. I went to the extremely qualified faculty at STLCC for their guidance while repairing my GPA and preparing to transfer. Once I had met my goal and completed all of the necessary coursework to transfer, I had planned to stay at STLCC for an extra semester, so that I could graduate from the institution that had done so much

Curtains Rise on Middletown

A Proposition for America’s Voting System

Unknown but not Unloved: Meramec’s Pool

New Art Exhibition Combines Familiarity with Abstraction

College Survival 101: How to Survive on Campus

Archers Basketball Bounces Back after Losing Streak

Valentine’s Day Date Suggestions

A Case for Affordable Healthcare

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Cuts of up to 70 full-time faculty imminent, Chancellor Pittman’s contract renewed Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief

Photo Illustration by Noah Sliney and Melissa Wilkinson

for me with honors. I would stay so that I could walk across that stage with my fellow students and thank the educators that had helped me along the way, so that I, a high school dropout, could represent STLCC as the first institution of education I have ever graduated, and tell people in the future that with you is where my success all started. With only an algebra course left to complete, your administration, spearheaded by the Board of Trustees and their Chancellor Jeff Pittman, have made this an impossibility for me. This is not because I couldn’t enroll, but because the education with which you have provided me up to this point will not allow me to be part of an institution where I can only receive my degree if I keep my mouth shut. You see, in the Fall semester of 2017, I noticed something. I noticed a change in the way you felt, in the way your educators were behaving and speaking. Your campuses, which once felt exciting, full of possibilities and promise, were beginning to feel sad, beaten down, oppressed. I started hearing about the horrible working environment thrust upon our adjunct professors by an administration unwilling to provide, at the very least, fairness. I joined the Student Social Action Committee. We began hearing acronyms like RIF (reduction in force) and realized that our full-time educators were under attack as well. We started doing research, we started speaking out and then on Thursday, Oct. 19, at a Board of Trustees meeting, we were silenced. When one of your educators, Professor Steve Taylor, tried to speak

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ed to the cost of the program,” said Pittman. Adding to the budget strain is the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE), which recently approved six new performance measures for community colleges including three-year completion rate, non-core expenditures and percentage of successfully completed credit hours. Following these measures is the recommendation that the Department of Higher Education withhold 10 percent of appropriations to be redistributed upon successful fulfilment of the proposed measures. “It would equate to about $88 million when you look at all higher education,” said Pittman. “They would send back funds to each institution according to how they met their performance measures. Where we are now we believe we meet five out of the six measures. That means we would get 80 percent of our funding back.” According to Pittman, the Department of Higher Education stated that they would “hold back the funds they plan to use.” What is most concerning, said Pittman, is that there is no description explaining how the system will work. “That’s the very vague part. We’re not sure how the redistribution of funds would go. What criteria will they assign? We haven’t seen anything in regards to what that means,” said Pittman. “What they’re saying is in theory they will use that funding to assist schools that are not making their performance measures. The concern is that could, over time, dramatically erode our core further.”

In reaction to both Greitens’ and the CBHE’s proposals, Pittman has been spending much of his time in Jefferson City speaking with legislators. Over the past few weeks he has presented arguments against the changes to both the Higher Education Committee and the Subcommittee on Appropriations for Education. According to Pittman, his words are reaching legislators. The [appropriations] committee chairman, Rowland from Cedarcreek, came back the very next day after our testimony and said they’re going to recommend delaying [the CBHE’s proposal] by three years,” said Pittman. Pittman will meet with another six legislators this week, including names like Claire McCaskill, Ann Wagner, Roy Blunt and Lacey Clay. Pittman said he has heard “nothing but support” from them and referred to them as “great friends.” According to Pittman, measures are being taken to increase school funding through increased enrollment. These include the new center for nursing and sciences, which Pittman said will help meet demand for jobs in those fields, as well as expanding efforts through high schools with dual enrollment. STLCC was also recently approved for the Missouri Department of Higher Education’s list of institutions that meet the 42hour minimum of general transfer credit hours, meaning transfer students can get credit for up to 42 hours at any higher education institution in Missouri. Pittman said this will make STLCC an excellent choice for students to earn credit hours at a lower tuition rate than

Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964

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Noah Sliney Graphic by and Tania Robin a Wilkinson Story by Meliss

A test of time: Black History Month at Meramec

The Louisiana Literacy Test, given to voters in the 1960’s, was marketed as a test to determine if takers were educated enough to vote. It was supposedly given to anyone who couldn’t prove education beyond a fifth-grade level, but according to news blog Slate.com, the test was given disproportionately to black voters. Many states had their own versions of the exam. According to Buzzfeed, the test, some questions from which are reproduced above, had no formal answer key. Whether the taker passed or failed was left to the discretion of the grader. Participants had 10 minutes to answer 30 questions. A single incorrect answer resulted in failure and denial of their right to vote.

Riddled with purposeful spelling errors, confusing questions and misleading wording, literacy tests were common practice to prevent black Americans from voting. They remained common until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which secured voting rights for racial minorities in America. Signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, the act is considered to be the most effective piece of federal civil rights legislation ever enacted in the country according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Fast forward to 1976, the year American president Gerald Ford officially established Black History Month. Ford said that Americans should “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplish-

Archers Baseball Steps up to the Plate

Meramec Professor Writes Play

The Importance of History

Archers Softball Out for Blood

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Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964

On Jan. 22, Governor Eric Greitens released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2019. According to Greitens’ website, the proposal includes “increases in funding for infrastructure, education, public safety and programs to protect Missouri’s most vulnerable children,” to be primarily funded by reductions in higher education institutions and other smaller cuts. The new budget shortage would be in addition to the first round, announced in summer of 2017, which resulted in a nearly $5 million deficit to STLCC’s core funding and the reduction of 58 full-time faculty. According to a Jan. 24 email penned by STLCC’s Chancellor Jeff Pittman, the new budget, if approved, could lead to a loss of an additional $4.6 million in STLCC’s core funding. Pittman called the news “disheartening” and said that such a loss may result in drastic increases to tuition rates. “This is something none of us want to consider, but, as we are already operating as a lean institution, changing our tuition model may be the next step that will need to be taken,” said Pittman. STLCC’s Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Paul Zinck, declined to comment on the ongoing budget discussion. According to Pittman, changing the model could mean a flat increase across all courses, but it could also mean that some courses will become more expensive to attend. “Some community colleges in the United States have tiered tuition levels. They charge based on the program students are going into. They would be relat-

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New MetroBus plan proposes inconvenient changes for STLCC riders

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What’s next after the reduction in force

What to do in an active shooter situation

Changes still expected after heavy mitigation from ‘successful’ voluntary separations

In the wake of another school shooting, STLCC administrators offer life-saving strategies Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief

Eight days after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Chancellor Jeff Pittman issued a statement reflecting on the tragedy. The email promised that the safety of campus inhabitants is STLCC’s number one priority and that more information regarding emergency training would be issued in the coming week. On March 4, the STLCC community received an email from Alfred J. Adkins, Interim Director of Public Safety detailing what to do in the event of an active shooter situation. Adkins also stated that, although law enforcement and emergency response teams are already prepared for any situation that may arise, it’s important that students, faculty and staff also receive proper training. “We’re going to take it a step further and involve the student body and faculty and staff in the training,” said Adkins. The email provided no specific dates, saying that the training will occur in the “near future.” According to Adkins, the training has been in the works since long before Stoneman Douglas.

Chancellor Pittman said that active shooter drills are already conducted across STLCC campuses, with timings intended to reach as many students as possible. “Normally they have the drills at different times during the day. That may be something that’s evolving,” said Pittman. According to Adkins, for those who aren’t in class during active shooter drills, the information is available online. “You can see information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the Department of Homeland Security. Or you can go online right now and see what other universities have done,” said Adkins. “They all sort of funnel to the same thing: run, hide, fight.” Adkins also said that his team is testing out new mobile metal detectors, one of which was used at the Feb. 22 Board of Trustees meeting. If the machine does well, he will consider obtaining more for use on each STLCC campus. From Adkins’ email, here are the steps to take

during an active shooter situation. RUN: If you think you can make it, run out of the building. Do not run in a straight line and keep large objects between you and the shooter to keep yourself out of the line of fire. Warn others if you can. When safe, call 911 and be prepared to describe the shooter or shooters, their location and weapons. HIDE: If you can’t run, get out of the shooter’s line of vision and be very quiet. Silence your electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate. Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off lights. Stay in place until law officials give you further instructions. Remain calm. FIGHT: If your life is in danger and there is no escape, use objects in the area to throw at or strike the shooter. Overwhelm the shooter by having many people attack at once. If you see something, say something. For more information, contact Alfred. J. Adkins at 314-539-5266, or Lieutenant Adis Becirovic, Emergency Response Training Coordinator, at 314-644-9783.

Black History Month Wraps Up with African Art Display

It’s Up to Us to Stop Gun Violence Once and For All

Archers Basketball Defeated in Championship Game

see related story on page 7

Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief

Mid-March 2018, the final numbers of the reduction in force are in. Only 18 of the initial 58 fulltime faculty that received reduction notices in December will actually lose their jobs at the end of the spring semester. The number is a result of what Chancellor Jeff Pittman called a “successful” Voluntary Separation Incentive Program campaign. Over 100 faculty and staff elected to voluntarily separate, heavily mitigating those who were involuntarily cut. According to Andrew Langrehr, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, the notices were rescinded based on how many VSIPs were taken in a certain discipline. This is how some disciplines, like physical education, ended up with no cuts, but disciplines like English and reading, which comprised of collectively almost half of the original 58 cuts, ended up with several faculty that could not be spared. “If there were x number of English faculty who got a reduction in force notice and y number of English faculty took the VSIP and y ended up being equal to x, they would cancel each other out,” said Langrehr. “But in English there weren’t enough people who took the VSIP to rescind all of the folks who were RIF’ed so what we did is we used some VSIPs in disciplines where no-

Clothesline Project Gives Abused Women A Voice

body was RIF’ed.” While Langrehr called this “a humane approach”, Forest Park English professor Melody Gee said that the move was “completely backwards.” “It should not have been a reactionary move. Why would you [reduce] people and then offer the retirement?” said Gee. “Rather than dealing with the budget crisis with a forceful VSIP, with cash incentives like they did after the RIFs, they did the RIF first. That’s not how you handle a budget crisis. It says to the community, the first priority is cutting faculty.” Gee is one of the 18 faculty who did not have her RIF notice rescinded. She has been outspoken in her disdain of STLCC’s administration, publishing several articles in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. While there was a VSIP offered during the summer of 2017, immediately following Pittman’s announcement that there might be faculty cuts due to a decrease in core funding, Gee said the original benefits were “so ridiculous” that not a lot of people accepted the VSIP. Langrehr is also in the process of evaluating the need to transfer faculty between campuses, something he said is likely. “Over time the college hasn’t done a good job

Women Don’t Need Hashtags; We Need Reform

of making sure that equilibrium is balanced. It’s been more campus-centric, said Langrehr. “Right now is a time that we can look at those things and see that it’s fair for the students, that they all have equal opportunity to have full-time faculty in their classes. I think that there’s a chance that some people will be transferred. ... And there are people who are interested. I’ve had a lot of people lining up because they’re itching to move from campus x to campus y.” STLCC National Education Association (NEA) President Rob Hertel met with Langrehr on Friday, March 23 to discuss the matter. Hertel said that next week, Langrehr will email faculty asking if anyone would like to voluntarily transfer campuses, moving forward with involuntary transfers if the need is not met voluntarily. He predicts the number of moves will be between one and 15. According to Hertel, some of his colleagues have accepted the results of the reduction in force. Others are still “agitated” about it. But some, like Gee, are doing their best to move on. “I’m taking some time to explore my options,” said Gee. “I thought I would retire at Forest Park. That was my lifelong goal. I’m still in the middle of mourning that loss and moving forward at the same time.”

Fate of Archers Baseball is Up in the Air

Graphic by Noah Sliney

What STLCC administrators are doing to protect student data after FERPA flub

STLCC releases personal information of 362 students in accidental email attachment Official response includes heightened security, procedural review to reduce future incidents Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief

On Feb. 28, 2018, a file containing personal identification information for 362 STLCC students was accidentally emailed to a limited number of other students. The file, attached by mistake instead of the correct attachment about campus events, contained names, emails, home addresses and school identification numbers (A-numbers) of the 362 students. According to Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tony Cruz, there was no malicious intent behind the incident, and the college is already working on security improvements to prevent future incidents. “It was human error,” said Cruz. “It’s been addressed with that individual [who made the mistake.]” All STLCC students were sent an email explaining the situation on March 1, but students whose data were included in the mishandled attachment were sent an additional email informing them of the situation. Meramec’s Eric Pollack was one of those students. Pollack first learned of the data breach on the news after the college released the information to the press, after which he checked his email. He expressed

concerns with the way the news was conveyed. “Not everybody checks their student emails. The only reason I found out was I have it attached to my gmail account,” said Pollack. “[STLCC] could have easily put this on Blackboard. I would have even accepted a phone call whether it’s prerecorded or in person. Even a face to face thing. It’s disturbing that they sent me an email and expect me to come to them for the specifics.” But according to Cruz, email is STLCC’s “official means of communication” with students. Cruz said that news of the breach was emailed to students before it was released to the media and that it wasn’t a situation that called for student response, making an immediate method of communication less important. “We were taking actions on our end,” said Cruz, “but I don’t think students could take much action on their own.” Pollack did just the opposite, however, and contacted Kim Fitzgerald, Dean of Student Development and Enrollment Management at Meramec. According

to Pollack, Fitzgerald told him that most of the information in the attachment, such as address and phone number, is available in the student directory. “I voiced my concern about the data breach to her and told her my information, the A-number was compromised. I told her, that A-number is attached to financial information as well as my student ID which is a debit card. And her exact wording on the phone was ‘Oh, I didn’t think of that,’” said Pollack. Pollack requested that his A-number be changed and all the information from his old account moved to the new one. However, according to Chief Information Officer Matthew Gioia, the change would not solve the problem, as the new number would still be attached to the old one. “It’s not that it can’t be changed,” said Gioia. “We don’t want to give people the false impression that that would potentially fix the issue.” What will fix the issue, said Gioia, is making sure that student information is only given to students themselves. According to Gioia, STLCC’s plan to

Meet the Artists Behind Some of Meramec’s Sculptures

How Military Recruiters are Taking Advantage of Minorities

Archers Softball Going Strong Despite Rainy Season

The 21 - Watson Road bus picks up student commuters outside Meramec. The 21 route is one of several that may see significant reductions in scheduling starting early next year.

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Steve Taylor is one of six new councilmembers, operating on a platform of free speech and accessibility Stephen Buechter | Staff Writer

Former Wildwood adjunct professor Steve Taylor, the man now famous for being tackled by police at an October 2017 Board of Trustees meeting, was elected to Wildwood City Council on April 3. He ran without donations, stating he didn’t want to be “beholden to any contributors.” Taylor, one of six new members, ran on a platform of free speech and government access, mirroring the very reason for the October incident, in which Taylor was approaching the board, questioning a policy that he said violated his right to free speech, when he was subsequently body-slammed by an armed policeman. Though Taylor maintained that he meant the board no harm in approaching them, Taylor lost his job and was issued a no-trespass order, making it illegal for him to step foot on any STLCC campus. The no-trespass order was upheld despite Taylor’s acquittal in court earlier this year, where a circuit judge deemed him no danger. The situation poses a unique problem for the

Wildwood City Council, which often hosts its meetings on the STLCC Wildwood campus and must now relocate. Councilwoman Tammy Shea said that some of the council’s meetings have been held at Wildwood since “shortly after the campus opened, because we often have meetings that are, for the lack of a better word, ‘overscheduled’ within our facility. And so whenever that happens, we have property we can often use as well, but the convenience of the college for seating and access made it very convenient.” Taylor said that STLCC’s refusal to let the council access the Wildwood campus is a violation of his First Amendment rights. “It’s very frustrating that the college is being so unreasonable as to not allow a duly elected official to serve out his duties. And I feel that they continue to discourage my name even though I’ve been cleared of all charges,” said Taylor. “I would like to say that it is time for the college to move on and let me as a

Symphony Chaco: A Journey of the Spirit

Letter to the Editor: We Have Lost Our Way

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Earlier this month, the St. Louis Metro public transportation system released their new draft plan which proposes significant schedule changes to their busses. The plan will be increasing the frequency for routes closer to the city while decreasing the frequency of the routes in St. Louis counties. While beneficial for riders in the city, this new plan may make daily commutes for students, and even staff of STLCC, much more difficult. “These changes are completely unnecessary. There’s no reason to change the times,” said Meramec sophomore Courtney Billops. “If I get off of work at a certain time and I have to wait an hour instead of 30 minutes, that’s highly inconvenient for me.” The changes were garnered by customer

STLCC adjunct tackled by police elected to Wildwood City Council

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REDUCTION IN FORCE

ments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, America has recognized February as Black History Month. Andrew Smith is the director of TRIO Student Assistance Program at Meramec and the brain behind several of Meramec’s Black History Month events. “I’m African-American and I haven’t always embraced my culture and my heritage for whatever reasons,” said Smith. “I just kind of sat back as I was driving on my way to work and realized that I really need to embrace my culture and my history. For me, to be able to expand this collegewide and to have other people embrace it as well, it’s a huge deal for me, to be proud of who I am.”

Photo by Syed Ali

Five Meramec students protest by chanting from the floor in front of the board table at the Nov. 30 Board of Trustees meeting. The protest was in opposition to the reduction in force which was voted on and approved that evening. See related story on page 5.

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10 Parks in 10 Miles to Get Your Nature Fix

Editor

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