December 3, 2009

Volume 66, No. 13

THE PAN AMERICAN

December 3, 2009

State of the Student Body Address held Tuition moves forward, provides budget hope

By Roxann Garcia Nevaeh09@msn.com

Students and administrators gathered Tuesday at the Student Union for the 5th Annual State of the Student Body Address hosted by the Student Government Association. The event, initiated in 2005, was designed to encourage student engagement and input on issues facing the university.

Students were encouraged to attend the address and a catered reception af-

terward in the Union lobby, to interact with SGA members and Interim President Charles A. Sorber.

The event began with SGA President Raghuveer Puttagunta addressing the student body and faculty on the state of the university, accomplished goals, and future projects of the organization.

“We as a university have come a long way in the past five years. We’re starting to see more and more students not only from the Valley attending the

university but also those who are from outside as well,” stated the president.

“We’re beginning to receive more and more students who have already had advanced placement and rigorous courses. We’ve come a long way over some time and we’ve done a lot in just this past year.”

As president, Puttagunta has implemented a number or programs during his term. One is the Textbook Lending Program where students can check

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Daniel Flores/THE PAN AMERICAN

FIGHT THE POWER - Freshman Mellisa Eberlein attempts to rally fellow students outside the COAS Buidling against the new tuition hike that is scheduled to take effect over the next two fiscal years.

Locals react to troop surge for war

By Ana Villaurrutia A.villaurru@gmail.com Millions gathered to hear President Barack Obama’s decision on how to proceed with the eight-year war effort in Afghanistan during a natiomally televised Tuesday address from West Point. Many around The University of Texas-Pan American are expressing their opinions on the initiative.

Obama announced he will soon send 30,000 more troops to Afghani-

stan to help eliminate the threat of terrorist group al Qaeda. The additional troops would raise the total to over 100,000 soldiers.

“We have been at war now for eight years, at enormous cost in lives and resources. Years of debate over Iraq and terrorism have left our unity on national security issues in tatters, and created a highly polarized and partisan backdrop for this effort,” said Obama Tuesday. “We must deny al Qaeda a safe haven. We must reverse the Taliban’s

momentum and deny it the ability to overthrow the government.”

Luis Matus, a recruitment officer with UTPA’s ROTC program, shared his opinion on Obama’s announcement.

“I definitely don’t envy his job right now, it’s a tough decision to make,” said the 2009 psychology graduate of UT-Austin. “I’m glad he took his time to make the possible course of action.”

Captain Eva Bratschi, a recruit-

-ATTENTION READERS-

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By Brian Silva Brian.silva2@gmail.com The proposed tuition and fee hike, which senior administrators call crucial to the financial health of the university, has passed the key hurdle of the Cost of Education Committee.

If implemented, tuition would increase by $140 for 15 semester hours each fall semester for the next two years The measure is designed to help alleviate an already thinly stretched budget, which received even less funding this summer when the Texas Legislature did not adopt a measure increasing “formula funding” to the university.

According to Shaney Flores, vice president of the UTPA Student Government Association, the committee opted not to develop a separate additional increase. The second increase, which would have needed student referendum approval, had been proposed by the Division of Business Affairs, but was not OK’d because the committee decided that such a hike represented more expense than area students could handle.

Currently it costs $3,048 to attend UTPA for 15 hours, the second lowest in the state.

Flores said the next step rests with the Office of the President, which will deliver the proposal to the President’s Council, who will receive feedback from deans and department chairs. After that, the president of the university is to send it to UT System Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs David Prior. The final step will occur in late spring when the student government president and university president present it to the System Board of Regents.

The university began the year running in the red, but according to Interim President Charles “Chuck” Sorber, the fiscal year 2009 budget made it into the black for the first time in several years.

Preliminary estimates put the budget up by about .9 percent according to Juan Gonzales, assistant vice president of business affairs and budget director.

“The proposed tuition increase is fairly nominal,” Sorber said. “All we have is tuition and fees, and we’re limited because of the cap.”

Though the budget woes have been addressed the deeply entrenched funding issue may have started eight years ago. Jim Langabeer, vice president of business affairs, said the problem is not

Page 2 - Big business might Page 3 - Jobs after Page 11 - Holiday gift guide Page 14 - Q&A with volleyball Though semester ends with graduation Dec. 19, The Pan American staff scarce will be back at work Monday, Dec. 21, to produce content for the player Web site,Rebecca Panamericanonline.com.

The havethe packed their bags, but graduation becoming Toddy university community can expect all sorts of news and features on a daily basis until the spring semester begins Jan. 19, including coverage of Bronc sports and excluding breaks on they never left Christmas and New Year’s. Anyone interested in giving news tips or getting involved with the paper should come by CAS 170 during the break.

with expenditures, stating that, “it’s a revenue problem.”

He went on to explain that his division studied comparisons between UTPA and several other universities and that UTPA showed no problems in that area.

The lack of revenue and combined budget deficits of 11.1 percent can be traced back to decisions made during the past decade.

“This goes back to when designated tuition became a reality, and this institution chose to keep it as low as possible… partly because of the nature of our student body,” Sorber said.

“The decision was made, rightfully or wrongfully, to minimize the increases and not get ahead of the game.”

Eight years ago the Texas Legislature deregulated tuition and gave the state’s university systems the ability to control how their tuition number was raised or regulated, presenting a significant change in traditional Texas higher education fiscal policy, according to Sorber.

“When the Legislature chose to give the regents the authority to increase designated tuition seven years ago, they basically made a conscious decision to shift the burden of higher education from the state to the students and the parents,” he explained. “Once they made that shift the ball game changed.

One could say the Legislature chose to defer to the students and parents the cost, instead of the broader tax base. “ In recent years, though, lawmakers and regents have come to an agreement to cap tuition increases. However, formula funding, the way in which the state funds a university, was not changed to accommodate the caps.

Sorber said that the university cannot make up for the decision the university made eight years ago.

“It’s kind of like a salmon, we’re always swimming upstream,” he said.

“You have to get a little dexterous in this business in order to try and continue to swim upstream to get ahead of the game, to keep the lights on and make sure there are faculty in the classrooms.”

University officials say the state has a looming revenue problem that will affect the institution. Sorber stressed the importance of preparing for this possibility by getting the finances in order.

“It was critical for us to get our budget in the black, from an operating point of view,” Sorber said, adding

SEE BUDGET || PAGE 6 - Ayuda ahora: The Writing Center now offering Spanish tutoring

December 3, 2009

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Commentary

Special Edition!

Special ‘paper offers tips on finals fury We dedicated our last issue to our fellow students who are embarking on the challenge of finals.

It’s that time of the semester where we’re all super eager to go home for Christmas, but have to endure a few sleepless nights before completing the semester.

In this issue you’ll find an array of stories that highlight the finals fury. Alongside the tales of finals will also be some tips and guidence for making it through the end-ofsemester process.

Inside you’ll find a story about how students are dealing with finals, as well as a story looking into how the university’s athletes handle exams while also representing the Broncs on the court.

In addition, there will be several

Vol 66, No. 13

hundred students who will be eagerly awaiting their final exams. Those students will soon no longer be students, as they as graduating. Some of them may not be nervous about their exams, but given the current economic climate there is some hesitation about the job market. We’ll tell their tale of the looming move into the workforce.

Some of the helpful suggestions we offer will be located on the center spread. They’re tips like the best places to study, the worst places to study, the best and worst energy sources, and the best places to retain memory. We also offer a tip on how to concentrate better.

We hope you find these stories enlightening and helpful. Remember, this week is Wellness Week!

December 3 , 2009

Daniel Flores / The Pan American

New era to bring opportunity Brian Silva Editor in Chief

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

EDITOR IN CHIEF Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia / alvillaurru@utpa.edu VIDEO EDITOR Naxiely Lopez / naxiely@myway.com ONLINE EDITOR Kristen Cabrera / kristenmichellecabrera@yahoo.com ASSISTANT VIDEO EDITOR Victor Ituarte / victor.ituarte@gmail.com A&L EDITOR Isaac Garcia / izek_el@yahoo.com ASSISTANT A&L EDITOR Andrielle Figuerroa / j27ig@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITOR Kevin Stich/ k.stich@gmail.com ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Sara Hernandez/ sarahdzm@hotmail.com DESIGN EDITOR Gregorio Garza / ggarzaz26@utpa.edu SENIOR DESIGNER Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@utpa.edu ADVISER Dr. Greg Selber / selberg@utpa.edu ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE Anita Reyes / areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Mariel Cantu/ spubs@utpa.edu WEBMASTER Jose Villarreal / josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com

**Delivery** Thursday at noon The Pan American is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or university.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to thepanamerican@ gmail.com.

Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.

A new era will dawn on Jan. 1, 2010.

Robert Nelsen will spend his first day as the university’s eighth president as the new year begins, and those of us who keep a close ear to the heart of the university know change is encroaching from all directions.

Nelsen will usher in new academic and administrative policy, something that is routine during such transitions.

But change is looming from all funding sources as well. It is already known that the state has significantly trimmed higher education funding.

With the economy still struggling, chances are that future federal money will be sparse. This means lean times, and the new UTPA president will helping the adjusting of the university to those circumstances.

However, faculty, staff and students should caution Nelsen to be very conscious of his decisions so that these do not infringe upon the academic integrity of the institution.

The big choices should be made from a paradigm of progress in academic quality, when at all possible; economic expediency should not trump the university’s traditional mission.

Though there are many points of caution, this pivotal moment in the university’s history must also be seen as an opportunity for all. It’s a time for students, faculty and staff to express ideas about how to bring about progress for UTPA. People cannot sit and watch this moment

float into the history books, and frankly, apathy has too strong of a grip on the university right now.

This institution of higher learning is supposed to enable students to become productive citizens of the great American society. However, when a public event occurs, an almost infinitesimal number of people turn out to lend their thoughts.

If this apathy is left unchecked it will become corrosive to the American tradition: democracy. If few students get up and voice their opinions on tuition and fee increases, then it becomes all too easy for someone in power to make a decision without having to consider feedback from all quarters.

One part of shared governance is the strong need for leaders to listen to students, faculty and staff. From the leaders in student government to the deans and vice presidents, all the way up to the president: they must ensure that all university constituencies know they’re being heard.

As the university approaches new and significant decisions, the various constituencies must educate themselves so that they may understand the decisions in context and have a full grasp. Asking for a voice is one thing; using it is another, and the Bronc community could use some improvement there.

To that end, Nelsen must take steps to foment interest and action by faculty, staff, and especially students.

As he sits in his office for the first time and looks out the window for the first time, he will see Edinburg, McAllen and Pharr: the heart of the Valley. In his hands will not only

lie the future of UTPA, but also the responsibility of ensuring the intellectual, economic and cultural progress of an area that has always desperately needed it.

In addition, during that time the many issues of the university will try to take his ear. The ever-present situations of parking and classroom space are likely to be on the list. In addition, academic and financial issues are likely to pop up, as they already have. Finances, or lack thereof, will likely dominate the university’s political landscape for at least the near future, given the aforementioned troubles.

It’s imperative Nelsen fight for the funding this university desperately needs. This is an opportunity for him to step up and be a strong advocate for the Valley people.

As the sun sets on Charles Sorber’s tenure here, I am abundantly grateful (both as a student and member of the press) for his honesty and transparent style. His willingness to meet on short notice about urgent matters, along with his direct answers, are a testament to his press-friendly character.

As the dawn emerges on the horizon, I urge President-designate Nelsen to continue the spirit of transparency, encourage involvement in shared governance, and be a powerful advocate for the university.

To the university community: take advantage of this opportunity for progress; get active. To Interim President Sorber, I wish you well as you reenter retirement. To Presidentdesignate Nelsen: Good luck!

Go Broncs!

December 3, 2009

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Students come face to face with the horrors of finals

By Alejandra Martinez Al_ex16@hotmail.com It is the end of another year, colder temperatures are hitting the Valley, the streets are slippery and the cold and stormy nights are starting to brew stronger for students at The University of Texas-Pan American as the dreaded finals week approaches.

As a college student, it is always important to be well-prepared to face the workload that the end of the semester

What’s creeping around the corner?

By Pamela Morales Pmorales@broncs.utpa.edu It’s that time of the year again.

Christmas? No, final exams! Just realized how soon Finals Week is and not sure what do? Maybe a few tips from other students and professors will help.

As history Professor Bryant Morrison said, “Every professor is different.” Maybe the professor didn’t handout a study guide or hasn’t mentioned the final, but it’s up to you to ask what you should be studying. Although that may be the case, asking questions during lectures can be a little intimidating because you don’t want to look “dumb” in front of the class…sometime the professor shows impatience when students ask questions.

Jennifer Trevino, another history professor, said, “If professors don’t encourage students to ask then meet during office hours, that’s what office hours are for, to ask and ask questions you find important about the final.”

Asking questions is one way to get info. Research is another. Professor Nigel Cohen from the department of accounting and business law said some professors have textbook study guides reserved in the library and students should ask the professor if there’s one for the final.

If you get your hands on a study guide, then take this advice from political science professor Jerry Polinard, who said, “Use study guides with study groups and test each other but there is no magic way to do it [study] right.” It just depends what’s best for you, he thinks.

If you don’t have a study guide, then take tips from these students.

Nubia Benavides, a sophomore majoring in biology, records lectures throughout the semester and creates note cards based on the lectures,

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requires. However, it often happens that some students don’t take the necessary precautions, and even if they do, life is full of unexpected turns and accidents no one can foresee.

Whether it’s a flat tire or a computer crashing, accidents can happen to anyone at any time. And it seems like the end of the semester is a busy season for these inconveniences.

One of the most common stories comes from the famous all-nighter, or “cramming” before a test. Mike

Vasquez, a junior at UTPA, has his own tale on that topic.

“One time before this one final, I’m not sure what holiday it was, I had all my family over,” recalled the business major. “I put my books down for a second and I got carried away with my family. I completely disregarded the rest of my studying and I ended up going to sleep without studying.

“I woke up the next day and I had maybe 30 minutes to get to class. I hadn’t studied as much as I should have

so I had like 15 minutes to cram it as much as I could. I actually ended up doing OK, but I remember being terrified walking into the class.”

It’s not always as simple as partying and not studying, sometimes lack of preparation can all be attributed to bad luck and a really bad day. That’s what happened to Kevin Cruz.

Cruz was giving his younger brother a ride to school on the same day he had to turn in an essay that would count for 20 percent of his final grade. While

waiting in line to drop his brother off at his high school, he realized his car was running out of gas.

“I live about a mile away from the high school, I look at my wallet to see if I have anything, and I have nothing!” exclaimed the TV/theater/film major.

“So I drive home, and instead of slowing down because that’s supposed to save gas, I sped up. I get to my house and I’m looking for money all over the place and I only found two quarters.”

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Looking forward to graduation?

As finals near, graduates look toward the job market

By Rebecca Ward Rward@broncs.utpa.edu Graduating seniors have one thing on their minds aside from finals: finding a job.

The most common question that graduating seniors are asked during the last couple months of their academic careers is, “What do you plan to do after graduation?” And the likely response is, “Look for a job, I guess.”

“Well, what do you want to do?”

That’s the question Victor Huerta, director of the Center for Advisement, Recruitment, Internships, and Retention (CARIR) in the College of Business Administration asks of anyone who comes to him for help finding employment. He says students are surprised by that question and usually just give him a general answer about finding a job within their particular field of study.

And when it comes to students looking within the field they got their degree in, Huerta says he tells them to ask themselves why they studied what they did in the first place.

“Start a diligent search, not for a job, but for a career,” he said. “Why did they choose a particular discipline to get their degree in?”

That, said Huerta, is the key to choosing a path to follow after graduation; and that personal evaluation, he adds, should begin in a student’s junior year, at least.

That all comes back to motivation, which is according to Huerta of paramount importance to students from any university, but especially one here in the Valley, given the iffy market these days. And not only motivation, but the willingness to create a network within one’s acquaintances.

According to Huerta, looking at ads in the newspaper is not enough.

Information from the National Association of colleges and Employers

“Only 10 percent of the jobs you see are the ones in the newspaper,” he said.

“The other 90 percent depend on a networking opportunity: somebody knows somebody who knows somebody….

Don’t look at the newspaper.”

He urges students to build a network and attend job fairs.

“The question is,” he said, “What are the students willing to do? Are they willing to follow the recommendations we make to them?”

However, many students do not think that far ahead, and according to Ashley Munoz, a student career adviser at UTPA’s Career Services, they typically only start looking for a job at the beginning of their last semester— if then.

“The only thing they should expect is not to get a job offer right away,” she said about the procrastinating crowd.

“They’re not going to get the job they want right away.”

Munoz cautions students in the fields of communication and marketing

to begin their search as early as possible since some careers are more specific to the individual: those in the liberal arts, specifically.

“Those are the fields that need more time,” she said, noting that it just takes more adjustment to find the right fit.

“Those are the ones that we stress to come in and start looking of getting internships before they graduate.”

Recently Career Services has even seen an influx of alumni coming back for help in locating that perfect job.

Munoz said it has much to do with the current state of the economy because jobs are harder to find and competition is higher. “The job market is getting a lot more competitive with a lot more students getting graduate degrees as well.

“It’s a competitive world and we try to help the students get ahead,” she said.

Dr. Alberto Davila, chair of the economics and finance department, said that the unemployment rate, nationally

at 10.2 percent, has an even higher impact on college graduates entering the job market. “The unemployment rate, although historically high, is much more of a problem than the number suggests.” Davila said that while the labor market will continue to be tight in the future, the important thing is that students realize the educated always do best “competing for scarce jobs.”

And, echoing Huerta’s suggestion, he said that he tells students, “Don’t confine your job search to one specific geographic area.”

“I think our students can do well in the market, if they are willing to take the opportunities where they are, whether they’re here or outside the region,” she predicted.

Huerta’s number one piece of advice for students is, “We have to be open; we have to be mobile.” He said most students have the idea that when they graduate, they will remain in the Valley and seek employment here. That

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ADDRESS continued from Page 1 out textbooks from the library on campus. Another is the Coffee-Side Chat event where students meet and greet with SGA senators. He also initiated Finals Release, where senators offer snacks, drinks, scantrons and other testing supplies in the library during finals week.

“This year we had Valley Leadership Summit; the first of its kind.

Texas representatives, legislators and mayors were invited to attend and speak to our students,” explained Puttagunta. “This along with the Ace the Test program where students visit the

TROOPS continued from Page 1 ing and operations officer, was confident the decision was made with good thought and she hopes Americans will be receptive.

“I can’t speculate on how the general population will feel, but I hope they will have confidence in our military leaders,” Bratschi said.

The ROTC program currently has about 40 cadets/students in its program.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Sept. 11, Americans were in wide support of a military effort in Afghanistan but a recent CNN poll found that only 39 percent of Americans now favor the war, in which 850 U.S. troops

SGA offices giving us feedback and input in exchange for testing supplies, has allowed us to fix whatever issues students may have.”

For the upcoming term, SGA hopes to set avenues in which students can display their art work throughout campus. The senators are hoping to have a student mural possibly in the newly expanded Student Union and experiment with campus clean-ups. At the event, the interim president lauded the work of student government this semester.

“It has been my observation that your student government association and student leaders are alive and well here at the University of Texas-Pan American,” Sorber commented.

Sorber has spent most of his professional life in UT System institutions, and will act as an adviser to new chief Robert Nelsen in the spring. He noted that SGA and the student body have important roles as the university moves ahead with new administrative leadership.

“Student involvement is vital for the progress of any institution,” he explained. “Your time here at UTPA will prepare you through your participation and involvement not only in your courses and in various organizations but also in other activities. It evolves who you are and who you truly want to be. That’ll leave your mark. And it is our job to provide the tools.”

have died.

Also mentioned in the speech was an 18-month timetable, at the end of which troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan. Lawmakers from the two main U.S. political parties disagreed with the decision to withdraw troops by summer 2011, with some stating that it was an “arbitrary” timetable, according to CNN. Others are satisfied with the end to what they call a “blank check” in terms of an exit strategy and end game. David Cortez, president of the Students for Peace organization at UTPA, was pessimistic about the end date, saying it was “wishful thinking.” He believes the solution to the war was having Americans stand against it.

“That’s nice (the timetable) if you believe everything goes according to

plan,” said the 26-year-old political science major from Brownsville. “I don’t see the end of the war until we see the American people stand up and speak against it.”

Overall, Cortez disagrees with the initiative, and suggests that the entire operation has done quite a bit of damage to America’s image worldwide.

“We had eight years to try to hunt Osama Bin Laden and we’ve done nothing but blow up schools, blow up houses and blow up weddings,” Cortez said. “We’ve done nothing but inflame the anti-American sentiment.”

As the war continues the country continues to be divided on the conflict, and the latest wrinkle has elicited its fair share of discourse including on campus.

December 3, 2009

BUDGET continued from Page 1 that the university budgeted fiscal year 2010 in the black so that “nothing is left to chance.”

Part of the problem is that in the past, some expenditures were made by tapping into reserves, according to Sorber. However, he would not speculate as to why budgets were constructed in such a way.

Sorber emphasized that the next Legislative session will be very difficult on the lawmakers because state revenues are lagging behind projected levels, a problem faced nationwide by states as the economic downturn makes its impact felt at the institutional level.

“We need to build up reserves,” he said, noting that the UT System is encouraging its schools to build their savings piles, which are usually not touched except in emergency cases. He added that unless the economy picks up quickly, then the state can expect less revenue and thus, colleges can expect less money from the state.

“Shortfalls of revenue lead to reduced budgets,” he stressed. “It means the general revenue we get could be reduced.”

The interim president, whose last day is Dec. 31, said that it’s possible that state agencies could cut short funding next year. Sorber and Langabeer stressed that revenues are meeting expenditures, which means reserves can be built again.

“We may be forced with some cuts,

and that’s when you’ll need your reserves rather than cutting required services,” Sorber noted, explaining that required services include things like faculty, staff, and utilities.

“We don’t have a rainy day fund to speak of… not much,” he said.

Sorber, who’s been at the university since February, when former president Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas retired, said that the responsibility for providing revenue the university needs rests with several entities. But, from a university standpoint, he said the main thing that they can do is rein in expenditures.

“One could argue that the Legislature could do better by us, or anyone else,” Sorber said. “It’s more of how they handle higher education and how they shift the burden.”

One recent proposed change that may turn into a cost-saving measure is increasing instructor/faculty workloads. Sorber explained that the change is more of an accountability move, but admitted it is more costly when there are fewer teachers teaching.

“The intent is to create a proper balance, and the provost is working on it with the Faculty Senate,” Sorber said.

“There may be some expectations from some of the faculty that they would like to do less…we’re not going to do that.”

The university switched to a 3-3 workload for tenure-track faculty a few years back, in order to transition into a more research-centered approach.

However, with the economic troubles showing no signs of abating, this is an issue that will surely be revisited at some point.

NEWS

December 3, 2009

thing anyone would recommend, pulling two is even less advisable. Joel Cuellar learned this the hard way. continued from Page 3 “I was studying for my finals for like two days straight, with no sleep, Cruz called his father to ask for a no food and I drank like three or four ride to school, but found no luck there. Red Bulls back to back,” recalled the After what seemed like an eternity, he electrical engineering major. “I was was able to contact his professor to ex- in the library, I was coming down the plain the situation, and was told that stairs, and I felt weird, I was sweating, I felt cold, but I he could turn in kept sweating. I his assignment late; however, his “I was studying for my finals just sat there for like two hours. score would be for like two days straight, I had to call my reduced by a letdad to come pick ter grade. with no sleep, no food and I me up. That’s the Bad luck most horrible excomes in all shape drank like three or four Red perience…after and forms. For Bulls back to back. I was in that no more Red Nuhri Silva, marBulls.” keting major, it the library, I was coming These are just was somebody down the stairs, and I felt some of the stoelse’s mistake that ries told across earned her a bad weird, I was sweating, I felt campus, and with grade. cold, but I kept sweating. finals just around “We were dothe corner it is ing a group projI just sat there for like two likely that they ect, we were suphours.” will become more posed to do a common and unpresentation, and dergo new incarthe girl who was Joel Cuellar nations. It is safe supposed to do Electrical engineering major to say that one the written part can’t always be copied and pasted everything from online,” Silva com- prepared for the unexpected. Howevmented. “So we failed our class be- er, it is important to add that partying cause of that. Now I’m taking it again, and studying don’t mix: if an all-nightbecause of her. It’s really frustrating, er must be done, don’t forget to eat, and just because of one person not doing last but not least, always, always have some extra cash in your wallet. And her job.”

Pulling an all-nighter is not some- just hope that nothing bad happens.

HORROR

TIPS continued from Page 3 “Then I study a week before and if I have questions, I’ll ask after class or during office hours,” she said. “Also, I explain the material to those that don’t know like my family and I’ll discuss what I know with peers,” But maybe you’re a person who doesn’t or can’t study with groups. If you’re one of those students who gets

JOBS continued from Page 3 can be an issue because so many plan to stay here, and it tends to make the job market even more competitive then it would be otherwise.

“You go out there and you look, and for every job that you see, you’ll probably have 20 or 30 people looking at the same job.”

He described the mentality of students here as akin to a child connected to its mother.

“We have this little umbilical cord sticking out there that we’re not willing to sever,” he laughed.

Yesenia Trevino, an education major, said she plans to look for a job teaching beginning in January, but that as far as she knows, the La Joya school district where she would like to teach only has three openings. “The day of

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easily distracted or there’s no one to study with such as your friends, then maybe try searching for a place with the essentials, free wireless Internet and a calm atmosphere.

Junior J.P. Gonzalez, a rehabilitation major said, “When I’m alone in a class, like I don’t have any friends in the class, I get away from home and go somewhere quiet like Moonbeans Coffee Shop.”

If you still don’t know how to organize, then look into Karina Mejia’s idea of studying> The , biology/pre-med ju-

the job fair, the closest districts that were hiring were Dallas and Houston,” she said. And just as Huerta described, Trevino is one of those students that would prefer not to relocate if she does not have to.

“My first choice would be here, but if there are no openings here, then yes, I would relocate anywhere.”

Even if a student graduating this December has not begun hunting for the career they desire, Munoz echoes the saying that it’s “better late than never.”

“There is a job out there,” she said.

“It just takes some looking for it, and no one’s going to look for it for you, you have to do it yourself.”

Over 1,400 students graduated in May 2009, and over 1,300 in December 2008.

Students graduating this December can expect to be competing in the job market with at least as many others as last year this time.

nior gathers all her materials and divides it into sections based on the class.

“Then I’ll pull several all-nighters and study with groups.”

If you still need more tips and advice, then ask a friend or a professor you feel comfortable with. Now, you’re probably thinking you still have time and that’s fine. Or maybe you’re planning to start today. But whatever kind of student you are, just remember: finals are just around the corner…so stop thinking about Christmas!

Top Five In-Demand Careers By need and projected growth of occupational field

1. Nursing and Medical Services 2. Computing and Engineering 3. Education 4. Green Jobs (i.e. environmental consultancies and environmentally friendly companies) 5. Energy (biofuel companies)

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 8

December 3, 2009

Pulling an all-nighter?

DURING FINALS WEEK, WHAT ARE YOU DOING AT 8 P.M.?

LEAVING HAPPY HOUR

STUDYING AT LIBRARY

WHO ARE YOUR STUDY PARTNERS?

WHAT DO YOU DRINK TO KEEP YOU UP? COFFEE

ENERGY DRINK

WHAT DO YOU USE YOUR COMPUTER FOR?

PORN

RESEARCH

PARTY ANIMAL

DESIGN BY: ROY BAZAN

WORKING AT MY DEAD-END JOB

JACK DANIELS

MY CLASSMATES

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FINALS?

I WING IT

SPARKNOTES

AVERAGE STUDENT

MY MOM

YOU’RE HAPPIEST WHEN...?

YOU BARELY PASS YOUR CLASS

YOU GET YOUR USUAL 4.0

NERD

INFO BY: ISAAC GARCIA, KRISTEN CABRERA, ANDRIELLE FIGUEROA

December 3, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

Finals are finally upon us and because you studied all semester, this article will serve no purpose. But if you’re finding yourself a bit panicked, we’ve got you covered, sort of, with some quick tips and facts for pulling an all-nighter.

Best Places To Study Library - this should be a no-brainer. With little noise and even fewer distractions, libraries are an ideal study environment for students.

With A Group - OK, this isn’t really a place, but with the right study buddy, learning is almost always guaranteed.

Worst Places To Study On Your Bed - Among the comfy distractions from the pillows and covers, it’s safe to say that a bed is no place to study for an exam.

Best Energy Sources Dark Chocolate - Has been proven to boost your mood, brain function and is good for the heart. Remember that dark chocolate and milk chocolate are not the same. If it’s too tasty you’re probably eating the wrong one.

Trail Mix - The dry fruit and nuts provide the body with a quick and healthy boost of energy. Feel free to indulge on this snack.

Worst Energy Sources Junk Food - If it leaves greasy stains on your fingers and tastes delicious, it’s probably bad for you. The wrong kind of energy boosts lead to sugar crashes and increased waist sizes.

Caffeine - It may give you the fastest pick-me-up, but the crashes are the worst, especially if the caffeine is loaded with sugar.

For Your Brain Concentration - Peppermint, according to researchers in Chicago, makes people more alert and less anxious.

Short-Term Memory - British researchers claim that one cup of coffee improves attention and problem-solving skills.

For Long-Term Memory - Antioxidants in blueberries help protect the brain from free radicals. Basically, they boost your brain’s thinking process.

Page 9

December 3, 2009

Prepping for, like, final exams

By Nadia Tamez-Robledo ntamezrob@broncs.utpa.edu

Party crashers Michele and Tareq Salahi went unnoticed at a White House state dinner last week.

From his post at the desk of the math tutoring room in the Learning Assistance Center, business accounting major Arturo Salinas can tell just by looking when exam period is coming up. Regulars come in with frazzled hair and clothes, and the activity-period tutors are busier than usual.

“Around this time there are usually 10 people,” the 18-year-old said. “Now it’s 25 or 30. There are people waiting for tutors.”

With final exams starting Dec. 12, students have about a week to start preparing before cramming time sets in.

Students like freshman Carlos Romero are not too worried about impending tests. He said he normally only studies right before a test, and the criminal justice major headed over to the LAC before finals week to get help before his algebra exam next week.

“I waited until the last minute,” he said. “I think I’ll get a B if I study for it.”

Romero takes a trip to the LAC about every two weeks and said that his study habits have worked fine in the past.

“Whenever I get a review, I come here and study,” he explained. “I’m kind of in a hurry [to learn the material], but I’m getting it.”

Across the hallway in the science tutoring room, junior Jonathan Warden prepares for his exams while prioritizing between classes. He said he dedicates about four hours everyday for a pre-med biology course, and about five hours total for non-major classes.

“It’s better to study ahead,” the Weslaco native said. “If you cram, you think you’ll remember, but once you see the test, you’ll blank out. That’s what happened to me.”

Studying with Warden was sophomore Kenny Nieto, who has spent three to four hours studying for the past month. Of his eight classes, the biology major has already taken two finals.

“Very often I make PowerPoints and

note cards, whatever I feel is appropriate for the class,” he said.

Nieto is used to the workload.

Formerly a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio, the 19-year-old Mercedes native estimates that he spent seven to eight hours a day studying for finals last semester. In the end, he is looking at the bigger picture.

“It’s not only that I want to know [the material] now,” he offered. “When I take graduate school exams, I don’t want to be cramming for those. I have a good long-term memory, so I don’t forget.”

Dietetics major Nelson McPherson is utilizing the power of the Internet for his test reviews. He used his phone to watch a YouTube video lecture on organic chemistry, a strategy recommended to him by a peer.

“Teachers in different videos teach different tricks for remembering the material,” the 23-year-old said. “It refreshes your memory, and some videos can make it easier to understand.”

New class being offered at UTPA has community, students excited OK, “Avatar” isn’t out until Dec. 18, but the latest film by James Cameron is sure to be the talk among movie goers for weeks.

Actor turned singer, Jared Leto returns to 30 Seconds To Mars with their latest release “This is War” out Dec. 8

The world’s most famous golfer is now the world’s alleged number one cheater.

By Rick Hinojosa rickhinojosa83@yahoo.com There are few university classes that can immediately help during the turbulence of a natural disaster. Beginning in the spring, however, a new class at The University of Texas-Pan American called Certified First Responder will be able to accomplish that.

The course will be taught by Dr. Sharon Pittman, who has a Ph.D. and teaches Community-Based Social work.

She has been a professor for 17 years and three of those years have been at UTPA. Dr. Pittman says that the course will be open to both graduate and undergraduate students. The offering is expected to draw a big turnout as both members of the community and students of UTPA have shown a great amount of interest. Dr. Pittman states, “Members of the community have contacted me through e-mail and telephone in regards to the course.”

The course’s main objective will be to create and expand an interdisciplinary team of first responders who would be able to help should a natural or man -made disaster occur. Students who enroll in the class will gain experience from First Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives as they will be on-site to help conduct the work. At the end of the semester, an actual emergency simulation event will take place and count as the final exam.

Students will be teamed up with actual FEMA representatives from Texas and they will be simulating man-made consequences within the context of a natural disaster.

The course will be worth three credit hours and will count as an upper-division elective on most degree plans. Students are urged to enroll in the class to gain certification through FEMA, which steps in to manage and coordinate many

government assistance programs after the to be in close communication with her; President declares a federal disaster area. together the group will determine when The certification would allow students they will be able to get together for a to help should a natural disaster occur; class meeting. something Pittman believes would be Amanda Marinez, a junior nursing beneficial to both the students and the major, said she would like to take the surrounding community due to the fact course because then she would be able that more people would be on-site should to help her community in a time of need. a disaster area hit close to home.

“The course seems interesting and “All students should be very interested in seems like a great opportunity to bring taking the course. We have learned in previous the community together,” Marinez said. incidents that we cannot always rely on local “I would love to be certified through law enforcement agencies to handle a natural FEMA as a First Responder because disaster on their own,” Pittman stated. “With I would want to help my community local citizens being certified through FEMA, as much as possible should a natural more responders would be able to be on-site disaster strike here in South Texas.” faster, creating more efficient progress in Dr. Pittman hopes that the course the recovery should will continue to be a natural disaster offered at UTPA happen.” in the coming “I would love to be semesters. With The area was hit by Hurricane all the excitement certified through FEMA as Dolly last year around the and through the community, she a First Responder because years has been feels the course intermittently will grow and better I would want to help my harassed by results will come community as much as hurricanes.

The for the students who worst was Beulah enroll. She states, possible should a natural in 1967, which “Students need to dumped three feet think about building disaster strike here in of rain on the Valley their professional South Texas. ” and caused $15 portfolios and million in damage. when they present Students will their portfolios, gain firsthand they want to experience from Amanda Marinez have as many actual FEMA certifications as Nursing major representatives possible. It is a winthroughout the win for everyone spring semester. because, with the The class will be flexible, offered both certification, areas will benefit to have through distance-learning and actual more people able to help.” class meetings. At the beginning, Students interested in enrolling for students will take online courses through the spring semester should look the the FEMA Web site. Exams will be taken course up under SOCW 6399.01 for through the Internet and Pittman will be graduate students and SOCW Special overseeing the class allowing members Topics 3333.01 for undergrads.

10

Readings near for faculty stage play, film

By Veronica Gonzalez vdgonzallezz@gmail.com The University Theatre will be performing two staged readings of new works written by two TV/Theatre/Film professors from The University of TexasPan American. Dr. Jack Carroll from South Texas College (STC) and Dr. Marian Monta, UTPA professor emeritus, have been given the opportunity to direct the readings.

Carroll will direct Dr. Jack Stanley’s latest stage play, “The Designated Widow,” while Monta will direct David Carren’s new project, “Dead Day.” The two directors held casting for both shows this week in the Studio Theatre at the communication building.

Unlike a regular play, the works will require little rehearsal, explained Carroll.

The scripts are going to be read, not memorized. Both readings will be held at the Studio Theatre, CAS 107, next to the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre. Stanley’s “The Designated Window” will be read Friday night at 8 p.m., while Carren’s “Dead Day” is to be done Sunday at 2 p.m.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to cast those who have only a little time to spare, who hate to memorize or who may sound like a character even if they don’t look like the character,” said Monta, a long-time leader of the theater program who is retired but still teaching part-time.

Stanley and Carren came up with the idea to hold the stage readings. They imagined that hearing the lines gives the writer a better idea of what direction to take the scripted work when it comes to stage.

“Writers hear the characters’ voices in their minds, but need to hear the lines spoken by actors in order to know if they have truly captured the voices of the characters,” Stanley said. “These readings are rarely of the final script. Usually a writer will go back after the reading and make changes based on what he or she heard.”

Stanley’s script is based on a new wife who becomes a widow shortly after marriage on a honeymoon in the Caribbean. Carren’s story is set locally, 19 years ago, where a 3-year-old was kidnapped and never found. The story explores what happens to the girl who was thought to have never been found.

Carroll and Monta discussed how to go about auditioning actors for two different readings. An actor may be cast in both productions, Carroll explained. But because they’re two different productions, the directors didn’t collaborate on much.

Carroll has directed a number of staged readings in the past, and he said that most of his plays have been done this way ahead of time.

“I know the value of readings because my plays are always revised after a staged reading,” the former Rhode Island Playwrights Theatre general manager said.

Carroll hopes the community will come out to support the productions as well.

“It’s an opportunity to be in on the creative process as it happens,” he said. “Audience feedback can often be very helpful.”

He’s working on two other projects, including a musical, “Working,” and Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” both set to premiere at UTPA in the spring.

ARTS AND LIFE

December 3, 2009

Page 11

A&L holiday gift guide

Juicy Coture bags are all the rage, but they’ll set you back a pretty penny.

Blush Me! is a long-lasting siliconebased blush costing $12 at Sephora.

Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea perfume is the perfect present for the odor-conscious girl in your life.

The drama, the suspense, the waterworks! What more could she want? The other four seasons, maybe?

These Callaway golf clubs will help you stay on your A-game when you’re putting on the greens.

Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine and Bret deliver laughter through music and situational comedy.

Super Mario Bros. for the Wii will bring out the 13-year-old in you. This game is a classic reformulated for the next generation.

Men’s underwear come in every fit, shape, and color these days. Make sure you choose the right pair for your guy.

With the death of Kodak instant film, Fujifilm has stepped in with a new kind of camera. The Instax Mini 7S is a great gift for people wanting instant fun.

The war has begun between the iPhone and the Droid, and while people debate which is the best, the Droid proves to be an instant-selling smart phone.

These headphones may look old-school, but the Panasonic RPHTX7-K1 retro headphones are sure to blast you into a new kind of listening.

The Barnes and Noble Nook isn’t out just yet, but the color display and the touch-screen pad are sure to draw customers away from Amazon’s Kindle.

Pick by editor in chief Brian Silva. The Apple iTouch is just a phone call away from being an iPhone.

Pick by news editor Ana Villaurrutia Keep your Macs safe with Speck’s super-stylish laptop cases.

Pick by photo editor Alma Hernandez.

Records give a crisp and clear sound which beats mp3’s any day.

Pick by Arts & Life editor Isaac Garcia.

Nothing is more precious than a record player, except for records. This leather case keeps records safe on the go.

Page 12

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December 3, 2009

December 3, 2009

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Page 13

December 3, 2009

THE RUN-DOWN A semester of transition

By Kevin Stich K.Stich@Gmail.com As the semester wraps up, and the last edition of The Pan American for the fall brims on completion, I can’t help but take a look back at the world of UTPA athletics and the changes it has undergone since May. Being the sports editor of a newspaper (albeit a student paper), this is the sort of atmosphere a young journalist thrives in. But there are certain, more consequential events that stood out, affecting more than just athletics, but the university as well.

Chris King being hired as the new athletic director was the most important thing that happened in the athletic department this past semester. It was the second most significant hiring that the university made, right behind UTPA’s new president, Robert Nelsen.

The department needs to make a splash in a big way, and with the addition of this new member to the Bronc family they certainly have a good shot at it. In talking to King, there is a definite knowledge of the way things should be done, but more importantly the way things shouldn’t be done.

1

May 27, 2009 was an important day for Bronc athletics, as the program introduced a new men’s head basketball coach.

Ryan Marks’ hiring was a big deal, seeing as how he came from a winning program. It was something the UTPA basketball program needs -- a coach that knows how to win.

He compiled a 91-54 record with the St. Edwards’ Hilltoppers, and led them to their first of three NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.

Not to say that Tom Schuberth wasn’t a good coach, but there is something different lingering around the locker room these days. Hope perhaps?

2

Denny Downing being hired as women’s head basketball coach was not without a bit of controversy, seeing as how his predecessor DeAnn Craft left in May on a bit of a sour note.

But, like Marks, he came from a winning program at Texas A&MCommerce. While with the Lady Lions, his squad tallied a 106-99 record. and coached Britney Jordan who was drafted by a LA Sparks and is now serving as the Lady Broncs’ assistant coach.

3

After a semester of flux one can see that the department is poised to take the necessary steps to success.

Personally, I think it will be interesting to watch how things progress.

14

Broncs’ woes continue; record now 1-6

By Alvaro Balderas Alvaro_tx@msn.com It’s been pretty tough so far, as expected. At 1-6 the University of TexasPan American men’s basketball team is currently in second to last place in the Great West Conference.

To top it off, the Broncs are at the bottom of almost every statistical category including having the worst defensive and offensive outputs in GWC play.

The Broncs’ most recent mishap was at the South Padre Island Tournament last week where they won one of four games.

At the multi-site event, UTPA began its first round Nov. 22 in Columbia, Miss., against the Missouri Tigers, suffering a 100-44 rout. Out-rebounding the Broncs 44-27, the Tigers took control of the game in the first half by scoring 28 unanswered points.

UTPA’s second game was a 75-50 defeat on the road to Mississippi State Nov. 24 at the Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville. The Broncs turned the corner in the third round by upsetting favored Chattanooga 61-50 Nov. 27 at the South Padre Island Convention Centre, for their first win of 2009-10.

Versus Chatanooga, the boys closed out the first half on a 5-0 run, the Broncs did not take their foot off the gas in the second half, increasing the lead to 18 points, which eventually gave them the win. Venezuela native Luis Valera led the Broncs with 12 points and eight rebounds while sophomore Jared Maree, point guard Nick Weiermiller and forward Nathan Hawkins each netted eight points.

On Friday Pan Am lost a 67-64 nail-

biter to Bethune-Cookman, leaving Bronc players and coaching staff with a sour taste in their mouths.

“We played very good overall but defensively we let their best player get too comfortable,” admitted the junior guard Weiermiller. “I thought we should have pressured him more to get the ball out his hands. We could of ended up winning that game if we made changes defensively.”

Houston native Maree led the Broncs with 18 points and snatched four rebounds in the loss. PSJA North alumni Ben Smith scored all 15 of his points from downtown while All-Tournament selection Valera put in eight of his own.

Regardless of their losses, the final two games of the tournament left Bronc head coach Ryan Marks thinking positively. Marks believes numbers and records can be deceiving.

“The last two games have been the best 80 minutes of basketball we’ve played all year,” said the first-year coach, who came from St. Edward’s to replace Tom Schuberth in the spring.

“Outside looking in, people might say our record says we’ve started off on a bad note, but realistically our guys are doing a good job and moving in the right direction.”

Marks said his team indeed has odds against it, including a new system that will take a little longer to adjust to.

“I think the more we’re in close games the better prepared we’ll be when the important games come around,” he said. “ By early next year I believe we will have a very good team here.”

Bronc floor general Weiermiller also believes having to learn a new sys-

Hector J. Garcia/THE PAN AMERICAN

SOMETHING HAS GOT TO GIVE - After losing four of five, head basketball coach Ryan Marks and his team are looking for answers. tem along with new players and coaches is a hard adjustment. Chemistry on and off the court is a work in progress for the Broncs, and Weiermiller said sometimes it can be a disadvantage when playing more cohesive schools.

“It’s tough right now because all other schools have guys that have played with each other two or three years and they’ve built up some chemistry,” noted the business management major from Elmira New York. “It’s going to take time for us to get build that

chemistry but I think it’ll work out in the long run,” According to Marks, Weiermiller and Valera have been the most consistent Bronc ballers so far. Those two have grasped what the coaching staff needs them to do, and Marks said all that needs to happen for UTPA to have a good product on the court is for his team to put it all together.

The Broncs returned to the hardwood on Dec. 2 taking on Nebraska in Lincoln, but stumbled losing 81-53.

Despite 0-8 start, women find unity far from home

By Benny Salinas Bsalinas@broncs.utpa.edu Home is where you make it. At least that’s how the Lady Broncs saw it this Thanksgiving, 500 miles from home in Dallas, TX. After a game in North Texas against NTU, the Broncs piled into the home of Rachel Hester er and were treated to the warm kindness of family and the holidays.

Thanksgiving onn the road, a common occcurrence for any college ege sports team, was part of the seven-day trip undertaken aken by the women’s basketball team which included a stop in Virginia for the Lancer Classic .

“Rachel hadn’t played that day, and her family was extremely gracious and let us into their homes,” head women’s basketball coach Denny Downing said.

“Even though we were all away from our families, we were with our extended basketball family. It was a good bonding experience.”

This sort of bonding was especially important for a team who, with the exception of aassistant coach Keelah Wilson, who has been with Wilson the pprogram for six seasons, has a staff comson posed of entirely new po members.

The voyage m was w a learning experience en for almost everyone involved. on “This trip was really good for us as people. It was the first time we all spent time away together and the girls got tog to be around the new staff for an extended period of time,” Downing said.

“It really brought us together. However, it also exposed us to a lot of things that we didn’t want to see in our game.”

Though the team’s personal experiences on the trip were positive, their

performance on the court was not as strong as they would have hoped, as the women went winless to drop to 0-4 for the year.

Nov.25, against North Texas, they lost 83-73, led by a fast-rising freshman, former Valley high school superstar Bianca Torre of Harlingen South, who scored a career-high 21 points.

Three days down the road against Longwood at the Lancer Classis, the team dropped one, 72-62. The following day, up against Gardner-Webb, they were defeated once more, 74-57.

“Although our starters are really starting to take leadership, our bench is still really inconsistent,” said Downing, in his first year after coming from Texas A&M-Commerce to replace veteran leader Dean Craft. “Especially on a long trip like this, we need to have more than five or six solid players.”

Downing’s frustrations about his team’s performance are compounded by the nature of his top performer.

“It really says something that our

leading scorer is a freshman,” Downing said. “She’s playing two positions right now basically because the second guard position just isn’t there for us.”

Freshman Torre, the Lady Broncs’ leading scorer averaging 12 points in four games, offered another solution to the team’s performance.

“We really need to start blocking out more,” she said, in reference to the team’s six rebound differential against so far. “We need to start getting second shots and we need to make more of those major shots and stop trying to play catch-up all the time.”

Aside from showing deficiencies in performance, the games also gave the team a look at clubs outside of their conference. The series of games the Lady Broncs undertook were their first non-conference ones this season.

The Lady Broncs can only hope that their new-found closeness will transfer positively to the court during their next series of games to be held at Rice against Houston University.

December 3, 2009

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December 3, 2009

16

Off the court, in the classroom ketball on the side and concentrated a lot more in my studies, I sat down and studied and I did really good,” he said.

“My mind set and my mentality and what I want to do are still the same.”

Every morning, Maree wakes up early to eat breakfast at the school cafeteria before heading to class. He practices with the team from 12:30 p.m. around 3, then goes to class again and finishes his work before going to bed.

The Houston native mentioned that although a student-athlete’s thoughts are focused on their sport during trips, they must never forget the first priority is to do well in school.

“When you’re on the road you’re trying to get mentally prepared for the game you’re about to play, trying to get physically prepared for all that, and at the same time you have to concentrate in your studies too,” Maree said. “It is difficult but as an athlete you’ve got to balance both of them.”

In order to be eligible to be an NCAA Division I student-athlete, a person must be a full-time student (be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours) and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Maree is approaching the end of his core curriculum classes; he’s taking 16 credit hours this semester and expects to start taking upper division courses next semester, when he will pursue 15 hours.

In order to support student-athletes’ academic success, the Learning Assistance Center has a reserved area

for them to study and do school work in between classes and practice. The athletics department requires these students to complete a determined number of study-hall hours per week. Freshmen must put in 10 and the number of mandatory hours for upperclassmen depends on their GPA. However, every student-athlete is encouraged to visit the LAC as many times as necessary to receive tutoring for difficult subjects.

Athletics-related absences are often excused by professors, but Maree said that staying in touch with them to inform them when he will be absent - and arrange new due dates and tests - is crucial to staying up to date with the class.

“I’m in close contact with all my professors, because I’m an athlete and I’m always gone,” he said. “I want them to understand that I have a situation where I won’t be there sometimes, but at the same time I don’t want special treatment. I still want to get my work done.”

With finals around the corner, Maree said that being a student-athlete goes beyond being a student or an athlete – it necessitates having the discipline to handle both sides of his life effectively and make proper choices when it comes to setting priorities. This becomes more important at this time of the year.

“It is hard, but being a D-I athlete… it’s something that you have to go through,” he said. “Nobody said it’s going to be easy, nobody said it’s going to be handed to you.”

STUDY BREAK - Before practice Monday, Jared Maree looks over notes.

What did you learn?

Everybody on our team was different, so everybody had their own way of being “coached”. Having to know the person individually and knowing how to talk to them to get them up. Some people need you to be hard on them, some people need a little more encouragement. You just have to learn to adjust to people differently and you can do that outside of volleyball too.

me a lot, she would ask me for advice so I told her what I knew, since I was a little older, a lot more experience and knowing I was once in her shoes it’s really appreciated when you’re honest.

Overall, I can honestly say that I have a pretty good work ethic and sometimes my teammates would tell me that they think I’m one of the most not aggressive, but one of the players that like to go all or nothing.

people and everybody on campus involved as in bigger schools.

By Sara Hernandez

How would you describe the 2009 season?

Personally, I had fun doing it, there were so many new people on the team so it’s a whole new experience from last year just because the team was so different, so it was really fun for me, and I got along with everybody on the team.

As a team, off the court we pretty much got along, things were pretty good but we struggled a lot, but we won some, we lost some.

The senior finished second all-time on the UTPA volleyball digs list, making her season one fans won’t soon forget

What kind of evolution do you think you went through, as an athlete, while at UTPA? I went through a big evolution. I went from my freshman year to maybe saying three words the entire season to people to now, where people can’t get me to stop talking and they know that I’m really playful and a lot more outgoing. Also, my freshman and sophomore years I was really quiet I wasn’t the type to speak up, and towards the end of this season I tried to start doing that, try to speak up just knowing that it was finally hitting me that it was coming to an end. I guess I should’ve done it a little earlier, but I’m not the vocal leader type of person.

How important were your teammates and coaches to your growth?

Very, very important. I was always very passive, I was really quiet. I was more of a follower than a leader. I liked being told what to do, in a way. As I started getting older I started to fill out more responsibilities and they would start getting on me not because I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to be, but for not being more aggressive and tell them what I want them to do rather than they want me to tell them to do.

What are the things you liked the most about being at UTPA? I liked the traveling a lot, I like going to hotels and I like the long bus drives and having long conversations with the girls. I had never been out of Texas until my freshman years when we started travelling everywhere; it just opened up a whole new world to me. Also, I had to do a lot of time management, just because classes and practice, everything revolved around volleyball and that was kind of hard to do, but I seem to do pretty well.

Hubbard was your coach for three years, what kind of influence did she have on you?

She was one of the people who was always getting on me about ‘that is not your job, you don’t have to do that, tell them to do that for you,’ so she’s one of the ones who made me a little more aggressive going for what I want and not sitting back and letting other people take me for a ride but me actually driving and taking myself there.

By Sara Hernandez Sarahdzm@hotmail.com Finals -- while some take advantage of a couple of weekends before the last day of school to get a head start on studying, others wait until the last minute to get final projects done and learn material for tests. The most dedicated started from day one, and some decide not to prepare at all.

Student-athletes like University of Texas-Pan American basketball player Jared Maree don’t have an option. Being part of an intercollegiate sports team demands not only good performance on the court, but also academic attention.

“It’s sometimes difficult ‘cause you’re on the road a lot, you have a lot of responsibilities, basically games and your studies, but so far I’ve been doing a good job at balancing,” said the sophomore computer information systems major. “Last year was kind of tough, but going into my second year I have a better idea.”

This year, the Broncs will have two games during finals week. They will go to Austin to face Texas that Tuesday and will end the semester with a home game against UTSA Friday. Maree said that he will try to do the same thing he did last year; when they had a game the Sunday before finals week, he devoted his entire time to studying before and after the game.

“After that game I kind of put bas-

Q& A: Rebecca Toddy

Do you think you became someone’s mentor as an upperclassman?

There’s a freshman libero (Kristi Garcia) and she’s going to be filling in my shoes next season. She would follow

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

Is there anything you would’ve liked to change?

Maybe having the school more involved with athletics. It’s hard to get

Can you talk about the digs record?

I believe I came in second. I really never kept up with it; I would always hear it from people telling me. I would just go based on what they told me, but as of right now I’m not exactly sure. I know I didn’t break it, but I don’t know how far off it was. I think it was under a hundred.

Most of the time, a coach’s contract is for three years. What do you think about her job security?

I’m not sure, I can’t really say. But from my freshman year to this year I would say that the coaching was an improvement.