THE RANGER A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Vol. 84, Issue 21
Single copies free
April 16, 2010
FINALS SCHEDULE 3 EAST TO WEST 13
REGISTER IN JUNE 17
Grads go
Red
The Ranger
2 • April 16, 2010
Officials Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio, TX 78204-1429 Work: 485-0020 Fax: 208-8149 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu District 1: Dr. Bernard Weiner 929 Manor Drive, Ste. 7, San Antonio, TX 78228 Work: 735-9151 E-mail: bweinermd@satx.rr.com District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 882-1603 Fax: 927-4557 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio, TX 78211 Home: 922-6815 Fax: 923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio, TX 78251 E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way, Helotes, TX 78023 Work: 567-5544 Fax: 520-9185 E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 755 E. Mulberry, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78212 Phone: 244-8879 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu District 8: Gary Beitzel 15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio, TX 78232 Home: 496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@alamo.edu District 9: James A. Rindfuss 109 Laburnum, San Antonio, TX 78209 Home: 828-4630 Work: 375-2555 Home Fax: 832-8292 Office Fax: 375-0301 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Presidents San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 486-0959, rzeigler@alamo.edu Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 486-5484, ereno@alamo.edu Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 486-4900, jclaunch@alamo.edu Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 486-3960, aguzman@alamo.edu St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 486-2900, aloston@alamo.edu
The Ranger Editor Laura Garcia Managing Editor Zahra Farah News Editor Vanessa M. Sanchez Calendar Editor Riley Stephens
Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer.
Web Editor D.A. James
Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, e-mailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu or faxed to 486-1789. Letters must be signed and must include the writer’s printed name, classification, major, Social Security number or college identification number and telephone number. For more information, call 486-1773.
©2010 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger, the student newspaper at San Antonio College, is a laboratory project of the journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications, published Fridays except during summer, holidays and examinations. News contributions accepted by telephone (486-1773), by fax (486-1789), by e-mail (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (4861765) or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press, the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Associated Press.
Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
Photographers Tyler K. Cleveland Rennie Murrell Alison Wadley Photo Team Scott Aranda, Scott J. Bajeck, Jennifer Charo, Sarah Janes, James Lazo, Marisa N. Montano, Julysa Sosa, Robert Stofa Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Staff Writers Ximena Victoria Alvarez, Jacob Beltran, Michelle E. Gaitan, Steffany Gutierrez, Alexandria Maxwell, Melody Mendoza, Victoria G. Ortiz, Brandy A. Santos, Reagan White Production Manager Jason B. Hogan
The Ranger • Vol. 84 • Issue 21
April 16, 2010 • 3
The RangeR
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
2 Policies and officials
14 Calendar
4 Blotter Student robbed at gunpoint
15 Free STD tests set
By Vanessa M. Sanchez
Police response time addressed By Vanessa M. Sanchez
5 News Committee recommends FBI partnership By Laura Garcia Photo by Tyler K. Cleveland
6 Rice explains policies on terrorism By Victoria G. Ortiz
7 Fate of Koehler greenhouse debated By Michelle E. Gaitan Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
By Steffany Gutierrez
Workshop to address women’s health By Steffany Gutierrez
16 Military spouses’ program on hold By Michelle E. Gaitan
17 Fall registration to begin June 14 By Zahra Farah
18 Editorials 19 Election analysis By Laura Garcia
20 Construction crews nab parking spots
Spring/Flex 2 Final Exam Schedule Monday, May 3 (MWF or MW)
Thursday, May 6 (TR)
Class 7 a.m. 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 3:50 p.m.
Class 6:30 a.m. 9:25 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 3:05 p.m.
Time 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 3:50 p.m.-6:20 p.m.
Tuesday, May 4 (TR) Class 8 a.m. 10:50 a.m 1 p.m. 1:40 p.m.
Time 6:30 a.m.-9 a.m. 9:25 a.m.-11:55 a.m. 12:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m. 3:05 p.m.-5:35 p.m.
Friday, May 7 (MWF)
Time 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 10:50 a.m.-1:20 p.m. 1:40 p.m.-4:10 p.m. 1:40 p.m.-4:10 p.m.
Class 9 a.m. Noon
Time 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Noon-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 5 (MWF or MW) Class 8 a.m. 11 a.m. 2 p.m. 2:25 p.m.
Time 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m.-4:55 p.m.
Note: Final exams for evening and weekend classes are given during class hours. Department chairs can schedule final exam dates that do not conform to this schedule.
Election candidates
By Vanessa M. Sanchez
8 MAES students network By Michelle E. Gaitan
21 Pulse Nonstudents box By Riley Stephens
9 Academic Council discusses remediation By Zahra Farah
Joe Alderete Jr. District 1
Thomas Hoy District 1
Tyler Ingraham District 1
Rowland Martin District 1
Blakely Fernandez District 7
David Rodriguez District 7
22 Student scores in photo contest By Michelle E. Gaitan
11 People 12 Premiere Multicultural Conference By Reagan White
Fiesta event to aid GALA By Jacob Beltran
Cine Veliz examines immigration issues By Ximena V. Alvarez
DREAM Act encourages immigrant students By Steffany Gutierrez
23 Grads wear red By Reagan White Cover photo illustration by Alison Wadley
TexShare opens books
For candidate profiles and other news stories and photo slideshows, go to www.theranger.org
By Melody Mendoza
24 Fighting fire with education Photos by Julysa Sosa
David A. Whitley District 7
Blotter
4 • April 16, 2010
The Ranger
NLC student robbed at gunpoint BY VANESSA M. SANCHEZ A female student at Northeast Lakeview College was robbed of personal property by a person with a handgun 11:45 a.m. Monday. No one was hurt. Sgt. Ben Peña of the district’s department of public safety said they are investigating the case and there is “not much more that we can release because we’re undergoing investigation.” The department released safety tips, saying it is important to know the area. In case of an emergency, one should know where to run, the best places to go, the area of campus that has the most lighting, the most
San Antonio College April 5 — Individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. Individual reported suspicious activity in Chance. Everything OK. Individual reported theft of a gas cap in the parking garage. No suspects located. April 8 — An individual reported burglary of vehicle.
populated places and locations of If one is walking alone, Peña emergency phones. said, the department has a 24-7 Peña also recommended everyescort service available and one call in any suspicious persons, encourages students, faculty and or anyone a person thinks is out staff to use it if they are leaving late of place, and an officer will arrive or alone. This service is available on the scene and question the susevery day of the year. For complete blotter and additional crime pect. He also said it is important to stories. Using the “buddy system,” and keep a phone in reach to contact not wandering alone is another way to prevent the department in case of crime. being approached or even attacked by a suspiIf one does not have a phone, it is imporcious person. tant to know where the emergency phones are Again, Peña said there is strength in numlocated and how to use them. bers; people tend to not get involved in crime if The department can be reached to request there are more people to witness it. escorts or report crimes at 486-0099.
March 24 — An individual reported an injured person by the natatorium. EMS treated the person.
An individual reported missing district property. An individual reported damage to district property. Southwest Campus
March 31 — An officer assisted another agency with serving two warrants.
March 31 — An individual reported graffiti in science workforce center restroom.
March 25 — An individual reported found property. Property placed in the property locker.
April 1 — An individual reported a suspicious person. No one located.
An individual reported a female having a seizure. EMS treated.
April 1 — An individual reported a suspicious person. No one located.
An individual reported a suspicious person. No one located.
An individual reported burglary of vehicle in Lot 11. No suspects located.
St. Philip’s College April 10 — An individual reported a disturbance at the gym. No subject located. Officer reported assisting other agency with case. All in order.
March 29 — An individual reported a stolen district sign. No suspects.
Northeast Lakeview College An individual reported missing district property. An individual reported damage to district property.
An individual reported being injured from falling. EMS treated.
Northwest Vista College
Palo Alto College
March 30 — An individual reported a personal vehicle being burglarized. No suspects.
March 22 — An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
March 22 — An individual reported suspicious activity in a men’s restroom. No suspects located.
An individual reported two males looking into vehicles. Males not located.
An individual reported an illness. Student was transported to family doctor by family member.
March 23 — An individual reported a suspicious male. All found to be OK.
April 1 — An individual reported a suspicious person. No one located.
An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
Officer reported damage to district property. All in order.
March 23 — An individual reported an incident with a disruptive student, which occurred a week earlier.
March 25 — An individual reported damage to vehicle in Lot 2. No suspects located. An individual reported theft of personal property. No suspects located. An individual reported found property. Property placed in the property locker. March 22 — An individual reported an injury while playing volleyball in the wellness building. April 10 — An individual reported water leak in building. Supervisor was notified. All in order.
The Ranger
April 16, 2010 • 5
Committee recommends FBI firing range Tyler K. Cleveland
By Laura Garcia A joint-use agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to build a regional firearms training facility was recommended Tuesday by the Building, Grounds and Sites Selection Committee. The FBI and Department of Justice are seeking approval to build the facility at the First Responders Academy in Von Ormy. The committee’s unanimous recommendation will go before the full board of trustees at its regular meeting at 6 p.m. April 20. The FBI plans to front more than $1.3 million in construction costs. According to a draft of a memorandum of agreement between the FBI and Alamo Colleges, the project would include construction of automated target systems and impact berms, bullet traps, classroom facilities and range towers. The 25-year agreement would allow multiple law enforcement agencies within the region and students of the district to use the facility but would not be open to the public. Committee members recommended approval for O’Neill, Conrad, Oppelt Architects Inc. to develop the facility’s construction documents for $85,800. David Mrizek, vice president of college services, said the FBI would use the space about 80 days a year and the rest of the time would be open to law enforcement agencies, this college’s law enforcement training academy and the ProRanger program, which is a partnership with the National Park Service to prepare students for a career in national parks. Also approved was a wastewater treatment plant at the First Responders Academy. This utility will cost the district $140,000 for the next 20 years in maintenance and operations fees to the San Antonio River Authority. All members moved for approv-
EEO tabled to retreat
At Tuesday’s meeting, District 9 trustee James Rindfuss asked if the firearms facility could produce income. al except District 7 trustee Blakely Latham Fernandez who abstained because San Antonio River Authority is a client of her firm. The academy faces capping enrollment without this system because of the limitations of its current system on restroom facilities. The academy will receive a water system booster pump station and irrigation canal debris filter to increase the water supply for training. The committee recommended a $91,718 pump, and construction should be finished within 90 days after board approval. Another water system in need of sanitary sewer easement is on land the district bought for a future sixth college near Interstate 10 and the Kendall County line. The board moved for approval of a $150,000 reimbursement to Napa Oaks for continuation of Phase 1 of sewer system work. According to the meeting packet, this fee is part of the original authorization of $850,000 from Jan. 22, 2008, for downstream participation. The committee approved plans for the fifth floor of Moody Learning Center to be renovated using $1.7 million in capital improvement program bond funds to benefit the
Gateway to College program on that floor. So far, only the third floor of Moody has been renovated. Also included in the Buildings, Grounds and Sites Selection Committee meeting was a report on historic buildings and sites held by the district. The land purchased by the district, formerly Playland Park, is bounded on the east by a segment of the Acequia Madre de Valero. According to the Handbook of Texas Online published by the Texas State Historical Association, the acequia is part of a Spanish colonial irrigation system dug between 1718-1744 and used until the end of the 19th century. The Texas Historic Commission recommends that the district preserve this portion of the acequia, which the district is doing. Other historical buildings include Koehler Cultural Center, which was donated to this college in 1972 and is located at 310 W. Ashby. The center is a designated Texas historical landmark. Otto Koehler, the original owner, was one of the organizers of the San Antonio Brewing Association, which later became Pearl Brewing Co. His nephew, Otto A. Koehler, and his wife donated it to the college.
All items on the Policy and Long-range Planning Committee were tabled, including an item up for possible action on revising the Equal Employment Opportunity statement to include sexual identity. These items may be discussed during a board retreat May 15 at Northeast Lakeview. A time and exact location have not been determined. For more information, go to www.alamo.edu.
The Bennett Estate and carriage house at this college and the historic Brackenridge School, adjacent to St. Philip’s College, were included. That same night, the Academic Accountability and Student Success Committee discussed possibility of getting permission for an associate of science degree in nutrition for this college from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. President Robert Zeigler said the degree plan has been approved by the College Curriculum Review and Evaluation Committee and the district curriculum committee. Dr. Adena Loston, president of St. Philip’s College, presented plans for an early college partnership with Comal ISD. Comal ISD Superintendent Marc Walker asked the board to make the partnership official for Memorial Early College High School. He said that more than 500 students in Comal ISD participate in dual credit with St. Philip’s College. Walker said his district has already received grant money totaling $455,000 to build the high school to be located 10 minutes from the Central Texas Technology Center. Loston said this project will be completed in January.
The Ranger
6 • April 16, 2010
Rice explains policy decisions on terrorism Tyler K. Cleveland
By Victoria G. ortiz
have to be right once,” Rice said. “If they have no peaceful means by which to change their Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of government, they’ll use violence … they have State, said the world states left undeveloped nothing to lose.” and with no democracy are those likely to pose Rice continued explaining foreign affairs, a threat to the United States. touching on the U.S. relationship with Mexico Rice was a guest speaker April 7 for the Flora and its government concerning the drug carCameron Lecture on Politics and tel’s grip on the Mexican front. She Public Affairs in Laurie Auditorium said protecting U.S. borders has at Trinity University. always been a major government Rice served as the nationconcern and there would be no al security adviser for President drug supply without the demand George W. Bush from 2001-05 from U.S. users. She spoke about before serving as Secretary of State the counter-insurgency doctrine, www.theranger.org 2005-09. saying U.S. soldiers live among the Read the complete story online. She spoke to a full auditorium people; they help failed states heal with an audience that spanned so that the Taliban and other radisilver-haired alumni to students dressed in cals will not regain control in weak areas. spunky tie-dyed shirts. Rice also spoke with optimism for Iraq’s Rice explained policy decisions concerning future saying that any person cynical enough terrorism, saying that Afghanistan is the fifth to believe that the people of the Middle East or poorest country in the world. “We have to be anywhere else don’t care for freedom, should right 100 percent of the time and they only re-evaluate personal biases.
Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, addresses reporters April 7 at Triity University before a lecture.
The Ranger
April 16, 2010 • 7
Dilapidated greenhouse a historic, neglected structure Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
Rehabilitation too costly, but salvage is an option. By Michelle e. Gaitan The home of Otto Koehler, a city landmark built in 1901, has repeatedly been renovated to preserve its historical and architectural beauty. To the west was a once equally attractive greenhouse that is now being considered for dismantling because of its declining condition. Modeled in the Victorian style with a dash of eclecticism, it sits lonely atop a well-kept lawn on the grounds of Koehler Cultural Center near Belknap and Ashby places. The property, which encompasses the entire block, was a gift to the college in 1972. The house contains second-floor space for the facilities management office and the first floor is a rental property used for weddings, events and meetings. The carriage house of the estate houses pottery classes of the visual arts department. Through the years, the white paint of the greenhouse has slowly peeled revealing its grayed wood structure and making it vulnerable to the elements. Missing and broken glass panes highlight its neglect amid its historically treasured neighbors like Temple Beth-el. The year in which the greenhouse was built is unknown, but facilities Director David Ortega said he believes it was built after the house. It looks like someone took the time to put it together, he said, but it has not been used in about 10 years. The greenhouse sits within the Tobin Hill neighborhood on the southern boundary of the Monte Vista Historical District. Frederica Kushner, chair of the Historic Preservation Committee in Tobin Hill, calls the greenhouse “a unique structure” that should have been better cared for because it is part of the Koehler estate and the house itself has been preserved so well. The greenhouse was considered for the Biology Club’s Greenspot greenhouse, but the discovery of lead in the soil and structure proved to be too costly an obstacle to its rehabilitation. John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of
The Koehler Cultural Center greenhouse near Courtland and Belknap places
The fate of the greenhouse is under debate. facilities operation and construction management, said the greenhouse is a safety hazard and entry is prohibited. “If we don’t do something soon, it will fall apart on its own,” he added. Strybos met with college President Robert Zeigler and the City of San Antonio’s preservation officer to discuss viable options. If allowed by the city’s Historic Design Review Board, the greenhouse could be dismantled for salvage. The San Antonio Conservation Society, Tobin Hill Association and the Monte Vista Historic District are watching the process. Not everything will be saved, such as the wood. Strybos said there is no money set aside for a project like this, noting funding is a major obstacle. For a project like this to become more than talk, this college has to submit an applica-
A student walks by the greenhouse March 29. tion to the city’s Historic Design and Review Commission for approval. Bruce McDougal of the San Antonio Conservation Society said his organization is aware of talks about tearing down the greenhouse. He said the greenhouse has been photographed and documented. So far there has been no formal action, and all sides are still gathering information.
The Ranger
8 • April 16, 2010
Campus MAES chapter attends leadership conference NASA
Five students from this college attend conference at Crowne Plaza Hotel. By Michelle e. Gaitan The Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists, MAES, attended the 21st Annual National Leadership Conference March 24-28 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics students from all over the country come to the conference to learn leadership skills and networking and were introduced to real life business scenarios. Five members of the MAES chapter here were in attendance at this year’s conference. Torry Sledge, president of MAES, came back with second place in a business competition in which he and three students from different schools made up a business and planned an assigned business scenario. The name of their business was INQTEL and
their scenario was global expansion. The students had to produce a proposal discussing time frames, cost and benefits and how to implement them into their business. MAES is an organization with both professional and student chapters throughout the country. It is dedicated to promoting the advancement of Hispanics in the STEM career fields. Andrew Robertucci, electrical engineering sophomore, described the conference as a place to create relations. Local engineering firms, Southwest Research Institute and NASA were in attendance. Rene Zamora, vice president of MAES, said it was a good place to get information about internships and jobs with the companies in attendance. Next year’s conference will be in Anaheim, Calif. The campus chapter meets at 4 p.m. Monday in Room 204 in Chance. For more information, call Mario Gutierrez at 486-1825.
Save the date! The Ranger’s Spring Source Awards and Ice Cream Social 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 Second floor of Loftin, outside balcony
For more information, call 486-1765
Technicians check the Solar Dynamics Observatory at the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility in Titusville, Fla., in 2009 after it was lifted from its work stand in 2009.
The Ranger
April 16, 2010 • 9
Academic Council discusses changes to developmental courses Tyler K. Cleveland
By Zahra Farah Students taking remedial English, reading and math next fall in district colleges may have an extra lab hour each week added to their courses, English Chair Alex Bernal said in Tuesday’s Academic Council meeting. Students will not have to pay tuition for the additional semester hour, but they will not get an extra semester hour credit for it either. Dr. Robert Zeigler, president of this college, said in a Wednesday interview that not all classes will have an hour added initially. The additional contact hour will be added in phases,. At the Academic Council meeting, chemistry, Earth sciences and astronomy Chair G. Roger Stanley said, “Students are going to get the best bang for their buck.” Council members did agree, but Bernal was in disagreement with the way the extra lab hour was implemented. If a course is undergoing the slightest change, the College Curriculum Review and Evaluation Committee must approve it before it goes through a district curriculum
English Chair Alex Bernal criticizes the top-down process for requiring developmental courses to add a contact hour during the Academic Council meeting Tuesday. review process. When the extra lab hour was added to remedial courses, it did not go through the proper channels of approval, he said. To maintain consistency, Zeigler said the presidents at each college, Chancellor Bruce Leslie and vice chancellors agreed to add an hour to remedial courses. Bernal explained the colleges’ curriculum review committees, which decide if there is a good reason for change, should have first
reviewed the idea. Next the curriculum and syllabus should have been developed with it. In other news, Faculty Senate Chair Jeff Hunt updated the council on Monday’s Super Senate meeting with Dr. Thomas Cleary, vice chancellor for planning, performance and information systems, and Dr. Robert Aguero, vice chancellor for academic success. A template for syllabuses was supposed to be created by district officials and distributed by spring break, but department chairs had not seen it. Dr. Jessica Howard, vice president of academic affairs, said the copy she had was not finalized, but it has since been provided to chairs. She said the syllabus template would not be finalized before summer. Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill into law in June that requires the syllabus for each course, the faculty member’s curriculum vitae and student evaluation summaries be posted online by fall. The law also requires this information be no more than three clicks away from the instructor’s or institution’s Web page.
10 • April 16, 2010
The Ranger
The Ranger
April 16, 2010 • 11
People Tyler K. Cleveland
Free apples: (Left) Business sophomore Julian Ramirez bobs for apples as members of the Psychology Club watch during FunFest Wednesday in the mall. Bobbing for apples was free.
Alison Wadley
New fitness room: (Right) Mario Rodriguez, a construction worker with RMS Business Services, rubs down putty on a wall of a fitness room Monday in Loftin in preparation for paint. Alison Wadley
Tyler K. Cleveland
Clay art: Nursing sophomore Natalien Cardenas is learning to throw on a pottery wheel in Ceramics 1. Cardenas was working on a cylinder project Tuesday in Koehler Carriage House.
Guitar ensemble: Music Professor Terry Muska directs the guitar ensemble playing “El Gato Montes” to music sophomores Matthew Montes, Jane Jacobs, Galo Gutierrez and Aaron Gonzalez during a guitar recital Monday in McAllister. Upcoming recitals and concerts at 7:30 p.m. in McAllister include the King William Jazz Concert Monday; Wind and Brass Ensemble Wednesday and Jazz Ensemble Thursday.
Prem
12 • The Ranger
Courtesy of CineVe
Filmmakers chronicle immigrant struggle By Ximena Victoria Alvarez Everyone has their own story to tell, but few ever expose their story to the rest of the world, and one of these exceptional characters is Pablo Veliz. Pablo Veliz was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, but at the age of 10 traveled to the United States along with his parents as immigrants to live the American dream. When Veliz came to the United States, he did not speak a word of English but the “unwillingness to give up,” he said, kept him moving www.theranger.org Go online for a longer forward to graduate from version of these stories. the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in communications. It was not until 2004 that Veliz decided he wanted to tell a story and CineVeliz was established with producer, partner and best friend Victor Agustin. Agustin, a native of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, moved to the United States at the age of 5 and it was in middle school where Agustin and Veliz became inseparable. Since then, CineVeliz has focused on exposing the injustice, sacrifice and struggle of those immigrants seeking the American dream. Pablo Veliz said, “There’s something very wrong when graduates with doctorate degrees end up working doing measly jobs just because of their so quote
On the set of “Cartoneo y Nopalitos” March 25 with the crew of CineVeliz and young Carla. and quote immigrant status.” In 2005 “La Trajedia de Macario” was shot in 4 1/2 days, and in 2006 it was nominated for the Sundance Festival in the “World Premiere” category; the first of CineVeliz’s six films that are in Spanish but contain English subtitles. La “Trajedia de Macario,” a story about a Mexican man and the immigration movement led to “Clemente” in 2006, “7 Kilos” in 2007, “Double Dagger” in 2008, “The Boys of Ghost Town” in 2009, and now “Cartoneo y Nopalitos” projected for 2010. “Cartoneo y Nopalitos,” literally cartons and cactus, or “Cardboard Dreams” as Veliz refers to it, tells the story of two young women with different backgrounds who cross paths and impact each other’s
lives. One of the women is Carla, played by May Alejandra De La Garza, based on a central figure the debate on the DREAM (Development, Relief a Education of Alien Minors) Act. The act would allow high school graduates of good standards to earn co ditional permanent residency. Benita Veliz, 23, af coming out in public with her immigration stat became the poster child of the DREAM Act and ev since then has been speaking to congressmen a fellow students to educate them. For more information on “Cartoneo y Nopalito log into www.cineveliz.com, and for more inform tion on how to qualify for the DREAM Act, log on www.dreamact.info.
DREAM Act could mean college for undocumented grads Act would keep alive American dream for undocumented immigrants. By Steffany Gutierrez About 2.8 million students graduate from U.S. high schools each year. For about 65,000 of them, graduation means the end of their education because they are noncitizens born to undocumented immigrant parents. The loss of educational opportunities can also mean the end of
their American dreams, something their fellow graduates may take for granted. In 2008, 68.6 percent of graduates enrolled in college the next fall, well on their way to the American dream. The term undocumented immigrant refers to noncitizens who have entered the United States without government permission or have stayed beyond the termination date of a visa. In an effort to address the prob-
lem student undocumented immigrants face, Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois and Rep. Howard Berman of California introduced the DREAM Act, short for Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act. Under this legislation, undocumented young people could be eligible for a conditional path to citizen in exchange for completion of a college degree or two years of military service. In addition to these stipulations, the people interested must demon-
To contact Texas congressional officials, call: Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), (202) 224-2934. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, (R-Texas), (202) 224-5922.
Call (202) 224-3121 to reach area members of the Hous of Representatives.
strate good moral character to eligible for conditional residency. Additional eligibility requir ments for the Dream Act are found www.dreamact.info.
miere
eliz
April 16, 2010 • 13
East to West theme of Multicultural Conference By Reagan White
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ferent foods, and the language was back and forth.” Students interested in learning Although this is the 16th offiabout the impact of the East on cial multicultural conference, the Western culture may choose from event has been around unofficially a variety of events on that topic for much longer, co-coordinator next week. Laurie Coleman, English profesThe 16th annual Multicultural sor, said. Conference, set for Tuesday “Professor Juanita Luna-Lawhn through Thursday, has the theme is the one who started it way back “Points of Contact: Moving East to in the ’80s,” Coleman said. West.” Various presentations will “It’s been in existence long look at the changes in before that first offiWestern science, litcial year,” she said. erature, art and soci“She had been doing ety caused by contact it herself with no with the East. backing from the “Traditionally, we colleges. She would think of the influence invite some of her www.theranger.org that the West has on friends here to talk Go online for a longer the East, and now to her students, and version of the story. we’re looking at the it kind of started off influences of the East on the West, as that.” whether they’re positive or negaThe conference has been spontive,” co-coordinator Juanita Lunasored by this college since 1994. Lawhn, English professor, said. “We want students to look at Lawhn says Eastern influence the cultures represented here in can be seen in San Antonio. San Antonio and explore them so “If you’ve ever gone to the West that students don’t leave the colSide, you’ll see that there are many lege without knowing about the Asian-Americans right in the cenpeople that live and work around ter of the Hispanic community,” them,” Coleman said. she said. For more information, call the “They impacted the commuEnglish department at 486-0649 or nity as they were impacted by the visit www.alamo.edu/sac/english/ community. They brought in difmulticultconf/program10.htm.
Schedule Tuesday, McAllister 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. Reception 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Opening ceremonies Wednesday, Room 120 of VATC 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. Continental breakfast 9 a.m.-9:50 a.m. Creative readings “A Circle of Stuff” “An Island Called King William” “Poetry, Mental Illness and Psychoanalysis” 10 a.m.-10:50 a.m. The East Enters the Classroom “The Often Neglected History of Western Mathematics: How Chinese, Indian and Arabic Mathematicians Provided the Foundation of Contemporary Algebra and the Math Used in the West Every Day” “Transcending the Crock: Eastern Pedagogy in a Western Classroom” 11 a.m.-11:50 a.m. Encounters with Islam “Paestum: The Evolution of a City in Magna Graecia” “First Encounters with Islam in the Early Republic Royall Tyler’s The Algerine Captive” Noon-12:50 p.m. Science and the East “Endings Freud, Said, and Orientalism” “The ‘M’ Word Combining
Buddhist Tradition and Western Neuroscience” 1 p.m.-1:50 p.m. East in Daily LIfe “Inside the Dragon’s Briefcase China’s Emergent Economy” “Taoism and Zen Meet the Art of Living ‘Out West’” 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Poetry writing workshop: What Makes a Poem Sing? 6 p.m.-9 p.m. A Woman’s Journey “Rwanda From Genocide to Reconciliation” Thursday, Room 120 of VATC 8 a.m.-9:15 a.m. The Art of Art “Eastern Influences on Western Art” “‘Los Paños de la Pinta’ Prison Art” 9:25 a.m.-10:45 a.m. “What Do You See? What Do You Want Us to See?” 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. The Creative Mind “Deconstruction and the Memoir ‘Two Lives’” “Rising Phoenix Subjugation and Agency in the Global/Local Spaces in ‘This Place Called Absence’” “Concrete Poetry and the Chinese Written Character” 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Luncheon at Ciao Lavanderia, reservations required; notify Steve Dingman at sdingman@alamo.edu.
Fiesta Frenzy to benefit scholarship for GALA By Jacob Beltran
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The John D. Garon Scholarship, administered by the Gay and Lesbian Association, will be infused with funds raised at Fiesta Frenzy. The musical production, is at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Josephine Theatre, 339 W. Josephine St. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are tickets are $20 for seats and $10 for standing room. “It’s a very sought-after event, with pop female drag entertainers, theater performances from local theater communi-
ties and selections from musicals,” Greg Hinajosa, co-creator and organizer of the event, said Monday. Hinajosa and his partner Daniel Acosta, a sociology sophomore here, have staged the event for the past 10 years. GALA members will be volunteering at the event. “We’re really excited to partner up with SAC because it’s been our dream for years,” Hinajosa said. The Garon scholarship is awarded to incoming gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered freshmen students and those who show an interest in being a part of the
GLBT community at this college. It is named in honor of Garon, a gay-rights activist and a founding member of GALA, who died Dec. 21, 2007. Amanda Benton, social work sophomore and GALA president, said Wednesday, “You do not have to be gay to accept or qualify for the scholarship.” Fiesta Frenzy T-shirts will be sold for $15. The funds from T-shirt sales also will go to the scholarship. For more information, call 734-4646 or visit mysassyentertainment.com.
A RuPaul impersonator will perform at Fiesta Frenzy Saturday.
Calendar
14 • April 16, 2010
For coverage call 486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
Today Event: Fiesta San Antonio. Continues through April 25. Visit www.fiesta-sa.org or call 227-5191. SAC Event: Polynesian fun 11 a.m.1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: Cheshyre Cheese Club’s final open mic coffee night 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0668. SAC Concert: Choir recital at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0494. Saturday SPC Event: Walk Across Texas 9 a.m.-noon at San Antonio Botanical Center. Call 486-2199.
SAC Event: Virtual reality gaming 1
Event: Free PC clinic 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at 312 Clarence Tinker Drive. Call 486-3412.
p.m.-3 p.m. in the Cyber Café of Loftin. Continues Fridays. Call 486-0125.
Monday
NLC Meeting: Gay and Straight Alliance Club 1 p.m. in Room 208 of the student commons. Continues Tuesday. Call 486-5234.
SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0869.
The Ranger
SAC Transfer: Texas A&M San Antonio 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Continues 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday. Call 486-0869. Tuesday
SAC Deadline: Last day to withdraw for Spring Flex 2. SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0869. Wednesday
SAC Meeting: Astronomy Club 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. in Room 142 of Chance. Call 4860125. SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Continues Tuesdays. Call 381-0991.
SAC Event: Grand opening 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the empowerment center. Call 486-0455.
www.theranger.org Complete calendar online.
SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 3:15 p.m. in Room 127 of Gonzales. Continues Wednesdays. Call 486-0125. SAC Event: Ranger Source Awards 2 p.m. on the balcony of Loftin. Call 486-1773.
SAC Deadline: Last day to apply for spring graduation. Call 486-0122.
SAC Event: Earth Day Festival 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Call 486-0125. PAC Event: PacFest 2010 11 a.m.-9 p.m. in the central courtyard. Call 4863125.
The Ranger
April 16, 2010 • 15
Free HIV, syphilis testing Monday Second testing date set for May 14. By Steffany Gutierrez San Antonio College Women’s Center has partnered with Hope Action Care to offer free HIV and syphilis testing on campus. The free testing is confidential and is conducted through blood drawn tests. The two dates for testing are April 19 and May 14. The event will be 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the college health center, Room 119 of Chance Academic Center. Everyone is welcome.
The only requirement is to fill out a referral slip at the time of the event. Results will be delivered directly from Hope Action Care. Catarina Dominguez, counselor for women and nontraditional students, said “every 33½ minutes, a woman is infected with an STD.” She continued, “Getting tested and practicing safe sex is very important in order to end this epidemic and keep it from spreading.” For more information, call the women’s center at 486-0455.
Workshop targets women’s health Topics include self-esteem, empowerment, relationships and sexual health. By Steffany Gutierrez The women’s center and the Center for Health Training present the Women 4 Women Workshop for female students. The workshop is 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday in Room 105 of the empowerment center at Howard Avenue and Evergreen Street. The event is free. Lunch will be provided at no cost to participants. The Center for Health Training, based in Seattle with an Austin office, conducts training across the country. Topics include empowerment, selfesteem, relationships and sexual health. The workshop also will include
information on culture and how it impacts decision-making, communication needs and wants, and how the decision-making process works. Catarina Dominguez, counselor for women and nontraditional student services, will conduct this workshop along with a member of Peer Educators. The workshop is geared for Latinas ages 18 to 24, but all female students here are welcome. Children will not be admitted. Up to $50 in gift cards will be awarded among those who complete an evaluation form for the event. Dominguez encourages women to attend because from the event, “women gain a new perspective on what being healthy is.” She continued, “Whether it be emotionally, physically or spiritually healthy, it is very important to be updated.” To register, call 486-0455.
16 • April 16, 2010
The Ranger
MyCAA program releases funds for military spouse benefits Future applicants are on hold while the program is under policy and procedure review. By Michelle e. Gaitan The Department of Defense developed a program called Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts, MyCAA, in March 2009 that is designed to assist military spouses in career exploration and financial aid. The program provides a lifetime benefit of up to $6,000 in financial assistance to qualified military spouses who are interested in pursing degrees, licenses and certificates that would lead to employment in portable fields. On Feb. 16, the Department of Defense made the decision to pause the program without notice. An unexpected six-fold increase in enrollment was behind their decision, said Mary Jones, off-site coordinator for Alamo Colleges at Lackland Air Force Base.
Since the program opened, it has enrolled Career fields include nursing, teaching, 136,583 military spouses. monitor technician, EMT and real estate sales, Some 117 military spouses are enrolled at to name a few. this college in 394 courses this semester, Jones The MyCAA also pays for high school comsaid. pletion courses, GED tests and English as a The Department of Defense is using this Second Language (ESL) classes. pause for review of procedures and policies Schools or institutions must first request but because of an outcry, the pause was lifted to participate in the program before a military March 13, she said. spouse can enroll and The lift has excephave tuition paid. For more information visit the alamo.edu/mycaa.com tions though. It only Those who do not or call 670-1041. applies to current have an account and MyCAA account are interested in one members and no new accounts can be opened should check back frequently with the proat this time. gram’s Web site. Current MyCAA account members will con“We fully anticipate it to open after the tinue to receive their funding. review,” Jones said. Funding for the program is not an issue; the The program does have Military OneSource program is not running out of money, Jones Spouses Education and Career Consultants who said. will help with any questions and will continue The program is open to eligible military to provide career search assistance, Jones said. spouses of an active duty, National Guard and To speak with a consultant, call 1 (800) 342Reserve Components on Title 10 orders. 9647.
The Ranger
April 16, 2010 • 17
Fall registration pushed to June 14 Banner software will assign students new user names and passwords for registration. By Zahra Farah Registration for the fall 2010 semester has been postponed for the second time this spring. Registration was moved from April 26 to June 14 because Dr. Thomas Cleary, vice chancellor for planning, performance and information systems, said this week he did not think everyone was ready to go with the new registration system Banner/Student Services. Also, department chairs, unit assistants, counselors and others expressed concerns about the lack of time for adequate training in Banner, a $6 million higher education software system. It will take the place of Passport and will consolidate the six individual portals run at each of the five district colleges and district headquarters. The move of 50 million copies of information is already done, Cleary said in interviews Tuesday and Wednesday. Banner is supposed to be more user-friendly and secure than Passport and will allow students to register and access financial aid or other information. Fall registration will still be a “stacked” registration. June 14, students who have 46 hours or more will be allowed to register; June 15, students with 31-45 hours; June 16, students with 16-30 hours; June 17, students with zero15 hours. After June 17, registration is open for everyone. Students will no longer use their PALS account but instead will be directed to a new system attached to Banner called Alamo Colleges Educational Services. The name ACES was picked during a contest where students could name the new system taking the place of PALS. ACES is supposed to mirror PALS. First, students will use their PALS user name as their login username to register. Their password will be the first two letters of their last name, the two-digit number of the month they were born, two-digit day they were born and two-digit year they were born. “Students will use ACES next fall, and the system will be used forever,” he said. When students put in the correct infor-
mation, they will be directed to a new page that gives them their username and password, which they will use to log into their Banner account. The username will be a nine-digit ID number that will identify them instead of the Social Security number currently used. Students have not been notified of the change from Passport to Banner and the recent move of registration dates. Cleary said a communication campaign is set up, and notifications that registration has changed will be sent out this weekend. When asked how will students receive information and instructions about Banner, Cleary said students will be notified through various communication outlets, such as PALS accounts, but Cleary said he knows it’s unlikely students check that account. Postcards and fliers will be distributed. Faculty will be told to remind students before final exams that registration dates have changed. When asked if students who normally register in April for fall would be at a disadvantage, Cleary said he did not think so. The reality is 15 percent of students register early. So out of the 50,000 students at district colleges, only 9,000 would have registered early, Cleary said. An issue for advisers, faculty and staff is who has the authority to remove holds for students. Cleary said additional training will be given to advisers and counselors to learn how to take off holds, but the authority of who can take off holds differs from college to college. Emma Mendiola, chair of counseling and student development and acting assistant vice president of student affairs, said counseling has still not gotten training to the extent they need to be ready for students. She was happy with registration moving to June 14. The schedule for training has been changed and counselors have to be notified when training begins for them. Mendiola said figuring out which counselors can take off holds is still divided. Cleary said training will resume in the summer for faculty and staff still working, but the times for training will be continuous. “I think if we get on it, it will be fine, but we must communicate with students as fast as possible,” Dr. Jessica Howard, vice president of academic affairs, said Tuesday.
Timeline March 23 — Board approves four-day week for summer; summer schedule revised March 29 — Fall registration delayed from April 19 to April 26 because the new software is not ready April 4 — Mock registration; departments require more time to input class schedules and room numbers April 6 — Mock registration for students halfway successful April 13 — Summer registration begins; usually fall registration begins at the same time April 9 — Fall registration delayed until June 14 June 14 — Current date to begin fall registration June 14 — Date for students with 46+ hours to register June 15 — Students with 3145 hours register June 16 — Students with 1630 hours register June 17 — Students with 0-15 hours register June 18 - Open registration begins Aug. 23 — Fall classes begin
18 • April 16, 2010
Editorial
The Ranger Juan Carlos Campos
Six weeks, weak response It took Chancellor Bruce Leslie six weeks to respond to The Ranger on a Feb. 26 story headlined “Chancellor questions faculty’s honesty.” In his letter to the editor, Leslie states he feels it “necessary to go on the record to correct this reporting inaccuracy as it can only serve to artificially escalate any perceived divide between the administration and faculty leadership.” The Ranger doesn’t stir up controversy in the hopes of increasing divisions. We simply reported a divide already evident in the overwhelming no-confidence vote by the faculty of four of the five Alamo Colleges. That was on Sept. 15, but the chancellor still is unwilling to accept it and only continues to exacerbate the situation. In hopes of understanding Leslie’s claim of a misquote, The Ranger called his office numerous times. But on this particular occasion, the chancellor was unavailable. Leslie never directly contacted the newspaper about a misquote; instead The Ranger received second- and third-party explanations. The Ranger, in the service of maintaining the public’s trust, is anxious to
correct mistakes when mistakes actually happen. Our story does not quote Leslie using the term liar, but the label is certainly implied by his statement: “The faculty leaders produced documents full of falsehoods and lies.” An important part of the news media’s job is to translate jargon into plain English, but this statement hardly needs a translation. It boils down to one word — liar. Like many sources before him, the chancellor may have felt it too harsh once he read his words in The Ranger or he could have been trying to back peddle once his words became public. Sorry, but the truth hurts. And why the long delays in his responses? A January answer to a September charge? An April response to a February story? Instead of digging up old issues — with faculty from all the colleges trying to move on — the chancellor should be fixing tensions he has created. Real issues — Banner, budget, registration, shared governance, employee morale — need addressing. If anyone is escalating a divide, it’s Leslie.
Corrections The April 9 article, “Fredstock celebrates late professor,” should have stated that the San Antonio Broadcasters Association was started by students taught by the late Professor Fred A. Weiss. In the April 9 article, “24 in Olympic-style student boxing event today,” Anabel Hurtado’s name was misspelled. Also, members and training facilities for teams were reversed. In the April 9 article, “Suicide prevention training planned,” Lisa Black’s e-mail should read lblack13@ alamo.com.
Clarification In the April 9 article, “Suicide prevention training planned,” the third paragraph should have read: Those who have made attempts are at higher risk for actually completing.
Note The Ranger ends printed publication for the semester with this issue. Log on to www.TheRanger.org for continuing coverage.
The Ranger
News Analysis
April 16, 2010 • 19
As we see it: District future could be promising By Laura Garcia
of a 50-50 ratio of full-time vs. adjunct faculty was established. Since 2004, the district has experienced The district’s enrollment grew 18 percent from immense growth in terms of enrollment, admin49,074 students in fall 2006 to 57,903 students in istration, physical facilities and even several name fall 2009 according to the district Factbook. changes. Fortunately, the district was already at work The identity of the Alamo Community College on a $450 million capital improvements program District shifted to Alamo Colleges after the board approved in November 2005 to construct of trustees hired Bruce Leslie as chancellor in facilities and renovate November 2006. existing buildings to supThe district has seen a major overhaul of core port growth. Nearly five business functions. Leslie added vice chancellors years and 24 new buildings and associate vice chancellors and made way for later, or about 1.3 million additional square feet, consolidation of the five district colleges. At least, the remaining district CIP in the form of the renothat’s how many at the colleges see it. vations is under way. This fear was only perpetuated by Leslie’s drive The bond funded the building of Northeast for single accreditation after building the district’s Lakeview College and implemented informafifth college, Northeast Lakeview College in 2007. tion technology improvements. District officials The college needed accreditation yet its finanreported in November at a community celebracial documents were not separate from the district tion that construction was completed on time and classes there were being offered by this coland under budget, however, that budget had to be lege and St. Philip’s. trimmed considerably because of It was a kill-two-birds-withconstruction inflation. See www.TheRanger.org for profiles one-stone offering. Northeast As of March 31, the capital of the candidates. Lakeview would receive its improvement program has genaccreditation from the Southern erated $323 million in cost savAssociation of Colleges and Schools by default. ings, enabling additional renovations to existing Faculty were apprehensive of the logistical buildings. fallout. Would this mean one multicampus system Current partnerships such as dual-credit and sacrifice the separate identities of the colprograms, Gateway to College and Travis Early leges? Would this college become the downtown College High School are promising. Most recently campus? Northeast Lakeview College created a merger with In September, the four accredited colleges its Judson Early College Academy, and St. Philip’s voted to determine faculty confidence in the College is currently exploring its own early college chancellor’s leadership. Of those who voted, 90 high school program with Comal ISD. percent cast votes of no-confidence. New degree plans and curriculum alignment This did not resonate with the board, which of core classes at the colleges in the district will followed with its own vote-of-confidence after the enable students to have far more options than faculty votes were announced in the September the ones that walked through the doors years ago. regular meeting. Workforce training opportunities expand as Minutes after presentations from faculty leadpartnerships and collaboration with companies ers, the board voted for a three-year extension of like AT&T become reality. This was necessary to Leslie’s contract costing the district $313,663.84 keep up with the rise in enrollment. annually plus benefits. Also attached to the deal The future may see a sixth college. Trustees was a $15,000 per year retention bonus and unanimously voted April 28, 2005, to purchase $12,000 per year car allowance. four tracts of land for a North Central campus on In November, Leslie collected a $30,000 retenthe west side of Interstate 10 north of Loop 1604 tion bonus for staying for three years. near the Kendall County line. At around the same time, district officials So far nothing has been planned for that site. searched for ways to cut the budget. When lab Another piece of land under heavy discussion hours and student services were cut, district offiincludes the district’s acquisition of the former cials were quick to point out the colleges decided Playland Park property at 2222 N. Alamo St. where to cut. The district purchased the 12.644-acre propThe chancellor created waves when his goal erty for $4.13 million and considered it for a new
administration headquarters in possible partnerships with the city. Then there’s Banner. The adjunct paycheck debacle is behind us but ahead is the launch of student modules in the operating system. The mere mention of the word Banner incites sighs, groans and eye rolling in college employees, but we’ll cross our fingers for smooth registration for the fall. The implementation of the $6 million software package could provide a few benefits, such as being able to sign up for a payment plan online instead of waiting in lines for hours. The district has had the technology to process financial aid checks as direct deposit for years; however, we still stand in lines hundreds long. So good luck to all the employees who will sit through hours of training to learn to program ... a room number? It’s true. But the future is not bleak. Perhaps one of the most challenging issues that the district will face in the coming years is not whether Banner worked the way we wanted , how much administrators are paid and what programs are underfunded. The bigger picture is how the district will at least maintain the status quo if improvements in this austere season are not possible. State appropriations have been declining for years and Gov. Rick Perry sent notice in January to prepare for the possibility of another 5 percent cut in state funds next fall. The chancellor responded with a request for exemption because further cuts could require capping enrollment. Property owners don’t want to hear about tax hikes, yet the tax rate for the district is one of the lowest in Bexar County. Trustees raised tuition last year and another hike may come next spring. With financial responsibility will come great success if the district avails itself of all its human resources. The district colleges have created numerous national models; perhaps other colleges in the nation, also feeling the funding pinch, will look to our example. Can the Alamo Colleges stay afloat? Are any of the board candidates in the May 8 election up to this daunting task? The Ranger is inclined to say that the future looks promising, especially with new faces on the board.
The Ranger
20 • April 16, 2010 Vanessa M. Sanchez
A construction worker leaves his truck Monday afternoon after parking in student Lot 21. There are three construction companies working at this college; each has fenced parking spaces.
Can’t find parking? Story and photo by VaneSSa M. Sanchez Construction workers’ vehicles were seen Monday afternoon parked in Lot 21, which is designated for students, faculty and staff. Tim Rockey, dean of continuing education training network, said Tuesday that three construction companies work at this college, but none of them are authorized to park outside the fenced area the college allows them. Rockey said he would bring the issue to the attention of the other deans; this college’s president, Dr. Robert Zeigler; and Sgt. Ben Peña of the district’s department of public safety, so that officers could distribute citations. Citations cost $12 if paid within 10 days and $15 after 10 days. If a third party, such as a construction worker, is issued a citation and refuses to pay it, an officer will speak with the project manager to resolve the problem. Peña said Wednesday he did not know if any citations were issued. Peña said as soon as the department is notified of construction workers parking outside their reserved spaces, they are to issue citations and notify the companies of the agreement to park in their reserved area. Zeigler said he did not know about the situation until he was notified by David Mrizek, vice president of college services, Wednesday morning. He said Tony Alfaro, this college’s project manager who is employed by Broaddus Project Control, would be notified. Zeigler said the college has given the companies “the space they need for parking and storage.” He said he is glad it was brought to the administration’s attention, and he would meet with Alfaro to resolve the situation.
The Ranger
Pulse
April 16, 2010 • 21 Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
Leonel Rivera-Rodriguez of the Air Force Academy is hit by business sophomore Fred Perez April 9 during the final boxing bout in the mall. Go online for more.
Two nonstudents compete in boxing match here By Riley Stephens Two nonstudents participated in a boxing event April 9 in the mall, despite assurances from the student life office before the event that all boxers were enrolled students. Fliers used to announce the boxing event stated, “All boxers are currently enrolled students in good academic standing, members of United States Amateur Boxing and have trained with a USA boxing coach for 30 days prior to the event.” The office of student life sponsored the event along with the South Texas Amateur Boxing Association. The two nonstudent fighters were Brittany Ordonez and Leonel Rivera-Rodriguez. Student life Director Jorge Posadas said Monday the decision to add nonstudent boxers to the event was made without the knowledge or approval of the office of student life. Student life activities specialist Carrie Hernandez said Wednesday the decision to allow nonstudents to participate in the event was made by the president of the association, Mark Calo-oy, who was in charge of pairing the fighters. Office of student life rules limit competitions to students at this college. Calo-oy said Wednesday that his goal was to make sure that the athletes who trained had a chance to participate. Twenty-four men and women signed up for training, but only 10 students participated.
Hundreds gathered to watch boxing. Posadas said safety considerations based on training levels determined whether or not students were allowed to box. Calo-oy noted that the nonstudents who fought April 9 lost their rounds to students enrolled at this college. Posadas said no student life funds were spent on the nonstudents, although he had estimated the total cost of the boxing event at $5,210. The boxing association also furnished a physician for the match. Dr. Oscar Gutierrez said his responsibilities included examining the boxers before and after the event. Two students were knocked down during the event: marketing sophomore Joseph Ramirez, who fought the first fight against James Rohn, pre-nursing sophomore; and Rivera-Rodriguez, who fought pre-nursing freshman Fred Perez. Gutierrez said none of the students were
seriously hurt or injured. The boxers began training for two hours daily at the beginning of March: the blue team at San Fernando Gym and the red team at Luna’s Boxing 4 Fitness Community Center. Eight representatives of the association brought in the boxing ring April 8, set it up southeast of Loftin Student Center and took it down after the match. Hundreds of spectators cheered and yelled as the boxers fought. “It was the best thing that ever happened at SAC,” Tony Townsend, mechanical engineering freshman, said as he watched. A shaded VIP seating area was available for guests of the competitors, college administrators and student life staff during the two-hour match. Karen Simmons, disability support services sophomore, sang the national anthem and “All I Can Do is Cry,” by Etta James, at the event. KSYM program director Joey Palacios, radio-television-business sophomore, was the announcer. Blue team winners were Osylett Marcos, nursing freshman; Donald Bradley, business administration sophomore; and Michael ViIlar, criminal justice sophomore. Red team winners were Rohn; Jorge Acosta, criminal justice sophomore; Fred Perez, prenursing freshman and Jose Vargas, accounting technology sophomore.
The Ranger
22 • April 16, 2010
Beginner’s luck smiles on student Architecture sophomore reaches finals in worldwide contest that publishes her photograph. By Michelle e. Gaitan Architecture sophomore Candy Macias was selected as a finalist out of 3,500 students worldwide in the 30th Annual Student Photography Contest USA. Macias was surprised to receive a letter notifying her that one of two photos submitted was selected as a finalist in the contest. “It was my first time shooting when I took that picture,” she said. “I never thought they were good enough till some friends told me to try and enter the contest.” Macias became aware of the contest after passing a posting in one of the halls here on campus and did some research to find out more about it. The photo that was selected is of Macias’ partner and was the inspiration behind
Courtesy
the photo. “I was intrigued by her personality,” she said. She doesn’t have any favorite things to shoot yet and takes photos in her spare time, mostly of her friends when asked. “I am still learning so everything is a challenge ... I have a pocket camera, nothing big but it does the job,” she said. Her photo along with other finalists, honorable mentions and winners of the contest will be published in the book “Best of College Photography 2010” due out in May. Macias hopes to transfer to either Texas Tech or to UTSA and study the history of architecture. She someday would like to study some important archeological buildings and photograph them. Advice she would give to those who are interested in photography would be to never give up. “It takes me 50 tries to get one good picture but I never give up till I get it right,” she said.
Winning photo by Candy Macias
The Ranger
23 • April 16, 2010
Graduates to don new red robes, caps May 1 graduation ceremony honors about 700 graduates at Municipal Auditorium. By Reagan White Commencement for students receiving degrees or certificates in December 2009 or May or August will be at 10 a.m. May 1 at Municipal Auditorium, 100 Auditorium Circle. Graduates will wear red caps and gowns for the ceremony. This is a change from the blue caps and gowns that graduates had worn in previous years. “We’re going to go red this year because red is the school color. It’s what distinguishes SAC from the other colleges,” said Jessica Howard, vice president of academic affairs. Blue robes are the color traditionally worn by graduates receiving associate degrees. Caps and gowns are free for graduates and may be kept after the ceremony. The deadline to apply for graduation and attend the ceremony was March 26. However, students may apply for gradua-
“Graduation is actually before finals week. It seems strange. That had to do with the reservation of the venue.” Dr. Jessica Howard vice president of academic affairs
tion until Thursday without participating in the ceremony. The graduation ceremony will be earlier this year than in previous years, Howard said. “Graduation is actually before finals week. It seems strange. That had to do with the reservation of the venue, ” she said. The ceremony will last about two hours. Julianne Cantú, Student Government Association president and political science sophomore, will speak at the ceremony. “She’s been representing students for two years, not just at the college level, but at the district level as well,” theater and speech communication Chair Jeff Hunt said.
This year’s Outstanding Former Student Award recipient, Maria Hernandez Ferrier, president of Texas A&M University at San Antonio, also will speak at the event. More than 700 students will participate in the ceremony, Howard said. “Two years ago, we never had more than 500 graduates. Now the college has embraced promoting it. The whole culture has changed,” she said. Every graduate is given six free tickets for guests. The ceremony will be videotaped and shown 9 p.m.-11 p.m. May 7, and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. May 8 and May 9 on the inTV education channel: Channel 98 on Time Warner Cable, Channel 21 on Grande Cable and Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse. The graduation video also will be viewable online after graduation. The Web site will be created after the ceremony. Radio-television-film students will help produce the videotape. For more information, go to www.alamo. edu/sac/csd/grad.
Texshare allows libraries across the state to share resources Students can check out books from other Texas institutions with a Texshare card. B y Melody Mendoza The libraries at the Alamo Colleges are determined to make sure students have the best resources available even if it means getting items from across the state. The Texshare card program and interlibrary loan service give students the opportunity to find resources. “The TexShare card allows students and other college employees to go to participating libraries and borrow materials directly,” Tracy Mendoza, dean of learning services at Northeast Lakeview College, said. Students can get a Texshare card in their home library. The cards are free and good for one semester. To check out items at another participating library, students need a Texshare card and their student ID. Ralph Domas, librarian at this college,
said, “For example, a student can take their Texshare card and college ID to the University of Texas at El Paso and check out books from there” if they happen to be in the area. Not only can students check out books at academic libraries, but also public libraries. Participating libraries are listed at www. texshare.org. Click on card program on the left side. Click on the link that says, “check to see if a library is in the card program.” Search for a nearby library. The interlibrary loan is another service where students can borrow resources from another library across the country without having to go directly to the library, Mendoza said. Students should fill out a request form on the library’s Web site or at the reserve desk. Depending on the location, the items will For more information call the reference desk at 486-0554 or visit www.alamo.edu/sac/ library/resource.htm.
“The Texshare card allows students and employees to go to participating libraries and borrow materials directly.” Tracy Mendoza dean of learning services at Northeast Lakeview College
arrive between one to four weeks. “If it is in town at an Alamo College, Trinity or St. Mary’s, you may be able to get it in a day or two,” Domas said. He said the college will send the request in 24 hours and it depends on the other library on how fast they respond. The college will notify the student by telephone or e-mail to pick up items at the reserve desk. If there are any loan fees, they should be paid at pick up. Texshare cards and interlibrary loans “save students time and energy and may add quality to a topic,” Domas said.
The Ranger
24 • April 16, 2010 Photos by Julysa Sosa
Fighting fire with education Cadets John Jerdet and Justin Garza pull two water hoses used to extinguish a fire April 8 at the Fire Science Academy.
(From left) Cadets Leonardo Ledesma and Ramon Espronceda, Lt. Ricardo Salazar and Capt. Jerrod Roberts extinguish a vehicle in flames April 7 at the Fire Science Academy.
Cadets Joe Leal and Andres Cantu receive directions from their instructor, retired firefighter Curtis Franz, before entering the burn building at the Fire Science Academy.
(Left) Fire science students check air packs before entering the burn building April 8 at the Fire Science Academy.
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Cadet Ceasar Soto watches his classmates crawl through door a during a skills test. Students had to extinguish fires set on the first and second floor of the burn building.
Capt. Jerrod Robets, Cadets Jorge Ramirez, Samson Torres and Moses Hurtado and Lt. Andres Garcia spray a liquid petroleum gas tank in a mock senario April 7 at the Fire Science Academy. Approaching the tank from the side reduces the chances of injury because the ends of the tank will explode first.