The Ranger April 8, 2013

.org

the

ranger

@therangerSAC

Serving San Antonio College since 1926

A forum of free voices

Volume 87 Issue 17 • April 8, 2013

210-486-1773 • Single copies free

Heads up

Lofts open in August, but not parking

By Carlos Ferrand

cferrand@student.alamo.edu

Maymester, summer registration opens Don’t get out the sandals and picnic towels just yet, summer registration starts today.

Registration is for Maymester, first summer session, second summer session and an eight-week evening summer session.

Students with a minimum of 46 course hours can register today and Tuesday; 31 hours Wednesday, 16 hours Thursday and 1 hour Friday Registration is open for all students April 15.

Students can register by clicking ‘Web Services,’ under the ‘Student’ tab in ACES, then clicking ‘Students and financial aid’ and ‘Registration.’

Tobin Lofts is expected to welcome its first residents in August, but designated resident parking will not be completed until March.

Until then, residents can purchase a $200

parking permit to park in the garage east of Chance Academic Center.

Residents purchasing a parking permit will be guaranteed a spot in the garage, said David

See PARKING, Page 10

By Rebecca Salinas

rsalinas191@student.alamo.edu

He said senators need to “revisit the channels of communication, not only between us and the administration, but among ourselves, so everybody has a clear understanding of what you’re attempting to communicate.”

Senators need to analyze the decision-making process to determine when decisions are made and document articulate opinions on administrative decisions, Berrier said.

“Wherever these decisions are coming out of, there’s got to be discussion going on, and there’s got to be some discussion going out, and we need to get on top of that and fill those

The Alamo Colleges board of trustees requested more data on student success to move forward with a capital improvement project during a CIP retreat Monday in Room 101 of Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan. The board wants to know if student success will be increased if they use interactive technology in the classroom.

Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administrations and Doug Lowe, owner of Facility Programming and Consulting, explained “future learning environments,” which can be built if the district can get the public to support another bond issue. A $450 million bond package was passed in 2005 resulting in 24 new buildings and about 1.3 million square feet districtwide.

This college received $84 million for the nursing complex, parking garage, Oppenheimer Academic Center, the first responders academy and a utilities upgrade.

Snyder presented trends in higher education, including the incorporation of interactive technology in the classroom. She said large flexible, multi-purpose rooms are becoming more popular because they can serve as a tutoring center with computer access, work space and gathering spaces for faculty and students.

Other trends include space for individual and group advising and learning resource centers, with study spaces and study rooms for collaboration. She said employees could have an “innovation space” to meet to have “enrichment discussions and develop courses.”

A learning resource center would be more than a library because the building could be used for things other than reading books, because the center would have wireless Internet, study rooms and a relaxed environment.

“We don’t want to build just a science building and that is all it can be used for,” she said.

District 6 trustee Gene Sprague, a radiologist who teaches radiology and pharmacology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, said having more technology in a classroom is a good idea, but he would like to see evidence that the technology actually worked.

In an interview Thursday, Sprague said he likes to teach from Power Point slides and use live models for a visual classroom. “If it was that great, do we have a class of students out there who have done fantastic as a result of going through this?” he said. “I hope it’s out there, but I haven’t heard it and I haven’t seen it.”

Snyder presented the results of a 2011 Campus Learning Space Survey conducted by Herman Miller at the Society for College and University Planning. According to hermanmiller.com, the Learning Spaces Research Program surveys students and faculty perceptions of the learning environment at the beginning and end of each term.

Colleges or universities that participate in the survey commit to a two-year engagement.

The first question asked, “What is the biggest change driving new needs on campus?”

Results showed 39 percent believed teach

See SENATE, Page 4

See RETREAT, Page 4

Short circuit zaps McAllister center

Jennifer Luna

Chancellor’s agenda turns to innovative classrooms

Trustees want more technology in classrooms, but question its impact on student success.

Rebecca Salinas

An electrical short occurred about 9 a.m. March 28 in McAllister Fine Arts Center because of a “faulty starter.”

Music sophomores Mark Fiefarek and Bradley Martinez said fine arts Chair Jeff Hunt directed students to exit the building into parking Lot 3 North of McAllister and wait there for about 20 minutes before re-entering the building.

Fiefarek pointed toward the auditorium where he heard a circuit breaker “zap.”

An emergency update was posted on this college’s Facebook page about 10 a.m. that said, “There is a small electrical fire in the McAllister Fine Arts Building. Stay clear until further notice.”

A few minutes later, a post stated, “There was no actual fire in McAllister Fine Arts Building.

The fire smell was coming from an electrical short. The building is now clear and faculty and students are being let back in.”

Fiefarek said the smell was very distinct, like “overheating electronics.”

Facilities Superintendent David Ortega said the problem occurred because the circuit ran out of life.

“It’s like a light bulb, every piece of equipment has a useful life,” he said.

Ortega said the beeping from an exit sign is caused by power interruption or when a fire alarm is activated.

Ortega said the starter was “on facilities’ radar,” but routine maintenance did not occur quickly enough.

At the end of the day, Ortega said the repair of the circuit was a “good test.”

In case there is a fire, the exit signs will function properly.

/readtheranger

Criminal justice sophomore Raul Garza shields himself from Wednesday’s thunderstorm with a trash bag while running to class north of chemistry and geology. Vincent Reyna

Senate needs stronger voice, instructor says

By Faith Duarte

fduarte3@student.alamo.edu

For Faculty Senate to have a stronger voice in college and district decisions, it needs to articulate its position, government Instructor Michael Berrier said Wednesday in Room 120 of the visual arts center.

“The reason they’re shoving solutions down our throat is because we’re not giving them alternatives in a timely fashion in the decision-making process that they identify,” he said.

Faculty Senate invited Barrier to offer suggestions on improving its communication with administrators to regain a voice in college and district decisions.

“Frankly, I feel that we’re very much on the losing side, and I think that has colored our posture in fundamental ways that are destructive to our participation and efforts,” he said.

Berrier suggested that senators “regroup, rethink, and stand up a bit taller, and just get over the idea that we’re repressed.”

He said faculty members need to keep on top of new information coming from college and district administration so they can take advantage of every opportunity to participate in discussions so that when a decision is announced, they don’t feel it “hits us from left field.”

SAConnected

2 • April 8, 2013

www.theranger.org/saconnected

Liberal arts sophomore Marcell Nolden tries on a gown with the help of Joe Jacques, associate director of student success, Monday in Room 208 of Fletcher. Students can continue to apply for graduation through May 18 in ACES. Commencement is May 11 at Freeman Coliseum. Monica Correa Program Director Charlie Castleman offers listeners a $10 gift card to Olmos Bharmacy for a pledge of $25 during the annual pledge drive in Room 201 of Longwith. The event helps fund equipment and licensing fees for the radio station. People can still donate at KSYM.org.

Adriana Ruiz

Physics sophomore Nick Herrera adds a new layer of clay to his sculpture Wednesday in the Koehler carriage house. Herrera’s piece will be part of a three-piece series in which all the sculptures resemble each other.

The three pieces are sketched on paper and then built to scale. The ceramics class fulfills the art credit requirement. Vincent Reyna

Today

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

NLC Deadline: Earth Day Poetry Contest submissions with cover sheet of name, poem title, email address, phone number and copy of poem without ID. One entry per student due by noon April 15. Email to ahager6@alamo.edu. Call 210486-5269.

SAC Religion: Picnic and Parables with Sister Pat Connelly 12:15 p.m. at Catholic Student Center, 312 W. Courtland. Call 210-736-3752.

SAC Career: Criminal Justice Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 210 A/B of nursing complex. Call 210-486-1313 or 210-486-0835.

SAC Religion: Bible study and free lunch at United Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap.

Spanish at 11 a.m. English at 12:15 p.m. Continues Thursdays. Call 210-733-1441.

SAC Club: Speed Friending by International Students Office 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 220 of Oppenheimer. Call 210-486-0116 or email sac-iso@alamo.edu for reservation.

SAC Career: Adjunct Faculty Fair 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in foyer of Oppenheimer. Call 210-486-0390 or visit http://www.alamo.edu/sac/ AdjunctJobs/ to reserve.

SAC Health: Free anonymous HIV testing by Center for Health Care Services 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 486-0126.

SAC Event: Karaoke by student life 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0128.

SAC Religion: Men’s Bible Study 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in Church of Christ Student Center, 310 W. Dewey. Continues Mondays. Call 210-736-6750.

SAC Club: San Antonio Immigrant Youth Movement 2:30 p.m. in Room 101 of Gonzales. Continues Mondays. Call 832-273-9805 or visit www.saiym210.org.

Upcoming April 16 SAC Health: Meningitis Clinic 1 p.m.-4 p.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Vaccine is $122, cash or check only. Continues Thursday. Call 210-486-0157.

SAC Performance: Free Honors Recital by music department 7:30 p.m. in McAllister auditorium. Call

SAC Religion: Hot Potato lunch forum by Dan Sanchez on counterterrorism 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. at Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 210-733-1441.

SAC Club: Cheshyre Cheese 2 p.m. in Room 203 of Gonzales.

Continues Tuesdays.

Call 210-486-0668.

SAC Lecture: Leadership Forum: Listening 2 p.m.-3 p.m. by student life in Room 150 of Loftin.

Email mbigelow2@alamo.edu.

Lecture: Maverick Series on civil rights with Michael Ratner 7:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University. Call 210-999-8406.

210-486-0255.

Dance: Baile! with DJ El General. Benefit for Lanier scholarship fund 8 p.m.

Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro. Tickets $7. Call 210-227-6868 or 210-228-0201.

April 17 SAC Club: Student Leadership Awards Banquet by student life

SAC Religion: Women’s Bible Study 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in Church of Christ Student Center, 310 W. Dewey. Continues Wednesdays. Call 210-736-6750.

SAC Club: Society of Professional Journalists 6 p.m. in Room 209 of Loftin. Call 210-486-1773 or visit sacspj@gmail.com.

Exhibit: Uncommon Ground senior art show by UIW art department 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., first floor of Dougherty Fine Arts, 4301 Broadway. Continues 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays through May 10.

Call 210-829-3955 or visit www. uiw.edu/events.

SAC Career: Portfolio Building Workshop by student life 11 a.m.noon in Room 150 of Loftin.

Refreshments. Call 210-486-0126.

SAC Play: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” 7:30 p.m. through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in McAllister auditorium. Call 210-486-0492.

SAC Club: Open Mic Coffee Night

by Cheshyre Cheese 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0668.

Event: Festival of India by India Association of San Antonio 4 p.m.-9 p.m. at Maverick Plaza, 418 Villita.

Call 210-646-6090 or email foi@ indiasa.org.

Stage: “The Crazy Locomotive” 8 p.m.-10 p.m. in Stieren Theater, Trinity University. Call 210-999-8511.

Exhibit: Lady Base Gallery 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Gallista Gallery, 1913 S. Flores.

Email ladybase210@gmail.com.

Transfer: San Antonio College Fair 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University. Call 210-999-8406.

6 p.m.-9 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin by invitation.

April 18 SAC Career: M o c k interview workshop 11 a.m.noon in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0126.

April 19 SAC Deadline: Last day to withdraw from a class. Call 210-486-0200.

SAC Music: Live in Loftin featuring reggae 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call

210-486-0128.

Festival: 2013 Fiesta Oyster Bake 5 p.m.-11 p.m. St. Mary’s University. Continues 11 a.m.11 p.m. Saturday. One-day presale $18, two-day $30 at H-EB. $20 at gate. Children under 12 free. Call 210-436-3324.

April 20 Festival: Made in Texas Family Day 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at

Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. César E. Chávez. Adults $8, seniors $7 and children 3-11 $6. Free with UTSA or Alamo Colleges ID or membership.

Call 210-458-2237.

April 22 SAC Health: Leadership Forum: Dealing with Adversity

and Apathy by student life 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 150 of Loftin.

April 23 SAC Career: Job fair by career services 9 a.m.-noon in Fiesta Room of Loftin.

Call 210-486-0142 or email lmoreno@alamo.edu.

For coverage in SAConnected, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.

News

www.theranger.org/news

SGA invites students to run for elections

By Michael Meinen sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Election campaign packets are available for any student wanting to run for Student Government Association.

Students can pick up the packets in Room 260B of Loftin Student Center.

Campaign packets must be completed and turned in by April 12.

Candidates must be registered in at least six credit hours for the fall and spring semesters and must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA. Campaign Students can apply packets for multiple positions. are Students eligible to available participate in elections will be notified April in Room 15 and can campaign 260B of until May 3.

Loftin.

Candidates will be required to attend a student forum noon-1 p.m. April 25 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin.

Candidates will answer questions from the student body. All students are welcome to attend.

Voting will be online through ACES email April 29-May 3. Election results will be released May 6 with students elected officially taking office the first week of the fall semester.

For more information, call 210-486-0133.

!

April 8, 2013 • 3

Lecture on sexual assault laws, myths teaches risks, rights, resources

By Emily Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu

As part of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness month, the counseling center and the office of student life are sponsoring a lecture, “Sexual Assault 101, Laws, Myths,” 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. April 15 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center.

Kelsey Banton, prevention education coordinator for the Rape Crisis Center, will present on the definition of sexual assault, prevention tips, understanding laws and busting myths.

Counselor Melissa Sutherland encourages women to attend the lecture.

“It’s harder to try to research the information and understand it if you’ve already been assaulted. At that point, you’re dealing with the emotions to heal from the trauma, you’re not at a place to try to absorb all of the information,” Sutherland said. “If you knew upfront, you already know

what your rights are. You can stand up for yourself and not have to figure it out in the midst of a storm.”

Although the counseling center can provide limited assistance to students who have been sexually assaulted, Sutherland said the Rape Crisis Center is the best place to go for help.

“If (students) have questions about what their rights are, even help about being raped, we’re limited to six sessions,” Sutherland said. “We want them to get the best care, and ongoing care. That is something that impacts the rest of your life.”

Sutherland said there are resources for those who have questions or who were sexually assaulted.

“There is help out there.

There are women who have been through it and have been able to recover and go on to have a good life,” she said.

Sutherland wants women to ask for all the resources available

Statistics from the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network:

• 44% of victims are younger than 18

• 80% are younger than 30 • Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.

• Each year, there are about 207,754 victims of sexual assault.

• 54% of sexual assaults are not reported to police.

• 97% of rapists will never spend a day in jail.

• Approximately 2/3 of assaults are committed by someone the victim knows.

• 38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance.

The Rape Crisis Center in San Antonio 2011-2012:

• provided medical accompaniment services to 958 survivors • provided therapeutic counseling services to 1,116 individuals and their family members • answered 8,636 crisis calls

to help them heal and become role models for others.

“It can be inspiring for them to see others and think ‘if they can do it, I can do it,’” she said.

For more information about the lecture, call 210-486-0333 or 210-486-0158.

Call 210-349-7273 for the Rape Crisis Center.

Counseling Interns gain practical experience

By Emily Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu

During a Hot Potato lecture on mental health March 26 in the Methodist Student Center, Laura Wilson-Slocum, program manager of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team for Austin Travis County Integral Care, says symptoms of psychosis include hearing nonexistent voices, delusions of grandeur and suicidal ideation. Faith Duarte

Forget mental health stigma Read Tuesday’s Hot Potato on homosexuality and religion at theranger.org.

By Katherine Garcia

kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu

One-fourth of Americans have an undiagnosed mental health condition. Laura WilsonSlocum, a licensed professional counselor for Mobile Crisis Outreach Team of Austin and Travis County, provided the statistic in the Hot Potato lecture March 26 at the Methodist Student Center.

The team is a group of psychiatrists who visit homes of people who need mental help but are either unable to get it themselves or are unwilling to ask for it. The group offers psychiatric assessments, follow-ups and links to other resources.

Family members can ask for a visit to those whom they believe need help. She explained the various of mental health treatments: involuntary admission, voluntary admission, partial hospital progression and intensive outpatient treatment.

People are involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric care unit of a state facility if they have the intent of hurting or killing, she said.

There is voluntary admission, which she said can be empowering because people make the decision themselves to get help, but they cannot walk out when they feel their treatment is done because they must be evaluated.

Partial hospitalization requires patients

visit the hospital from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In an article on apapracticecentral.org , Doug Walter, JD, counsel for the Legislative & Regulatory Affairs in the APA Practice Organization’s Government Relations Office, said, “Partial hospitalization is an outpatient alternative to more expensive inpatient mental health care.”

Intensive outpatient treatment is 3-4 hours a few days a week. Patients meet regularly with a counselor or social worker. “The goal now is to get people back to their homes as quickly as possible,” Slocum said.

She said a worker seeking psychiatric help confidentially may eventually face repercussions, such as fewer work hours or job loss. Employees are afraid to ask, “Does it really not affect my job if I utilize these services?”

Imitating the stigma most people have about mental disorders, she said, “I am not like that person. I am not crazy.”

She explained schizophrenia so the audience could understand what people with the disease go through. She said the temporal lobe, which controls thoughts, activates when people hear voices. “They truly hear a voice the way you hear mine,” she said.

For help, go to the Center for Health Care Services at 601 N. Frio or call 210-223-7233 or 800-316-9241. Bexar County’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Team and the Adult Crisis Care Center can also be reached at these numbers.

Students from local universities are putting what they have learned in the classroom into real-life experience.

There are four interns for this college’s counseling center as part of the Counseling Practicum Internship Program.

“They are individuals who have done their coursework for their degree in counseling,” Counselor Margaret Bloomer said. “They are in the phase where they are getting a practicum experience; which means that they are doing counseling and so we’re helping them to get their master’s degree. Also, they are providing a very valuable service to us by providing counseling for free to our students.”

The internship began at the start of the spring semester and will be completed by the end of this semester. The interns observe the counselors at work; go through training seminars and counsel students dealing with relationship issues, stress and depression.

“I get to help students with a wide range of issues. In most places, you only get to do personal counseling,” said master degree student Tunisha Potter from Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio. “When you work at a college setting, you get to do academic counseling, personal, career, and you’ll see a wide range of issues.”

To be a certified counselor, the interns from TAMU-SA must complete two practicums with a minimum of 300 hours experience total. Students from the University of Texas at San Antonio must complete 700 hours.

As advisers, Potter and Brittany Duncan from UTSA assist students with academics, such as picking majors and degree plans. As counseling interns, they are able to assist students with personal issues interfering with school performance.

“Sometimes, they don’t even know that they need help with a particular thing or that we can offer counseling for something that they’re experiencing,” Potter said.

“When we first started, one of the things I heard of at first was test anxiety. Initially, I wasn’t aware that students could get coun-

Tunisha Potter from TAMU-SA advises medical assisting freshman Bria Hunt about dropping classes Thursday in the counseling center of Moody. Monica Correa

Brittany Duncan from UTSA advises students as part of the Counseling Practicum Internship Program. Monica Correa seling for things like test anxiety. Now that’s something that they come to me with,” Potter said.

The other two interns are master degree students Pam Guillen and Stephanie Williams from TAMU-SA. Duncan and Potter said this experience has changed the way they approach counseling.

“I would say that it has opened my eyes to see that it goes beyond advising,” Duncan said. “There are things that are affecting them every day. It has helped me gain the skills that I need to go further. I would say that it has made me a better adviser because I am able to not only help them academically, but I can actually help them with personal issues.”

For more information or counseling, visit the counseling center on the first floor of Moody Learning Center.

News

4 • April 8 , 2013 RETREAT from Page 1 ing and learning styles, 32 percent believed technology, 16 percent believed student expectations, 6 percent believed competition, 4 percent believed costs and 3 percent believed other.

The second question asked, “What is the most important consideration in the design of physical learning spaces?”

Results showed 47 percent believed support for different teaching and learning styles, 28 percent believed the ability to tailor the space to the needs of those using it, 11 percent believed collaboration, 6 percent believed comfort, 5 percent believed standardization and 3 percent believed other.

The third question asked, “What is the most valuable aspect of effective learning spaces?”

Results showed 85 percent believed student and faculty engagement 8 percent believed peer collaboration, 6 percent believed sense of community and 1 percent believed other.

The fourth question asked, “What is the most important measure of effective learning spaces?”

Results showed 74 percent believed spaces that flex to support varied pedagogy, 9 percent believed other, 7 percent believed demand for social and collaborative needs, 6 percent believed ratio of students to faculty face time and 4 percent believed comfort.

The fifth and final question asked, “On your campus today, what functions/people are the key drivers of learning space design?”

Results showed 44 percent believe people who use the space, 35 percent believe people who manage the space, 11 percent believe other, 6 percent believe people who maintain the space and 4 percent believe people who schedule the space.

Snyder said one online trend professors are using blended or hybrid courses because of their flexibility. Blended or hybrid courses mean half of the course is online and the other half is face-to-face.

Snyder said another form of a hybrid course is called the flipped model, which means the online portion is focused on the content or essence of material, while the in-class time is dedicated to group discussions, exercises or projects. With the flipped model, the professor is acting as a “coach or adviser,” she said.

She said another online trend is distance learning courses. Distance learning courses are

live courses, which allow courses to be broadcasted to students in real-time. “As we look at everything that we are viewing, going forward, we not only need to use flexible classrooms, we need flexible buildings,” she said.

She said future facilities could include contextualization, which allows simulation, digital technology or technical labs in the classroom.

Contextualization would allow students to practice digitally as in a virtual environment where they can see 3-D images, as opposed to practicing with mannequins or models.

She said classrooms in the Alamo Colleges have a “19th-century model” because the bland room standardized with “rigid lecture furniture.”

She said with this classroom model, there are only two roles: The student listens, takes notes and answers teacher-directed questions while the teacher sets the agenda and lectures.

She said a better engaging model is when the professor teaches in the middle of the classroom.

“It’s really about the student, they are asked to assume tasks, roles, responsibilities that are authentic, kind of professional practices,” she said. “They become laboratories for learning.”

Snyder said Miller partnered with colleges for a Learning Spaces Research Program where ordinary classrooms were transformed into more interactive classrooms.

One transformation example was a flatter lecture hall with natural light, fewer whiteboards and two projection screens to face students on each side of the room. Flatter lecture halls would not have a steep slope, like ordinary halls, so students can interact with other students in the rows above and behind them.

Snyder said a learning studio, a large room where students and employees can meet, was built in a flat room with round tables and television screens for group work around the room.

She said new technology consists of wireless connectivity, mobile technology, desktop virtualization, game-based learning, 3-D printing and holography.

Lowe said it may not be necessary to build more buildings or campuses, but some classrooms can be remodeled.

“On one hand, there is a need for large learning spaces, the ability to do some of these things, bring groups together,” he said. “Your buildings, many of them were built in a time where that was not the case.”

He said buildings at this college that can

SENATE from Page 1 opportunities to get out in front of the discussion,” he said.

Berrier mentioned the recent one-textbook policy, which requires faculty to select one textbook per course.

In meetings this spring with President Robert Zeigler and Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor for academic success, faculty have argued that the policy strips them of their academic freedom.

Senators also spoke against the issue March 26 during the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the Alamo Colleges board of trustees meeting.

“Did we have our heads buried in the sand and not notice that this is a national trend?” Berrier asked.

He suggested going out to lunch with trustees as a way to

www.theranger.org/news

be significantly changed are Candler Physical Education Center, Chance Academic Center, Gonzales Hall, Loftin Student Center, McAllister Fine Arts Center, McCreless Hall, Nail Technical Center and the visual arts center.

He said newer buildings, such as Susan R. and Jesse H. Oppenheimer Academic Center; the chemistry and geology building; Longwith Radio, Television and Film Building; Moody Learning Center; the nursing and allied health complex; and the student success center, could be enhanced with technology and furniture.

He said the oldest buildings at the campus the art studio, Bennett Music Hall, the early childhood center and Fletcher Administration Center are too old to be remodeled.

He said there are 112 classrooms proposed for renovation at this college, 55 at St. Philip’s College, 25 at Palo Alto College and 32 at Northwest Vista College. There are no recommendations for Northeast Lakeview College because all the classrooms are new.

District 7 trustee Yvonne Katz said when she was superintendent of Beaverton Independent School District in Oregon, she was involved in building a high school with interactive technology.

Katz said the classrooms were open and there were team offices.

“My goodness, the math teachers were involved with the English teachers and English teachers were involved with the history teachers,” she said. “It really pulled the people together.”

She said the interactivity gave students at the high school experience for the work force because they learned how to work in a group.

District 5 trustee Roberto Zárate, a retired elementary school principal, said faculty would have to commit to this style of teaching if the classrooms are remodeled.

Dr. Eric Reno, president of Northeast Lakeview, said none of their classrooms are arranged in rows like an ordinary classroom, but rather arranged in group circles in a horseshoe shape, making the classroom more interactive.

He said when former students revisit the campus, they say they miss that interactivity with other students. “It’s forced interaction,” he said.

“Still, you can have people lecture from any area.”

Chancellor Bruce Leslie said every classroom cannot be renovated to fit this model, but the district needs to move in the direction of incorporating technology.

“That’s part of what we’re trying to say, is

interact with them outside of board meetings.

“I think we need to revisit those connections and build them up,” Berrier said. “Become human to them, and make them human to us.”

Criminal justice Professor Tiffany Cox suggested regularly checking Chancellor Bruce Leslie’s blog, which is available at alamo.edu/chancellor.

“He’s always on there saying what’s on his mind,” she said.

“It’s not hard for us to find where here he is headed, because he’s publishing it all the time.”

Cox said the senate should follow his blog more frequently to be able to come forward with more input.

“It would raise the perception that we’re an active, confident, governing, representative body,” she said.

“We do a lot of reacting, and I think it just takes maybe just

that the spaces that are going to be for our future have got to be larger, brighter, more technologically infused and more flexible,” he said.

District 9 trustee and board chair James Rindfuss said when students are socially engaged with the class and the college, they are willing to stay on campus longer. “The classroom is no longer just a bunch of chairs and a blackboard,” he said. “It provides a study environment and a social exchange of other students.”

Snyder said the CIP target is $17.5 million with a 1-cent tax increase.

Zárate said the proposal sounds great, but the hard part is convincing the community to vote for the capital improvement plan.

He said he agrees with the education aspect, but trustees do not realize the difficulty of relaying that aspect to voters.

“How will we be able to communicate to the voters?” he said. “That’s the reality behind this.”

District 1 trustee Joe Alderete said schools in Finland and Korea have good academic quality, but their classrooms do not have the technology proposed. “Is a CIP really needed?” he said.

“This needs to be considered significantly.”

District 2 trustee Denver McClendon said the board needs to look at what the future entails because maybe all students will be taking classes online.

Sprague said there has been an increase of employees for various companies, such as internet behemoth Yahoo, working at home instead of on-site, but they have been called to work on-site again because they need to interact with other employees. “The school needs to be similar to the workforce … So that we use our training as an internship,” he said.

Fast Company, a business magazine, released an article Feb. 23 that stated Yahoo will no longer allow employees to work at home. The article, titled “The real reasons no one at Yahoo will be working from home,” states Yahoo is counting on attrition.

The article states employees who have enjoyed working at home might quit rather than work in the office, which would suit Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer’s push to reduce employees.

The article can be read at fastcompany. com/3006244/creative-conversations/real-reasons-no-one-yahoo-will-be-working-home.

The Alamo Colleges board of trustees standing committees will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Room 101 of Killen.

a little bit more time to be in front (of the decision-making process).”

Counselor Steve Samet said inviting trustees to speak to the senate once a semester is impractical because it’s a “one-shot” opportunity for senators to speak to trustees.

“I think we need to make an effort to see these board members on a regular basis as individuals,” he said.

Students made three of the most significant presentations during the citizens-to-be-heard-portion of the March 26 board meeting, Samet said.

“We need to keep our students aware of what’s important to this college, and to them, and clarify how they’re being shortchanged,” he said. “We need to educate our students so they’re a stronger voice, because ultimately, this is what the board should be listening to.”

The Tradition Begins

Texas A&M University-San Antonio Be Part of the Jaguar Family  Lowest tuition among universities in the city!  A variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees  Seamless transfer plans,

scholarships

financial assistance and

 A military-embracing institution www.facebook.com/TAMUSanAntonio

e-free Hassl king par

One University Way San Antonio, TX 78224 www.tamusa.tamus.edu (210) 784-1000

News

www.theranger.org/news

April 8, 2013 • 5

In the beginning, there was education easyEMPOWERING

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

capitalist

Community college education is

By Paula Christine Schuler

affordable uniquely American

socialist

academic

vocational

local

FUN

opportunity hard

No one really knows the first professional teacher’s name or wage, but learning remains a prerequisite to survival. The first individual in history credited as being a teacher is Confucius in China in 551B.C. Military leaders, hunters, monks, royal tutors, inventors, storytellers, artists and parents have all had a place in the education of the world.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), two-year colleges officially became part of the education scene diverse in 1901.

The first president of the University of Chicago, William Rainey Harper, believed the first two years of university should be at the high school level.

According to L. Steven Zwerling in “Second Best,” Harper believed the freshman and sophomore years were preparation for the real higher learning and research world of the university in the final two years.

The first publicly funded American junior college was established as an extension of Central High School in Joliet, Ill. Funding began through local school districts as a continuation of high school, but separate from high school.

The AACC says the high school-based start-up was the most successful kind of early junior college. tion and two world wars created new presIn 1910, the efforts of Fresno City Schools superintendent sures on businesses and the labor force.

C. L. McLane lead to the drafting of a resolution by the Fresno The AACC says community colleges grew out of Board of Education in Calif. Fresno Junior College was begun to a need for education for students who were unable provide “approximately the studies prescribed in the first two to attend university. years of university.”

The demand for an educated workforce to meet Zwerling said the board added “technical work” toward the the changing needs of local economies also played end of its draft. an important role.

He said the board desired to serve the educational goals of Originally named American Association of young students whose parents did not want their older teenagers Junior Colleges, the AACC advocated the vision of junior collegto be traveling to far away universities. es as vocational schools offering education needed for employTuition, free to local students, was funded by the Fresno ment falling between the artisan and professional levels. school district.

In the 1930s and 1940s, this kind of program — complete in Technology shifts, immigration, increasing global competitwo years and not intended to transfer to baccalaureate — was

publicCHALLENGING

service

liberating indoctrinating taxing part smart TIME enlightening accessible

hands-on

fresh

adventure

full

start

political

exploration

technical

for ANYone

open

FREEDOM lifelong learning real

The Land Grant Act Expanded access to public higher education with new kinds of curriculum and for students previously denied entrance to traditional universities.

1862

personal

online

American Association of Junior Colleges Founded to become a forum for and advocate of junior colleges across the United States.

First Public Junior College Founded at Central High School of Joliet, Ill.

1870

The Kalamazoo Decision Allowed school districts to fund comprehensive high schools, fostering the initial community college.

rewarding

1901

Truman Commission President Truman’s Commission on Higher Education published a report called Higher Education for American Democracy to expand community colleges in the nation.

1917 1918 1920

Accreditation Standards Adopted The North Central Association of Schools and Colleges established accreditation standards for public and private junior colleges.

called terminal education.

The Vocational Education Act of 1963 was the first source of federal support for “terminal” or occupational education after high school graduation, specifically in community colleges.

Today’s terminal education programs at ACCD include the certificate programs and associate of applied science programs.

In 1972, the Higher Education Act was passed providing another source of federal money. Zwerling said the law excluded baccalaureate or transfer work and revealed the government’s desire to fill labor shortages in mid-level jobs.

In 1947, the Truman Commission report “Higher Education for American Democracy” said, “Whatever form the community college takes, its purpose is educational service to the entire community, and this purpose requires of it a variety of functions and programs.”

The community college tradition includes small classes, local needs, located close to home, and accessibility to nontraditional students.

The Institute of Education Sciences says nontraditional students include students who have delayed entry to school, have dependents, work 35 hours or more a week, attend parttime or do not have a high school diploma or GED. Traditional students enter higher education shortly after completing high school and range in age from 18-24.

The traditions of community colleges have extended into the cultures of each of the colleges of ACCD, and most specifically, the first two colleges San Antonio College and St. Philip’s College.

Palo Alto College was built in response to demand from the Hispanic community for access to higher education on the city’s south side.

The district’s first bond issue — $97 million in 1987 — built Palo Alto.

Over the years, Alamo Colleges has developed distance learning programs and continuing education programs in partnerships with area businesses.

Dual education offered college credit to high school students and then early college high schools, Travis and Judson.

Northwest Vista College, begun in 1995, serves 15,992 students on the city’s far West Side.

Northeast Lakeview College was built to serve Northeast Bexar County also in response to community demand for services.

1944 1947

1963 1965 1972

1998

2012

Consolidated Appropriations Act Reduced funding and increased cost barriCarl D. Perkins Vocational-Technical Education Act Reauthorization ers to student access Gave states more flexibility in spending Perkins funding dollars and further endorsed for higher education. the federal government’s commitment to vocational education.

Infographics by Mandy Derfler

GI Bill of Rights First time the federal government participates in funding higher education on a large scale.

Phi Theta Kappa Greek life organization founded to recognize the achievements of students in two-year colleges and provide opportunities for individual growth.

Source: American Association of Community Colleges Association of Community College Trustees Workforce Established to represent thousands of electInvestment Act ed and appointed trustees on the boards of Changed the federal government’s role community, technical and junior colleges in in job training, vocational rehabilitation North America and England. and adult education.

More Federal Aid Higher Education Facilities Act and Higher Education Act expand the federal government’s direct aid to community colleges through direct grants and loans. Pell grants begin.

College passes ‘midterm exam’ SACS reaffirms college accreditation every 10 years.

By Faith Duarte

fduarte3@alamo.edu

This college has successfully completed its five-year accreditation review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which serves as a “midterm exam” for the college.

Dr. Johnnie Rosenauer, director of the Murguia Learning Institute and this college’s liaison to the association, said March 26 the review focuses on finance, student learning outcomes, faculty evaluations, library services, student services, distance education, administrative qualifica-

tions and full-time faculty-to-adjunct ratio.

“In our particular case, we were never in any jeopardy of sanction or having our accreditation in doubt,” Rosenauer said. “There was never any issue big enough that we were concerned at all that we would stay reaffirmed.”

Higher education institutions are required to go through a reaffirmation process every 10 years. This college’s cycle is 2006-2016.

The SACS Commission on Colleges reviews the accreditation processes

for higher education institutions in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia.

Rosenauer co-authored the 168page report with Susan Espinoza, director of college and grant developments.

He said the first half of the SACS reaffirmation cycle includes a quality enhancement plan, which measures learning outcomes.

“It was well-received and wellevaluated, and we chose to make it a permanent part of our institution,” he said.

The fifth-year report is not conditional to college’s reaffirmation, he said, but rather serves as a progress report.

Because it is only advisory, institutions can choose to adopt suggestions but do not have to.

Rosenauer said SACS wanted clarification on the finance and distance education aspects of the college’s report.

“They were not big concerns,” Rosenauer said.

“They just wanted more information, but in no shape, form or fashion was the school in any kind of jeopardy.”

Rosenauer said the Murguia Learning Institute serves as part of the quality enhancement plan.

Its original purpose was to develop tenure-track faculty to receive instruction in teaching practices, but as the college seeks to meet the district’s goal of 50 percent of sections taught by full-time faculty to 50 percent by adjuncts and the board considers eliminating tenure, there has been little call for that service.

“It’s really kind of an over-arching piece of the school for faculty and staff,” he said.

The institute now focuses on adjuncts, he said.

6 • April 8, 2013

www.theranger.org

www.theranger.org/news

Premiere

April 8, 2013 • 7

New student life director to be announced, VP says

By Faith Duarte

fduarte3@alamo.edu

Nursing freshman William Cunningham looks at an application provided

by John Fry, admissions adviser, for the school of Baptist Professionals at the Transfer Fair in the Fiesta Room Tuesday. Stephanie Dix

Representatives give advice at Transfer Fair

By Emily Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Students had the opportunity to meet with university representatives during the Transfer Fair April 2 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center.

The fair each semester brings together students and representatives from local, state and out-of-state universities to ease the confusion of transferring from community college to a four-year university.

Representatives from 23 universities attended.

Participants included major universities such as University of Texas-Austin, University of Texas San Antonio, Texas A&MSan Antonio, University of the Incarnate Word and St. Mary’s University.

At the fair, students were able to ask advisers about degree programs, scholarships, financial aid and general information about each university.

“It’s important to know what majors are offered and what the admission requirements are.

They differ between schools,” Janie Groll Assistant Director of Admissions for Schreiner University said.

For the first time, students were able to learn about internships from AVANCE, AmeriCorps and San Anto Cultural Arts.

Advisers Brittany Duncan and Tunisha Potter said that students who are interested in transferring should like the Transfer center’s Facebook page to receive updates about college representative visits, special events, scholarships and open houses.

The Facebook page can be found at Facebook.com/sactransfer. For more information about transferring, visit the Transfer center on the first floor of Moody Learning Center or call 210-486-0864.

Philosophy reading group

By Benjamin Enriquez sac-ranger@alamo.edu

For students who cannot wait for their next philosophy fix, two professors conduct a weekly reading group at this college.

The group is still small but is looking to expand.

Members are not required to be philosophy majors.

Philosophy Coordinator Amy F. Whitworth and Professor Richard Schoenig meet with interested students 8:15 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Thursdays in Room 226 of Oppenheimer Academic Center.

The group is open to the public and will discuss an article or book announced each week through email.

The program also hosted its first meeting of a philosophical society.

Twenty-seven universities visited this college March 22-24 to attend the

New Mexico-West Texas Philosophical Society’s 64th Annual Conference.

Among the participants were professors from Notre Dame, University of Texas at El Paso, Rice University, New Mexico State University and Texas State University.

Over the course of the weekend, 44 papers were presented, including “Dispositions As Causal Explanations” by Jack Hansen and “Contingency, Metaphysical Error, And Modal Truth By Convention”

by Eric Gilbertson.

“Everyone who participated in the event was pleased with SAC’s hosting of the event,” Whitworth said.

“Now the focus will be on trying to have the event here again in the near future.”

For more information, call Whitworth at 210-486-0253 or email her at awhitworth@ alamo.edu.

A selection for a new director of student life has been made and should be announced “by next week sometime,” Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of academics and student engagement, said Tuesday.

During an open forum March 27 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center, an online question asked about the status of hiring a student life director. “We’re just waiting until we work out some details in human resources before we announce it,” President Robert Zeigler said.

This comes five months after the Nov. 9 termination of former Director Jorge Posadas. Vela appointed Emily Kahanek, former assistant coordinator of special projects in the office of student life, as interim director of student life Nov. 14.

Kahanek will return to her former position once a director is hired, Zeigler said.

Vela said the position was posted in PeopleLink on the Alamo Colleges website before winter break and advertised internally.

Tuesday, he said about five individuals applied. The position is posted with a salary range of $49,242-$76,376.

The screening committee included Susan Espinoza, director of college and grant

developments; Dr. Paul Wilson, social sciences and humanities chair; Marion Garza, assistant director of records; and Julie Engel, student development professor.

According to a job description, duties include supervising events in the student center and organizing performances, lectures and seminars. The student life director is responsible for supporting and funding collegewide events, such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month and Coming Out Week.

“I would like to better integrate what happens in student life with what happens in the classroom, and I want us to encourage service,” Zeigler said. The service learning program was turned over to student life in August 2010.

Posadas worked with student leadership in Student Government Association, Presidents Roundtable and Student Activity Fee Committee, where he served as nonvoting chair until he resigned in August. The committee disburses $50,000 of about $400,000 of revenue generated through the collection of $1 per credit hour of enrollment.

The Ranger has requested records from the fee committee from its beginning in fall 2006, but meet-

ing minutes go back only to February 2011 and complete detailing of annual budgets, revenue and expenses have not been released.

During his tenure, Posadas presided over closed Student Activity Fee Committee meetings until Zeigler ordered the committee to open the sessions to the public in November 2011.

At its second open meeting Feb. 2, 2012, under the supervision of Posadas, the committee met without a quorum and approved $5,721.97 for four organizations. Although Posadas maintained there was a quorum, a district policy was amended Feb. 27, 2012, to clarify that a quorum consists of five members with a student majority.

In April 2012, the committee recommended a fiscal year 2013 budget of $800,000, which would have required doubling the student activity fee to $2 per credit hour across the district, agreement from the committees at the other district colleges and approval from the Alamo Colleges board of trustees. Of that $800,000, a line item of $70,000 was allocated to create a student newspaper.

Though speech and drama Professor Charles Falcon now serves as interim committee chair, Vela said he expects the role of nonvoting committee chair will revert

to a new director.

“We would like someone who is committed to the overall big picture of the college mission and someone who understands both curriculum and student life programming,” Zeigler said.

“I would love for us to do a better job at integrating those into a holistic kind of approach. We’re doing better, but I still think we tend to be piecemeal,” he said.

Vela said he wants the new student life director to assume a leadership role to create a sense of community in and outside of the classroom for students.

As recently as this spring, the committee rejected an initial proposal from the Geological Society for blank books on all-weather paper for a spring break field trip.

Committee members said the books sounded too academic.

During Posadas’ tenure, he was quick to exclude projects and proposals he maintained were academic.

“We need students that are fully engaged in activities outside of the classroom that are important for students to be able to participate and grow and develop those skills that sometimes can be better achieved outside the classroom,” he said Tuesday.

For more information, call Vela at 210-486-0950.

Headwaters Coalition seeks volunteers for work on source of San Antonio River Planned projects include walkways, trash pick up and replacing vegetation.

By Paula Christine Schuler sac-ranger@alamo.edu

If you have never seen where the San Antonio River begins, the Headwaters Coalition invites you to a volunteer work day.

Volunteers are needed to remove debris and invasive plants, build walking trails and plant native species of plants.

The Headwaters Sanctuary, a property adjacent to the campus of University of the Incarnate Word at 4301 Broadway, protects the river’s source.

The Headwaters Coalition is an earth care ministry operated by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

The river has been an important resource for area human inhabitants for at least 11,000 years.

For more information on the river, visit www.sara-tx.org and click on the Understanding the Basin tab.

For more on the city’s history, visit the city’s Office of Historic Preservation at www.sanantonio.gov/historic and click on the Historic Sites tab and then the Archeology tab.

Water will always be essential to life, and clean water coming from preserved sources is critical to the wellbeing of the environment.

The next Volunteer Work Day is 8:3011:30 a.m. Saturday with participants

A well of the historic spring, called the Blue Hole for its vivid color, has supported people in this area for more than 11,000 years. Courtesy meeting at the picnic tables on the north side of the UIW baseball fields.

From there, the group will be led to the Headwaters Sanctuary.

Volunteers are asked to wear long pants, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes for protection while working in the wooded area.

Additional volunteer work days are scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. April 19, 27 and May 11. The volunteer day scheduled for May 17 is from 8:30 a.m.10:30 a.m.

Accommodations for disabilities can be requested at www.uiw.edu/ada.

For more information, call Helen Ballew at 210-824-2224, ext. 232.

An aerial view of Headwaters Sanctuary.

The outline roughly represents the boundaries. Courtesy

8 • April 8, 2013

www.theranger.org/editorial

.org

the

ranger

Editorial

Editor Rebecca Salinas Managing Editor Faith Duarte News Editor Jennifer Luna Sports and Entertainment Editor Carlos Ferrand Calendar Editor Katherine Garcia Staff Writers Benjamin Enriquez, Jahna Lacey, Henry Martinez, Michael Meinen, Michael Peters, Emily Rodriguez, Paula Christine Schuler, Carolina D. Vela, Ingrid Wilgen Photographers Monica Correa, Vincent Reyna Photo Team Daniel Arguelles, Stephanie Dix, Juliana Day Huff, Adriana Ruiz Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Production Manager Mandy Derfler Multimedia Editor Riley Stephens Web Editor Alma Linda Manzanares Circulation Zachary Fernandez

©2013 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 news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations.

The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger.org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center).

Advertising rates available upon request by phone (210-486-1765) or as a download at www.theranger.org.

The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association.

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.

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, emailed to sac-ranger@alamo.edu or faxed to 210-486-9292.

Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number.

Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773.

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.

MetaMedia

Write the editor What do you think about today’s news? Media outlets are always looking for feedback.

Whether the news you want to address came from The Ranger, WOAI radio, CNN or the Podunk Daily Blog, you can express your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

These letters, a long-standing tradition of media organizations, give readers a chance to respond to news items or the way they are covered — and occasionally how they are not covered.

This exchange is what turns media into a pubic forum.

Students likely are more familiar with comment features online that let anyone reply anonymously.

Like letters to the editor, comments express opinion but are often casual. The Ranger still requires all letters be signed and, if the letter is from a student, legibly include the author’s name, classification and major. If the letter is not from a student, a name and title must be provided. A phone number and email address should be included.

Letters let us know how the public regards our efforts.

News people engage in the public sphere daily but that does not mean we are always clear on what our audience likes, dislikes or wants more of.

Editors have a chance to express opinion through editorials, which represent the staff’s consensus on news events.

That’s why there is no byline on an editorial, and it is in the opinion section of the newspaper.

Despite criticism to the contrary, we try to provide fair coverage in our news stories.

We have a saying: “If people on both sides of a story are yelling at you, you’ve done a good job.”

Members of the media enjoy feedback from the people they serve, whether it’s praise for our efforts or promises about the next time we meet in a dark alley.

Letters to the editor remind news people of the diversity of opinion outside the newsroom.

A well-crafted and thoughtful letter can be effective in influencing public opinion, especially when it introduces aspects that have not been well represented in previous coverage.

So write us and share your opinions with the world.

Juan Carlos Campos

Counseling services offered College students have plenty of stress trying ress from these stressful situations is worthto balance work and school. Some students while. also have children to care for.

Attending sessions with students in the The student’s journey to pursuing a higher same situation can generate helpful tips from education is not easy. others’ experience about how to handle chalIf it was, everyone would have lenging situations. a degree in something.

Making time for these services For more Our counselors recognize the can make you a better student information, call troubles and stress students face who knows how to survive difthe counseling and provide access to counseling ficult moments. You will be able office at groups to students in need of supto relate to others’ stories and get 210-486-0333. port and guidance. professional advice.

Five peer support groups Help is available and it’s free. cater to a variety of students.

Why not make time to take advanThe groups include the Busy Parent Support tage of such support groups?

Group, the Veteran’s Transition Group, the Life Although the road to higher education can Coaching Group, Choose a Major and Career be exhausting, we should not give in to the You’ll Love Group and Poetry Therapy Group. limits we try to place on ourselves. You can See theranger.org for last week’s story on convince yourself you are capable just as easthe groups for times and dates of meetings. ily as you can convince yourself you are not.

Students should take advantage of these We need to take advantage of resources the services because they may provide under- school offers because it can lead to success. standing of our stress and help us to find a For more information or to sign up for a solution. group or individual session, visit the counselAlthough our time is a valuable thing, put- ing center on the first floor of Moody Learning ting a few minutes aside to learn how to prog- Center.

!

SGA needs larger sample The Student Government Association announced March 18 a plan to survey 200 students for opinions on a one-textbook per course policy the district seems intent on implementing.

SGA leaders then carried 366 combined voices to the Alamo Colleges board of trustees on March 26.

Students should take an activist approach to decisions concerning their education.

While SGA had good intentions and we applaud the quick action, the execution could have been improved.

SGA members distributed a four-question survey in their classes.

On a campus of more than 25,000 students, 366 surveys is less than 1.5 percent, not a particularly good representation.

Plus, were any of the 366 students who responded to the survey classified as night students?

Weekend or online students?

Were they all in the arts and sciences division?

Social media avenues could have been used as well to get students to respond to the survey.

Students are constantly checking news feeds on Facebook and Twitter.

SGA could have placed the poll on its Facebook page and linked to KSYM’s, The Ranger’s and this college’s Facebook pages.

What about students at other district campuses who also will be affected by the standardization of textbooks?

The survey could have been distributed through ACES to all Alamo Colleges students.

After all, that is the avenue SGA uses for its elections at this campus.

To be truly effective, a larger sample of the district enrollment needs to be surveyed; 366 surveys just won’t cut it.

Correction In “Audit student activity fee,” in the March 25 issue of The Ranger, President Robert Zeigler’s comments were dated incorrectly.

His comments were from a Sept. 25 Student Activity Fee Committee meeting and were originally reported in the Oct. 1 issue.

Opinion

www.theranger.org/opinion

Media access put me in the Big League

April 8, 2013 • 9

Letter Apology for blurred perspective

By Michael Peters

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

W

hen I found out I was covering Big League Weekend for The Ranger, I knew I had to take full advantage of it. A lifelong sports fanatic — and baseball being one of my favorites — I was excited to see the game from a perspective that most fans never will.

My favorite team is the San Francisco Giants; I’ve seen them play at home a few times, once in Atlanta and two or three times in Houston. Going to see the Giants play is how I fell in love with the game and why I had to take this opportunity to see the game from a completely new perspective.

Obviously, going to games as a spectator, I Reporter Michael Peters before the Rangers vs. Padres March 29 in the Alamodome. Vincent Reyna never had the access I would have covering Big League Weekend; needless to say, I was excited. ible access. After the clubhouses closed, the on the TVs inside.

First, I was able to go into the Rangers’ clubpressroom opened for Texas’ manager Ron As the game was about to start, I decided to house and see what the players do before the Washington’s press conference. It was pretty find a seat. The first two rows of the press box game. Not surprisingly, they’re all just sitting cool to sit in on an actual news conference after were reserved, so I sat in the third row next to the around talking, watching “Sportscenter” or playhaving watched so many on TV, although I did official updater of the Rangers’ Twitter account. ing on smartphones and iPads. not ask any questions.

The view was great. The only area I could not I overheard Rangers starting pitcher Derek Shortly afterward, the Rangers hit the field see was the foul ground down the third baseline.

Holland say he was a fan of the Dallas Stars hockfor batting practice. I stood right behind the batThe game was fun to watch from the press ey club. As a fan of rival San José Sharks, I had to ting cage to get some awesome photos. Seeing box, but it had a different feel. I felt disconnected tell him. “Sorry to hear that,” Holland said and all-star caliber players for both the Padres and from the fans; at times, I didn’t feel like I was part laughed. I was engaged in sports talk with a proRangers would have been enough, but legends of the crowd, and it generally dulled down the fessional athlete, something I never imagined. of the game were also on the field. Nolan Ryan, atmosphere. The Plexiglas press box even looked I photographed every spot in the outfield the all-time leader in career no-hitters and like a hockey penalty box. of markers indicating the distance from home strikeouts, is CEO of the Rangers and founder During the game, the other journalists in the plate, and I photographed the dugouts because of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, the company that press box worked on their laptops and periodithey looked like dugouts in soccer stadiums. brought Big League Weekend to San Antonio. cally glanced at the TVs to see what was going on It was amazing standing out on the field Trevor Hoffman, second all-time on the career in March Madness. At times, it seemed like they while the Rangers were warming up. At one saves list, coaches his former team, the Padres. were barely watching the game in front of them. point, two of the Rangers’ pitchers were playing Once batting practice ended, I went to the After the game, I hustled down to the field long toss right over my head. When the ball got press dining area behind the press box. By the for some post-game comments. I caught away from starter Derek Lowe and rolled into my time I arrived, not much was left. Apparently, 20 Washington in the hallway between the clubpath, I jogged over to the ball and tossed it back sports reporters can easily put away a buffet of houses, and this time, I was ready to ask him a to him. It was so cool to — technically — play cold cuts, potato chips, cookies, popcorn and an couple of questions. catch with a veteran major league pitcher. assortment of soda. It took almost 45 minutes, It was amazing. I earned valuable experience An insight into covering professional sportbut the caterer finally resupplied the table. covering a professional sporting event and had a ing events for a living: this is what I want to do.

The press area was a world of sports with the lot of fun. Covering Big League Weekend is someMyAChoiceForWomen_Ad:Layout media credentials gave me incredRangers3:11 and Padres outside1 and March Madness thing I will never forget.

27166 1 1/25/13 PM Page

a choice for women center

Free pregnancy test and help.

Confidential and caring.

For over 15 years, the staff of A Choice for Women Center has provided confidential help to thousands of women in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We know that the decisions concerning a pregnancy are difficult and involve complex issues. As a non-profit community center, we are committed to your welfare as a woman regardless of your financial means.

Crocket Park W. CYPRESS ST

MAIN ST

LEWIS ST N SA

O DR PE

ST LL HA RS MA

NORTH OF DOWNTOWN

A CHOICE FOR WOMEN CENTER

T SS WI LE

E AV

102 Marshall St, San Antonio, TX 78212 Phone: 210-224-7077 www.achoiceforwomensa.com

ST ES OR N. FL

10

AVE SAN PEDRO

W. CY PR ES SS T

CY IN QU E.

35 ST

35 10

Few blocks south on San Pedro, behind the Wendy’s

Editor: After the delivery of a letter of complaint to the college, the Alamo Colleges police and The Ranger in February, I was informed of facts that have significantly altered my views.

I no longer believe that the officer’s actions in regard to two couples in Loftin Student Center were of homophobic intent, nor do his actions appear to have been discriminatory in any way.

I was not privy to events of the hour preceding what I witnessed: though it appeared that the officer had spoken with a woman expressing disgust, the officer was, in fact, a victim of circumstance. The timing and direction of his entry, combined with his addressing the gay couples, created the appearance that the two had spoken. As I have since discovered, they did not.

I apologize for any negative repercussions that may have arisen against the college, the police department or the specific officer involved in the situation.

My intentions were pure; however, my perspective was not.

I ask that my complaint against this officer be disregarded. Further, I must note that the degree of professionalism from both college administration and the police throughout the course of their investigation into the matter has restored my faith in the police department to respond efficiently and without bias.

Thanks to The Ranger for its swift and serious response to such a sensitive situation.

James Dwight “Tank” Lowe Sr. Music Business Sophomore

10 • April 8, 2013

News

www.theranger.org/news

Voter turnout impacts college

Great jobs!

Great pay!

Flexible hours!

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ALL POSITIONS:

Hostess Server Bartender Kitchen Staff

Chancellor’s contract ends Aug. 31.

By Paula Christine Schuler sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Each of the last four elections for the Alamo Community Colleges District board of trustees drew voter turnout of less than 7.5 percent and as low as 2.13 percent of the registered voters.

An election in May of even-numbered years usually puts three of the nine district seats on the ballot.

This means that individuals who make decisions that have a strong and lasting impact on the lives of tens of thousands of students and employees in Bexar County and beyond only need to attract the votes of about 1 percent of the population.

Board meetings are open to the public and held twice monthly at Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan.

The next committee meeting is April 9. The next regular board meeting is April 16.

In September 2009, the board renewed Chancellor Bruce Leslie’s contract.

Multiple media outlets found it important because college faculty gave a 91 percent vote of no confidence to Leslie.

The Ranger reported the

original contract promised him a $30,000 annuity if he stayed on the job three years from 2006 to 2009.

On Nov. 1, 2009, he received the annuity with an annual salary of $313,633.84.

Beginning Sept. 1, 2012, trustees extended his contract again.

It states “and for the final two years of the contract starting on Sept. 1 the chancellor’s annual salary shall be $358,475. The difference in the salaries is that after Aug. 31, there will be no further provisions for future retention payments.”

His current and second contract pays a base salary of $343,475 plus $1,000 for his car and a gas card, $720 for his cell phone, health club membership and other perks totaling over $15,000.

At the end of his contract this year, he will be paid $60,000, the accrual of 4 years of annual retention bonuses.

His current contract also states that on Sept. 1, the contract will automatically extend for another year, through Aug. 31, 2016, unless the board, on behalf of the district, notifies the chancellor in writing on or before Aug. 31, 2013, of its decision not to extend the contract.

In other words, unless the trustees take action, the chancellor will remain in his positions for another three years.

In 2009, trustees voted to renew the chancellor’s contract. In 2012, trustees voted to approve his current contract extension.

Six board members in 2009 and 2012 still serve on the board today.

Some were re-elected by slim margins or unopposed.

In May 2012, Roberto Zárate won re-election for a third six-year term with 1,452 votes to 1,261 for Ramiro Nava.

These members still on the board are: District 2, Denver McClendon, District 4, Marcelo S. Casillas; District 5, Roberto Zárate; District 6, Dr. Gene Sprague; District 8, Gary Beitzel; and District 9, James Rindfuss.

“Reviewing and renewing the chancellor’s contract is the most important thing the board does,” professor and Counselor Steve Samet said.

“Second is ensuring that the budget is being met because they cannot do the day-today.”

He said trustees ensure the chancellor is doing his job the way they perceive it needs to be done.

2415 MAIN AVENUE • 210-733-0621 WWW.LAFONDAONMAIN.COM

Tobin Lofts construction site at North Main and Laurel Monica Correa

PARKING from Page 1

5011 BROADWAY • 210-828-9669 WWW.CAPPYSRESTAURANT.COM

5003 BROADWAY • 210-828-8660 WWW.CAPPYSRESTAURANT.COM

APPLY IN PERSON BEFORE 11 A.M. OR AFTER 2 P.M.

Mrizek, vice president of college services.

A section of the garage will be reserved for Tobin Lofts’ residents with a permit.

Non-Alamo College residents will not be able to purchase the basic $50 parking permit, which would allow access to all of the other lots.

Tobin Lofts is a student and faculty apartment complex, but students can attend other area colleges.

Regardless of where a resident goes to school they create a profile for a banner ID in Fletcher before purchasing the parking garage permit.

It’s not clear how the residents will prove residency to obtain a permit.

“They (residents) will have to purchase a tag for the garage just like a SAC student would,” John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities, said during a phone interview Monday.

The parking garage has space for more than 900 parking spots, and beginning in the fall semester permits will cost $200 for anyone eligible.

“Not all students are going to have a car,” Strybos said.

Expect there to be some issues during the introduction of resident parking into this college’s only garage, he said.

“There are 552 beds. So theoretically there is 552 possible cars, but it is never going to get to that total number,” Mrizek said.

There are 467 beds reserved for students, Alicia Cassidy, general manager for Tobin Lofts, said that she expects all 467 student beds to be leased by August.

Cassidy said the majority of people already contracted to move-in August expressed interest in a garage permit.

The current number of residents was not available by deadline but they are not at capacity.

At the same time Tobin Lofts will be opening, Northwest Vista will be completing a parking garage on its campus.

Parking permits for the Northwest Vista garage will cost $200 and will also be valid for garage parking on this campus.

An electronic arm-gate will be added to the entrances of the garage. In the event the lot is full the gate will not open until someone leaves.

When fall semester begins, students with a garage permit may be competing for spots.

The garage has 22 handicap spots and 31 spots designated for administrators and staff.

Strybos said the total number of permits to be sold is undetermined at the moment and the issue will be addressed at Alamo Colleges’ regular board meeting March 21 in Room 101 of Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan.

“We are still working through all the details,” Strybos said.

He said parking would continue to be an issue at this college for sometime.

Pulse

www.theranger.org/pulse

Gym shorts

11 • April 8, 2013

Wildcats leave no doubt in victory over Palominos 103-58

By Carlos Ferrand

cferrand@student.alamo.edu

Final Scores Wednesday Men’s basketball Northwest Vista 103 Palo Alto 58 Incarnate Word 107 Southwest Texas Junior 88 Women’s basketball Palo Alto 56 Incarnate Word 59

Upcoming games Men’s baseball Saturday San Antonio at Texas, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Zargosa Park, 2608 Gonzales St. Austin, Texas 78702 Sunday San Antonio at Texas, 11 a.m. at Zargosa Park, 2608 Gonzales St. Austin, Texas 78702

Carlos Ferrand

Liberal arts freshman Desmond Hines gets above two Palo Alto defenders scoring 2 of his 26 points Wednesday in Huisache Hall.

Northwest Vista took the game 103-58.

Carlos Ferrand

The Northwest Vista Wildcats were simply too much for the Palo Alto Palominos, coasting to victory 103-58 Wednesday in Huisache Hall. In the past three games, the Wildcats’ defense in the first half has been nothing short of incredible. Locking down opponents by half court and pressuring turnovers has played a huge role.

In Wednesday’s game, the Wildcats forced four turnovers, three of which resulted in 6 points in the opening minutes of the game. The Wildcats grabbed an early lead and never looked back, scoring almost two baskets for every one the Palominos sank. Up 37-19 at halftime, the Wildcats combined for 16 rebounds and 10 takeaways.

A 7-0 run by the Palominos to start the second half might have given the Wildcats a sense of déjà vu from last week, but it was a short-lived spark. Northwest Vista ended Palo Alto’s run with a 17-5 run of its own, and the gap on the scoreboard continued to grow.

As strong as the Wildcats were in the first half, they were stronger in the second. Liberal arts freshman Desmond Hines scored 17 of his 26 points in the second half alone.

Education sophomore Isaiah Clasberry added 11 points in the second half to bring his total to 21.

After the final buzzer, the Wildcats wasted no time turning the focus to the next game against St. Philip’s.

The rivalry between Northwest Vista and St. Philip’s reached its peak when the teams finished with identical records and were forced into a one-game playoff to determine the final four for the championship. St. Philip’s won and went on to win the 2012 championships.

Northwest Vista and St. Philip’s split the last two meetings. This third and final meeting of the season will determine who makes it to the championship game.

“For St. Philip’s, we need to go out there and we need to play our game,” education sophomore Chris Diggs of of the Wildcats said. “We need to speed them up, because they usually try to speed up the tempo.”

Northwest Vista coach Irving Thomas said, “The key to beating St. Philip’s is to stay disciplined. They have a lot of weapons to utilize so we have to play great defense and try to control the tempo of the game.”

Though Northwest Vista beat St. Philip’s 91-64 March 20, Thomas believes free throws will decide the next game.

“We are going to take whatever opportunities they give,” he said. “We are going to try to force our will on them, but I suspect this game is going to come down to who shoots free throws the best.”

“They kicked us out last year,” Clasberry said. “We would like to kick them out this year.”

Palo Alto applies double-coverage to try to stop criminal justice sophomore Alex Lara beneath the basket Wednesday in Huisache Hall. One of the Palominos fouled Lara sending him to the stripe where he scored one of two free throw attempts. Carlos Ferrand

Rain barely dampers Healthfest

By Michael Peters

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Despite the tremendous downpour Wednesday, Gym 1 and 2 of Candler Physical Education Center were packed with people looking for information on getting in shape, staying in shape and eating healthy.

Students endured the elements while waiting in line to dunk faculty members of the kinesiology department.

The $1 for three throws benefited the Kinesiology Club.

Wellness Coordinator Chris Dillon said he “lost track after five,” dunkings.

The dunking booth was cut short after a nearby lightning strike made everyone sprint to the gym.

Go online to www.theranger.org for a funny dunking booth video.

There was a step aerobics demonstration in Gym 2 with eight performers.

This college’s Kinesiology Club also offered a fitness challenge.

First, participants move four medicine balls to the end of the gym.

Next, they do 20 box jumps followed by 10 burpees.

Then participants do 10 wall balls, where they throw the medicine ball as high up the wall as they can.

Lastly, participants retrieve the balls and bring them back to the original location.

The male and female with the best course time received a gift certificate to Academy

Kinesiology Instructor Medin Barreira takes down psychology freshman Francisco Carreon in a selfdefense demonstration. Monica Correa Sports and Outdoors.

In other news, Muddy Mayhem 3, presented by local shoe store, Athlete’s Foot, had a booth with pamphlets and information about the event.

Muddy Mayhem is an 8K obstacle-course event coordinated by Purnell Racing.

Registration is $45 through April 13 and $55 through race day at 10 a.m. April 27.

“1,100 people showed up last year, and we’ll probably have over 2,000 this year,” Cathy Zotz of Purnell Racing said.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation had a booth advertising April 6 as a day for “real women and men” to wear pink to

Andrew McGrew, psychology and biology sophomore, finishes the Kinesiology Club challenge while his classmates cheer Wednesday at Healthfest in Gym 1 of Candler. Monica Correa raise breast cancer awareness.

Worldwide Clinical Trials offered blood pressure and blood glucose screening while South Texas Blood and Tissue Center looked for donors.

Beat Aids had a table with free condoms and pamphlets on sexually transmitted diseases.

Be Well 365 offered samples of its energy drink, Verve, along with a side-by-side nutritional comparison of Verve with Red Bull and Monster energy drinks.

The weather didn’t interfere with the event, so students went home with information on how to live healthier.

Pulse

April 8, 2013 • 12

www.theranger.org/news

Major League draws 75K fans to transformed Alamodome

By Carlos Ferrand

cferrand@student.alamo.edu

The Alamodome played host to Big League Weekend, a two-game spring training series between the Texas Rangers and the San Diego Padres March 29-30.

San Antonio’s lack of a major league team did not deter 75,210 fans from coming out to the ballpark on the two days.

J.J. Gottsch, executive vice president of Ryan-Sanders Entertainment, said, “The turnout was fantastic. We Texas Rangers coach Ron Washington had a little more than we thought.” speaks about his hopes for the new seaRyan-Sanders Entertainment, the son. Vincent Reyna company responsible for bringing the games to the Alamo City, is no become a part of city history, the stranger to baseball.

Alamodome needed to transform Ryan-Sanders also operates the into a major league ballpark.

Corpus Christi Hooks and the Round The dimensions of the Rock Express double-A baseball teams. Alamodome are configured for rectRyan-Sanders choose this city’s angle playing surfaces, such as footlargest venue, the Alamodome, to ball, basketball and hockey, while host its Big League Weekend. the dimensions for a typical baseball Since it opened in 1993, the field resemble a diamond.

Alamodome has hosted a myriad of With the less-than-ideal dimensporting events, such as the NCAA sions of the dome, the right-field wall Final Four, WWE Royal Rumble and stood only 285 feet from home plate. the NBA championships.

An average ballpark’s right-field With a seating capacity of 65,000, wall stands between 320 and 360 feet the flat-roofed stadifrom home plate. um was built to attract The short dimenView an NFL franchise to sions did not play the city. a huge factor in the the video at Despite the lack games — only six theranger.org. of NFL interest, the home runs. With the Alamodome is home dimensions in place, to the University of the next step was creTexas-San Antonio Roadrunners’ ating a real life field of dreams. football team and the Talons, a proAstroTurf, the inventors of synfessional arena football team. thetic turf, provided 133,000 square Before any baseball could be feet of Diamond synthetic turf. played or the 75,210 fans could Astroturf.com notes the first

Texas Rangers fans participate in the wave, a crowd move that dates back to 1981, during a game against the San Diego Padres.

The wave circled the Alamodome about five times before fizzling out. Vincent Reyna major installment of AstroTurf was in the Houston Astrodome because natural grass could not survive under low light intensities available in 1966.

The synthetic turf is a monofilament fiber used primarily in baseball fields for its playability and natural feel.

“The turf played great,” Gottsch said. “The first few days are the toughest … but we didn’t hear any concerns from the players.”

Installation of the turf took eight days. According to an AstroTurf press release, eight days is roughly onethird the time it normally takes.

With the primary conditions set for America’s favorite pastime, the only thing missing was the fans, and this city did not disappoint.

“The event was great for Ranger fans and great for baseball fans,” Gottsch said.

Teammates congratulate Leury Garcia of the Texas Rangers after hitting a home run in the top of the fourth inning March 30 during the Big League Weekend at the Alamodome. See game coverage and more photos at theranger.org. Daniel Arguelles

join us at the UTSA

STUDENT HOUSING FAIR T U E S DAY, A P R I L 1 6 • 1 2 - 7 P M

at the Four Seasons by Sheraton 6 8 0 9 N ORTH LO O P 1 6 0 4 W ES T • B EHI N D W HATAB U RGER AC ROSS FROM UTSA