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Volume 88 Issue 9 • Nov. 15, 2013
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
We’re No. 3!
Heads up Special section Check out the Study & Living pull-out section inside with refreshers for current students and tips for new students.
Spring break for staff? District Staff Council was scheduled to discuss expanding spring break for staff with Chancellor Bruce Leslie Thursday afternoon. Veronica Reyes, president of District Staff Council, made a proposal to staff councils in fall 2012 to close the colleges and district offices during the entire week of spring break rather than giving staff only Thursday and Friday of that week off. Many other community colleges in Texas and all local colleges close during the entire spring break week. These include Lone Star, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston and Tarrant County community college districts. Locally, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake, the University of the Incarnate Word and Trinity University close the entire week. Cynthia Hernandez, executive assistant to the vice chancellor of academic success, said the academic calendar for the 2013-2014 semester has already been set, so no change could be made until the 2014-2015 year. Go to www.therangeronline for results of the meeting with the chancellor.
Katherine Garcia
Angel Tree project needs gift donations Staff Council’s Angel Tree project to provide Christmas gifts for children at Will Rogers Elementary School still needs presents for about 612 students. Staff Council is asking students to drop off an unwrapped toys to the office of student life in Room 260 of Loftin Student Center. Staff and faculty can still pick up an ornament on the Angel Tree 8 a.m.-6 p.m. in Room 632 of Moody Learning Center. Paper ornaments on the tree show a name and grade so appropriate gifts can be chosen for each child. Clubs and organizations have been asked to donate an unwrapped gift as well. All gifts for students must be received by Dec. 9. Staff Council will deliver gifts to the school at 1:45 p.m. Dec. 19. For information, call Dee Dixon, student success specialist, at 210486-0598.
Katherine Garcia
Board approves raises for employees to begin Jan. 1. By Carlos Ferrand
cferrand@student.alamo.edu
The Alamo Colleges’ board of trustees unanimously approved raises for full-time faculty, staff and administrators during a special board retreat Saturday in the nursing complex. Effective Jan. 1, full-time faculty will receive a 4.8 percent salary increase across the board in an effort to move the Alamo Colleges into the top three highest average salaries
among eight of Texas’ largest community college districts. District 1 trustee Joe Alderete Jr. questioned whether the Alamo Colleges should be satisfied with staying just in the top three, or should the colleges consider aiming higher. “We want to encourage our top faculty to stay, then obviously financial compensation is critical,” Alderete said. “I think we should be leading and not following in those terms.”
Adjunct José Luis Moreno shows mortuary science sophomores, from left, Barrett Simmons, Stephanie Mergele, Zucoralis Rodriguez and April Hodges, how to properly harness a body for transport during Technical Procedures 1 Nov 8 in
District 7 trustee Yvonne Katz said being No. 1 in pay is not always the best spot to be in. “If you get to be No. 1, you get shot down all the time,” Katz said. “Anything that goes wrong that the newspaper and the media pick up is because you’re paying those people too much; if they just didn’t pay them that much we won’t have these problems. “Now that is not the issue, but
See RAISES, Page 8
Nail. Although this is a manikin they are practicing on, Moreno advised with a smile that students always remove the straps because they have been buried with an individual on multiple occasions. See story on Page 5. Osita Omesiete
Grads still waiting for sheepskin validation By Monica Lamadrid
mlamadrid@student.alamo.edu
Robert Medina Jr., a 2013 outstanding graduate, has been having issues with his degree since he graduated in May with an Associate in Applied Science in RadioTelevision-Broadcasting: Media Convergence and Production Option. When his degree arrived in the mail, it incorrectly read that he had been granted an Associate of Arts in RadioTelevision-Broadcasting. He went to an adviser and confirmed that he should have received an A.A.S. He received another degree in the mail. The second degree he received did have the A.A.S. in Radio-TelevisionBroadcasting, but it still missed the convergence and production option. The ‘Jr.’ was also missing from his name.
“They said they didn’t know there was a degree like that,” Medina said. Medina went to the admissions and records office to have it corrected. Now he has to wait until February for it to be mailed. “I hope this time they get it right,” Medina said. “I think it might have to be with me not finding a job in the field because they look at transcripts, and if they can’t find the degree, it can be an issue.” Former Ranger editor Jolene Almendarez graduated in May 2012. She transferred to the University of AlaskaAnchorage but still has not received her Alamo Colleges degree. She called admissions and records. “They asked me to go to the office, but I was on the other side of the country,” Almendarez said. “I just want it because
I’m proud of graduating from SAC,” she said. Although students submit their graduation applications to this college’s admissions and records office, degrees are mailed from the center for student information, a district office housed at Alamo Colleges University Center at 8300 Pat Booker Road. Students should check their ACES accounts to verify names, majors and mailing address, graduation specialist Cristina Cantu said. Elizabeth Garza, director of the center for student information, said students fill out a form online that the college reviews, then they send it to the center and they print it and send it. “From graduation, it takes about eight weeks to send, but before that we have to send a report to the National Student
Clearinghouse, and after that, we send it out to students,” Garza said. The National Student Clearinghouse offers verification and reporting services. Exceptions can be made depending on the circumstances, and reprints for errors can be made with no charge, but if students want extra copies, they have to order online and pay $25 extra. “A common problem we’ve seen is that diplomas come in a hard envelope that cannot be bent,” Garza said. “If students gave an apartment address, the envelope doesn’t fit in the mail boxes and the mail man gives it to the office.” If students haven’t received their degrees, they have to notify the admissions and records office so they can call the center and get it mailed.
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State senator recalls veterans’ silence on war By Paula Christine Schuler pschuler1@student.alamo.edu
Though many in her family have served, state Sen. Letitcia Van de Putte said she did not understand why vets wouldn’t talk about their experiences, suffered nightmares or seemed hypervigilant or anxious. “I remember my father-in-law, Henry Van de Putte,” she said. “He would never say anything.” He finally told his stories when another vet asked him about Iwo Jima, a major fiveweek island battle in World War II. She couldn’t believe it. When he finished, her husband asked him why he had never told his story to the family. Iwo Jima was bombed 74 days prior to a land invasion by Marines and Navy Feb. 19, 1945. An estimated 17,000-20,000 Japanese soldiers died, more than 6,000 American troops died and more than 19,000 were injured, the only Pacific battle with more American than Japanese casualties. “I could never let your mom know it was so bad,” he said. For full coverage, log on to www.theranger.org.
Watergate journalists say facts matter More than 40 years later, Woodward and Bernstein still together. Inquiring individuals young and old introduced their questions Oct. 29 at Trinity University by declaring the Watergate journalists from the Washington Post as heroes, sources of inspiration for their own career choices. A man wanted their opinion of a statement he overheard, that it was not the media’s job to report when the government lies. “Absurd,” Carl Bernstein said. “What is reporting when it’s done right? It is the best obtainable version of the truth.” A listener asked about the validity of reporting from organizations that are not traditional newspapers like WikiLeaks. org and individuals like Edward Snowden, a fugitive National Security Agency contractor. “There’s room,” Bernstein said. “There’s plenty of tradition and precedent for that kind of reporting and I’m all for it.” Bob Woodward said in every White House, there is an instinctive reaction to conceal. “We are supposed to unseal,” he said. For full coverage, log on to www.theranger.org.
SAConnected
2 • Nov. 15, 2013
www.theranger.org/calendar
International Education Week Monday Event: Confucius Institute IEW Festival 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Event: SAC International Education Week opening reception 11 a.m.-11:15 a.m. in Oppenheimer lobby. Event: Lucky Lunes Lotería 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. in Oppenheimer lobby followed by Origami noon-1 p.m. Kinesiology sophomore Cristian Reyes swims with his girlfriend, fire science freshman Bella Selles, Tuesday in Candler pool. Selles, who is 7 1/2 months pregnant, learned from the Internet that the pool helps with hurting joints. The pool is open 1:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 2:45 p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday for students and employees with an Alamo Colleges ID. Daniel Carde
Lecture: Loki’s Siblings: Trickster Mythology from Around the World 1 p.m.1:50 p.m. in Oppenheimer lobby. Concert: Guitar Ensemble 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Tuesday Event: Latin Cardio Dance 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. in mall north of Oppenheimer. Event: Make a Piñata noon-1:30 p.m. in Oppenheimer lobby. Cultural presentation and workshop surrounding the piñata.
Mortuary science freshman Gail Fox and respiratory therapy sophomore Kevin Green in Anatomy and Physiology with Adjunct Holly Heckmann refresh their memory of bones with an articulation race Tuesday in Chance. Students engaged in this activity at the end of class. The first team to articulate the bone structure correctly won a treat and could leave while the remaining students continued. Casey Alcala Right: Nursing freshman Rosilyn Cazares and criminal justice freshman Carlos Garcia take part in an iRest yoga session. iRest yoga is a 10-stage meditation practice to help release stress. The activity, sponsored by student life, was held Tuesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Marie Sullins
Concert: Early Music 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m in auditorium of McAllister. Event: Italian cooking demonstration and sampling 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in cafeteria in Loftin. Wednesday Event: Arabic wedding show 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in faculty and staff lounge of Loftin. Event: Japanese Tea Ceremony noon-1 p.m in Oppenheimer lobby.
Today Weekend Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Special education sophomore Pauline Buechele and early childhood education freshman Ashley Jaramillo get portraits taken for red and blue dog tags Monday in the mall. Dog tags were provided by the office of student life to celebrate Veterans Day. Raquel Estrada
NVC Event: Golf Tournament Breakfast and registration 7 a.m. and shotgun start 8 a.m. at Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa, 9800 Hyatt Resort. Registration fee $125. Call 210-486-4611.
SAC Event: Toy Drive Tour noon at Church of Christ Student Center, 301 W. Dewey. Drop off unwrapped toy or holiday food item for families in need. If you know a family in need, call 210-736-6750. SAC Event: Open Mic Coffee Night 6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
SAC Play: “The Boys Next Door” 7:30 p.m. in auditorium in McAllister. Continues 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 21-23 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 24. Tickets $2 with Alamo Colleges ID and $10 general admission. Visit www.alamo.edu/sac/ events/BoysNextDoor PAC Event: “Las Nuevas Tamaleras” one-act holiday comedy 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. in performing arts auditorium. Tickets $5-$15. Visit www.alamo.edu/ pac/tamaleras
Saturday
UTSA Event: El Mundo Zurdo international conference 7 a.m.-9 p.m. in Room DB 1.124 in the southwest conference building. Call 210-4586277 or visit www.utsa. edu/calendar
SPC Event: Family STEM Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Philip’s College and UTSA campus. NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez will answer questions about NASA and STEM. Register online at www.sahcc. org/uncategorized/ core-4-stem. Call 210208-8226 or email briannad@sahcc.org. Art Festival: Clay Arts Festival sponsored by San Antonio Potters Guild 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. Visit www.samuseum.org. Sunday
Event: Nemcatacoa Teatro Community Performance 4 p.m. at Plaza Avenida Guadalupe, 1313 Guadalupe. Call 210351-2171 or visit www. guadalupeculturalarts. org/events/
Witte Event: Home school Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Includes Why Matter Matters, Trail Drive and Habitat Happenings 45-minute student interactive programs at $1.50 per person. Group admission is $2. CSI: the Experience is $3. Free for members. Call 210357-1900.
PAC Event: STEM Speaker Series: Mark Burnett 11 a.m.-noon auditorium of performing arts center. PAC Event: STEM Speaker Series: Mark Burnett 11 a.m.-noon auditorium of performing arts center. SAC Event: Food pantry sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. in Lot 1.
SAC Event: Fashion show noon-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Nontraditional student club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Empowerment Center. Continues Wednesdays through Dec. 4. Call 210-486-0455.
SAC Meeting: Gay, Ally, and Lesbian Association 3 p.m.4 p.m. in employee lounge of Loftin. Continues Wednesdays through Dec. 4. Call 210-486-1694. Visit www.texancultures.com/ events/naturalization/ nov2013/ NVC Event: Fall Music Fest with chamber music 8 p.m.-10 p.m. in Room 107 of Center for the Arts. Continues Thursday with jazz and instrumental performances. Admission is $4. Call 210486-4818.
SAC Event: President’s Roundtable 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin.
SAC Meeting: Society for the Advancement of Native Americans and Chicanos in Science 2 p.m.-4 p.m. in Room 204 of Chance. Continues Thursdays through Dec. 12. Email aalaniz@alamo.edu.
SPC Event: Mobile Food Pantry 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Lot 5. Volunteers needed. Food vouchers begin Monday in Room 116 of Norris Technical Building. Call 210-4862246. Event: Naturalization ceremony 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Institute of Texan Cultures. 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. Petitioners can take oath of citizenship as institute becomes federal courthouse.
NLC Play: Book of Days 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. in auditorium of performing arts center. Show contains strong language. Not recommended for children. Call 210-485-0200.
Event: Alternative to Hunger fundraiser by KSYM 90.1 FM 6 p.m.10:30 p.m. at Pegasus, 1402 N. Main. Help raise money for the San Antonio AIDS Foundation and see Austin Forrest, I Am The Seer, Donella Drive and Snowbyrd live. Admission is $5 or five cans of food for individuals and a frozen turkey for five people. Call 210486-1366.
Event: ¡Ay Corona! 6 p.m.-9 p.m. in Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe. Holiday party and wreath exhibition, showcasing local, national and international artists. Call 210351-2171.
Lecture: Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in Room 220 of Oppenheimer. Event: Kickback-Talkback with Jesse Borrego and Adan Hernandez of “Blood In, Blood Out” 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 101 of Oppenheimer. Continues 3 p.m.-4 p.m. in student center in Tobin Lofts. Event: Short film and talkback session with Alexandra Nelipa 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in Room 220 of Oppenheimer. Thursday Lecture: World religions facts and questions with Dr. Richard Schoenig 12:15 p.m.1:15 p.m. in Room 201 of Oppenheimer. Event: Travel Around the World noon-1:30 p.m. in lobby of Oppenheimer and mall south of Oppenheimer and north of Loftin. Event: Mexican cooking demonstration and sampling 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in cafeteria in Loftin. Event: Open Mic Poetry Reading Mothertongue and international idol karaoke 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. in Room 220 of Oppenheimer. Friday Lecture: Italy lecture and activities with Stefania Malacrida 11 a.m.-noon in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Event: Write your name in Japanese noon1 p.m. in lobby of Oppenheimer. Event: SAC closing reception 1 p.m.-1:45 p.m. in lobby of Oppenheimer. Presentation: “H1B: Where will you be in two or four years?” 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in Room 101 of Longwith.
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For more information, visit www.alamo.edu/sac/ internationaledweek
News
SGA wants 1,500 survey responses By T. L. Hupfer
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Andrew Hubbard, Student Government Association president and business management freshman, told students at the SGA meeting Monday that the Student District Council is proposing doubling the student activity fee. He said the highlights of the council meeting Nov. 8 involved a discussion of raising the student activity fee from $1 per semester hour to $2. The council wants to provide students with a sample budget that would include examples such as free printing, free food socials, benefits to sports teams and new student orientation. To increase the fee, the Alamo Colleges board of trustees would have to approve and implement it at all five colleges. Students pay the fee for each semester they register. Hubbard said the council discussed students voting on the
Andrew Hubbard, SGA president and business management freshman, describes the budget the Student District Council is working on Monday in the craft room of Loftin. Daniel Arguelles $1 international education fee. The fee is intended to fund a scholarship for students interested in studying abroad. Alamo Colleges trustees agreed to approve the fee if students from each college voted to approve the fee. Hubbard said voting would occur in February, but an exact date has not been decided. Monday’s meeting briefed students on events SGA has hosted.
SGA decided to redo a survey, distributed at Sweet Treats Oct. 31, before Thanksgiving break. The survey was made for 300 students to gather their thoughts on the Alamo cash card, financial aid, ACES, ACES email and advising. The question, “I have had a positive experience accessing money that is granted to me through the Alamo cash card,” was seen as unclear.
Because of this and wanting a broader student prospective, SGA will survey students at five locations on campus as opposed to only in Loftin Student Center. The new survey is expected to reach 1,500 students. At the Nov. 4 SGA meeting Hubbard said the redo of the survey is to gather more responses, not because of the results of the Oct. 31 survey. Pizza with the President received feedback from students with questions involving parking, VIA bus passes and registration. President Robert Zeigler and Robert Vela, vice president for academic and student success, responded to students. The Charity Ball received about 500 donations for Our Father’s Kingdom Services with more than 100 students and faculty in attendance. The next SGA meeting is set for noon Monday in the craft room of Loftin. For more information, call 210-486-0133.
Another reserved parking slot SGA will select a lucky student each month for reserved parking. By Cassandra M. Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Student Government Association announced a reserved parking slot for Student of the Month at the Charity Ball on Nov. 1. The idea came up last semester, but SGA had to focus on other school issues. They quickly had it approved the week of the Charity Ball. The reserved slot will be in Lot 9 north of the visual arts center. The student has the slot for one month and can win once a year.
Since SGA is headlining it, President Robert Zeigler put them in charge of selecting student of the month, which differs from Student of the Month for the district. Students at this college can qualify by liking the SGA Facebook page and being in good standing with the college. Student of the month is for “the average student who works hard,” said Maura Callahan, SGA parliamentarian and communications sophomore. It will save the student the trouble of finding a parking spot on a crowded campus. SGA members are not eligible to receive the reserved parking slot.
Students question top brass on parking, VIA bus passes Pizza with the President draws concerns about customer service. By T. L. Hupfer
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students came to Pizza with the President Nov. 7 to ask Robert Zeigler and Robert Vela, vice president for academic and student success, questions on parking, bus passes, late registration and customer service. Pizza with the President, sponsored by the Student Government Association, provided an opportunity for students to ask Zeigler and the vice president questions and enjoy free pizza and drinks. Many students asked questions about the parking garage. One student asked why the handicap parking spaces in the garage are unavailable to non-Tobin Lofts residents. Zeigler and Vela both said that this was temporary until the second garage is completed early in the spring semester.
This semester, Tobin Lofts residents are guaranteed parking space in the existing garage. Another question posed concerned whether the college would continue providing semester VIA Metropolitan bus passes. Currently, students can take their student ID to the business office in Room 202 of Fletcher Administration Center to get a VIA student bus sticker. The pass is provided as part of the student access fee of $25 per semester. The fee entitles students to either a parking decal or VIA student pass. Zeigler said the offer of the pass would continue. In response to questions about late registration, Vela said students trying to register after the end of registration should reach out to the chair of the department in which they want to enroll
and deans. They make the decision to admit students after the deadline, he said. A few students questioned customer service in the business and administration offices and wanted to know if hiring more staff was going to happen. While Zeigler did not answer the question directly, he recommended students take advantage of the ability to do everything they can online, including advising, registering and paying for classes. In response to a question on where Zeigler sees the college in five years, he said education is changing and technology is taking over. Soon textbooks will only be online. Students were able to participate by attending through the SGA Facebook page www.facebook.com/ sga1 or via twitter at twitter.com/SAC_PR. For more information about Pizza with the President or SGA, call 210-486-0133.
Qualification details are still being finalized and SGA plans to have this incentive ready for the spring semester. For more information about SGA, call 210-486-0133 or visit Room 260B of Loftin Student Center. Like the SGA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SACSGA1.
Nov. 15, 2013 • 3
Final exam schedule Fall/Start 2/Flex 2 class
9 10 11 12 13
December
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7 a.m. 10 a.m. noon 1 p.m.
MWF and MW 3:50 p.m.
exam time 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. noon-2:30 p.m. 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 3:50 p.m.-6:20 p.m.
8 a.m. 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 10:50 a.m. 10:50 a.m.-1:20 p.m. 1 p.m. 1:40 p.m.-4:10 p.m. TR 1:40 p.m. 1:40 p.m.-4:10 p.m.
8 a.m. 11 a.m. 2 p.m.
MWF and MW 2:25 p.m.
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.
6:30 a.m. 6:30 a.m.-9 a.m. 9:25 a.m. 9:25 a.m.-11:55 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m. TR 3:05 p.m. 3:05 p.m.-5:35 p.m.
9 a.m. MWF noon
9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. noon-2:30 p.m.
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Final exams for evening and weekend classes are given during class hours. Department chairpersons can schedule final exam dates that do not conform to this schedule.
Infographic by Mandy Derfler
4 • Nov. 15, 2013
News Certificate programs get waiver on developmental classes
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Learning framework course proposed for core curriculum By Christopher A. Hernandez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
A proposed learning framework course has the same emphasis as a student development course, the chair of student development, said Oct 9. The difference is this class will be collegelevel and count toward a degree plan. Julie Engel said the district is proposing adding a learning framework course to the college core curriculum. She said a learning framework course would replace the three-hour student development course that students with fewer than 15 college hours are required to take. She believes the course should be offered for college credit, unlike student development courses. “I believe if this course were to become part of the core curriculum or degree plan that college credit should be offered to all students,” she said. The learning framework course is transferable as an elective to any public university in Texas that accepts it, she said. Engel said this course would benefit students who are attending college for the first time. Learning framework involves establishing research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition and motivation, she said. Students would learn academic strategies for processing information and ways to identify their own strengths and weaknesses. Students are also expected to integrate and apply the learning skills they are taught to become effective and efficient learners in all of their classes. She said the course would be taught in learning communities in which a cohort of students enrolls in the same sections of complementary courses, such as developmental math and English and reading. “This helps instructors in each course to collaborate with each other and the students on their strengths and weaknesses,” Engel said. “This course shows students the skills and discipline on how to be a college student,” she said. “It shows students how to navigate the system like ACES and guides students to their major and future careers.”
The decision is likely to mean more intensive work by faculty to compensate. By Bleah B. Patterson sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Basic skill requirements for workforce programs do not require students to take developmental classes for Level 1 and marketable skills certificates. Students who take the Texas Success Initiative and do not test into collegelevel classes cannot be forced to take developmental classes to complete certificate programs. According to an e-mail sent to college presidents, vice presidents and deans from Federico Zaragoza, vice chancellor of economic and workforce development, and Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor for academic success, Aug. 29, students who enroll in a certificate program of one year or less are exempt from Texas Success Initiative requirements. This is a clarification of requirements from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the email reads. “This provides students an opportunity to take WECM (workforce) courses upon admission, gain skills for entry-level jobs, and be successful in college without the hurdle of taking developmental education courses,” Fabianke wrote. Level 1 certificates constitute 42 or fewer semester credit hours. Students enrolled in certificate programs will need to take the TSI if they choose to enroll in courses offered in the
College Night: McNay Mixer
’’ Students who aren’t prepared for these courses will face more challenges when completing their certificates. I think they will fall behind and eventually give up. Vernell E. Walker, dean of professional and technical education
arts and science division; however, once they are enrolled in certificate programs, they are not required to take developmental classes if they are unable to test into college-level classes. Vernell E. Walker, dean of professional and technical education, believes that students who do not test into collegelevel classes should take developmental classes before beginning a certificate program for their own benefit. “We strongly recommend that students who do not test at a college level take developmental classes,” she said. Walker fears that students who are not required to take developmental classes will have less success in their courses. “We’re depriving people of taking developmental work,” Walker said. “It’s going to be more difficult for students to pass the courses.” Without developmental classes, one
Homeland program low enrollment, high benefits Students learn to develop emergency disaster plans. By Monica Lamadrid
mlamadrid@student.alamo.edu
ART Friday
TRIVIA MUSIC 2013
TOURS 7:00–10:00 pm
FOOD
+more Bring a t-shirt for screenprinting
@mcnayart #mcnaymixer McNay Art Museum 6000 North New Braunfels, San Antonio 78209 210.805.1768 | mcnayart.org
alternative suggested is requiring students to spend more time in labs outside of class hours without earning extra credit hours for time spent in labs. “Students who aren’t prepared for these courses will face more challenges when completing their certificates,” Walker said. “I think they will fall behind and eventually give up. “Instructors would also be responsible for putting more hours into individual students, teaching them what they should have already learned in their developmental classes,” Walker said. She believes requiring students to take developmental classes would be the ideal solution. “I believe most students would comply to better themselves,” Walker said. The professional and technical education division oversees programs leading to workforce certificates and associate of applied science degrees. Certificates earned in these programs provide students access to jobs without having to complete a degree. Certificates can be earned in fields such as accounting, forensics, child development, medical, fire inspector, banking, and funeral director among others, some of which can be attained with as few as 15 semester hours. The program is also available to high school students in Alamo Colleges academies who complete certificates as dual credit courses. For more information, contact the professional and technical division at 210-486-0920.
In 2003, the protective services department added an associate of applied science degree in emergency management/homeland security in response to the need for emergency services after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Homeland security focuses on the prevention of disasters and attacks, while the emergency management program deals with the response to the disasters. Students who graduate from with this degree are able to find jobs in emergency management or safety officer positions in corporations, Michael Parsons, emergency management and homeland security coordinator, said. When companies need a response plan for earthquakes or fires, the fire department deals with the person trained to act in an emergency situation. It is easier to articulate what is going on during a disaster to someone trained in emergency management, Parsons said. So when the San Antonio Fire Department responds to emergency calls from companies, it seeks out the company’s safety officer for important information in managing the situation. Also, when companies handle hazardous materials, the safety officer develops an emergency plan for workers. Some companies hire applicants with only an associate degree, because companies know that the graduate understands the appropriate emergency response.
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Transfer options Angelo State University Bachelor of Security Studies in Border and Homeland Security and a Bachelor of Border Security University of North Texas B.S. Emergency Administration and Planning Texas A&M-San Antonio B.A.S. Fire and Emergency Services Administration West Texas A&M University B.A.A.S. in Emergency Management Administration
“This program is designed to give the students a general knowledge to comply with the needs of the companies to ensure they comply with federal mandates,” Parsons said. This college was the first to offer an associate in applied science in emergency management in Texas, but now students have the opportunity to transfer to four state universities to complete a bachelor’s degree in other kinds of protective services. Enrollment in the last couple of semesters was 20 students in HMSY 1337, Introduction to Homeland Security, and 10 to 15 in other HMSY classes. The biggest problem is that students don’t know about it and it is a relatively new field. If students are interested, they can look up the degree plan in the college website or call the fire science office 210-486-1692.
News
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Nov. 15, 2013 • 5
Mortuary science preps for fall start on burying faculty, staff By Cassandra M. Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The mortuary science program can answer questions about funerals and cremations, and beginning in fall 2014, the program would like to offer funeral services to faculty and staff at a low cost. Pricing will be based on providing these services at a reduced cost to keep the services affordable, but still cover the program’s expenses for materials and equipment. The program qualifies to provide funeral services by having an area for families and friends to view the body, pray, a podium for a minister to preside at a service, a list of gen-
eral prices, and a brochure with facts about funerals. These services will be led by the five funeral directors and instructors in the program, including Felix B. Gonzales, chair of the mortuary science program, and include student assistance. It is “work in addition to school work,” Gonzales said about the increased responsibilities instructors have. “We do not want it to be an additional burden on the budget,” Gonzales said. The program is at an advantage because they already have the necessary facilities to provide funeral
services, which saves the program money. Embalming fluids and caskets are also donated to the program, which keeps costs low. Eventually, the program would like to extend the offer to students, Gonzales said. Details of pricing, viewing locations, and parking availability are still being discussed. “We want primarily to be able to offer our students the opportunity to work under our direct supervision,” Gonzales said. This will benefit the students by providing education and real-world training.
We are working to give our students more experience. Felix B. Gonzales, chair of mortuary science
Beginning in 2006, a $450 million bond funded renovations to update mortuary science facilities. During the renovations, the department was in the nursing complex but returned to Nail Technology Center in 2009. Although the department is licensed to provide funeral services,
The Ranger reported they program had to gain approval from the college and Texas Legislature to create an operational funeral establishment in 2009. Vernell Walker, dean of professional and technical education, introduced providing funeral services to faculty and staff at a college executive team meeting and it was approved by President Robert Zeigler. Walker has “always been very supportive,” Gonzales said. “We are working to give our students more experience,” Gonzales said. The quality of services provided by the program will not lack quality, Gonzales added.
Student teaches himself Japanese instrument craft By Neven Jones
a form of martial arts, and during one of his classes, his teacher played a song that Anthropology sophomore Alex Ruiz has intrigued him called “Esashi Oiwake.” made it a priority to keep alive the tradition of He recognized the instrument as a flute but making and playing the shakuhachi, a tradinone he had heard. His instructor could not tional Japanese instrument. place it either. He is studying anthropology Researching the song title to see to it that other things he online, Ruiz discovered the View deems culturally important to shakuhachi. He wanted to buy the video at him are kept alive as well. one, but the well-made ones theranger.org. For two semesters, Ruiz, a crafted by master-makers were self-professed metal-head, too expensive. So he set out to has interned at the Methodist make his own without ever havStudent Center, where he occaing seen one. sionally fixes things. His family couldn’t afford “It was a cultural journey, too,” Ruiz said. “I much growing up so he learned how to make had to understand its significance, its importhings out of necessity. tance in the traditional Japanese culture.” Ruiz, 24, spent 12 years studying Kenjutsu, Go online to read his story. sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Anthropology sophomore Alex Ruiz demonstrates carving bamboo for making a shakuhachi, a type of Japanese flute. He said mastering the craft involves an understanding of culture. “It’s a lifetime pursuing the making of it. It’s another lifetime learning how to play it,” Ruiz said. Riley Stephens
Future teachers take new name after split from UTSA By Diana M. Sanchez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Many students take more classes than necessary because they do not have a degree plan, Sandoval Gutierrez, reading and education professor, said to this college’s chapter of Future Teachers Organization Nov. 6 in Gonzales Hall. The organization changed its name from Teaching Academy Program Peers this semester, after UTSA closed its program, which was partnered with the group at this college. The meeting consisted of reviewing degree plans, learning how to contact an adviser and tracing the steps to becoming a successful teacher. “There have been so many students who don’t have a degree plan, and they took so many hours that were unnecessary,” Gutierrez said. “It can save time and money.” They also advised students to know what grade level they want to teach so they can follow the correct degree plan. Students were unsure of what grade levels to teach because of a change in demand for subjects needed today. “You should really teach something you love. You want to go to a job that you enjoy, not a job that you dread,” Susan Falcon, reading and education professor, said. “Your teaching will be reflected by that.” Gutierrez and Falcon advised students to get to know their faculty advisers and office hours and to make immediate appointments. “We have so many resources, and so I’m a little scared about going to the big girl school,” English sophomore Kim Grossett said. She has been the president for three semesters and is contemplating her transfer decision. Falcon explained the classes every future teacher has to take and the minimum grade. Advisers recommended completing an
associate degree at this college instead of transferring without it so the university will take credits as a whole. Gutierrez and Falcon described EDUC 1301, Introduction to the Teaching Profession, which requires a 16-hour field experience. Students gain early field observations at all levels of P-12 schools and learn about the classroom experience and networking. Falcon and Gutierrez explained the importance of networking opportunities for future teachers. “This experience going into the classroom is one foot in the door,” Falcon said. “It’s a person who hasn’t seen you teach but has knowledge and can be used as a reference.” People who have a degree in other subjects and want to teach but don’t have the in-theclassroom experience are more likely to be unsuccessful in the field, the advisers said. “They think that it is easy, but this job is the hardest job you will ever have,” Falcon said. Students asked about job security, budget cuts and retirement. “We go through these waves. Sometimes, we don’t have teachers, sometimes we do,” Gutierrez said, as he explained to students the changes in demand for teaching positions. Tenure and retirement plans were discussed. Falcon and Gutierrez went to the chalkboard in the classroom to illustrate numbers and formulas for what retirement may look like for students. “Teaching is the most stressful profession on the planet, but it’s the most rewarding,” Gutierrez said. “Hang in there, teachers.” The chapter meets 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays in Room 101 of Gonzales Hall. For more information, call English Professor Mary Anne Bernal at 210-486-0658.
Feat
6 • www.theranger.org/premiere
Fire science Instructor Victor Gonzales directs a group of students on how to spray a car so the fire doesn’t reach them Saturday at the First Responders Academy. The car, used by fire science for years, has been set on fire and put
Fire science sparks interest in high school 17 dual credit students experience fire science practice before starting college. By Monica Lamadrid
mlamadrid@student.alamo.edu
Seventeen students from Edison High School were selected to participate in dual credit fire science classes for the first time at this college. Seventy-nine students applied, and 17 were selected based on grades, attendance, an essay and an interview. “Students are having a positive outcome with the program. What the students like the most is the discipline,” said Dr. Anthony Rogers, who teaches fire science at Edison. “The kids are making 100s in their core courses with the help of the study techniques that they learn here.” This is a four-year program in which students in ninth grade learn the principles of fire science. In 10th grade, they learn about hazardous materials. Eleventh-graders learn about forensics. In 12th grade, students start going to the fire science academy at this college where they learn tactics, legal aspects of fire protection and fire chemistry and start practicing with the equipment, Rogers said. By the time the students
go to college, they have completed 26 hours of college credit, Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications and basic EMT from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, allowing them to start working with the San Antonio Fire Department, Rogers said. The 12th graders have to attend classes six days a week, regular classes in the morning and fire science at the academy in the afternoon, plus all day Saturdays. This is not like high school where the students can get away with things. The instructors are tough on them because eventually lives will depend on them, Rogers said. “If you are looking for a challenge, this is a good one,” Ivan Zuniga, lieutenant and student, said. “I plan on majoring in psychology, and I’m doing this so I can have a good job while I’m in college.” A student becomes a lieutenant by having better grades than the other students. The students have the opportunity to go to this college and graduate with an associate of applied science in fire science
Fire science Instructor Terry Lee shows students how to hold the hose clamp before practice Oct. 18 in the First Responders Academy. The students had six minutes to stop the waterflow and replace a hose with two others. Monica Lamadrid and then move on to Texas A&M University-San Antonio and get a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services administration, Rogers said. “Whatever the students decide to study for, they are going to walk away with leadership, high level of self-confidence, team work, and in the real world, you have to have those,” Rogers said. “This academy is a full year. It starts in Aug. 26 and ends in mid-May. They meet the same requirements for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection
as well as our academy and the rules we have here,” Joe Hernandez, coordinator of the First Responders Academy, said. Roxanne Rosales, director in career and technology for San Antonio Independent District contacted the college a year ago about the dual credit classes, Vernell Walker, dean of professional and technical education, said. This program is open to other high schools also. The students get the opportunity to stop their training at any time before registering for the fire science degree.
Above: Fire science sophomore Abraham Diaz yells at his group to move back after putting out the fire inside the car. Right: The group moves forward to the LPG tank spraying in a fog pattern. The fog pattern prevents the fire from moving toward the crew allowing the person in the middle to turn the valve off.
ture
t out at least four times this semester.
Nov. 15, 2013 • 7
Playing with fire The group proceeds to move toward the LPG tank spraying in a fog pattern for protection. The person in the middle then has to turn the valve off to put out the fire.
Story and photos by Monica Lamadrid mlamadrid@student.alamo.edu
Firefighter certification students get hands-on, live fire training. Saturday can be a relaxing day for most students, but not for students in the First Responders Academy. Twelve students participated in a practice in which they trained with live fire at the academy on a 60-acre campus in Von Ormy. The students began training at 9 a.m. Saturday. The first round was a dumpster on fire. The students worked in groups of three and were assigned to approach the burning dumpster, put the nozzle inside and move a pallet that was inside, Instructor Curtis Franz explained. The groups have to know how to communicate with each other to be able to complete the assignment successfully, Franz said. The dumpster is ignited with the help of a propane line that goes inside and is connected to a main valve the instructor controls. “This job is very important because if something goes wrong, I can turn it off,” Instructor Cheryl McCall said. “We are playing with fire, and our job is to make sure nobody gets hurt.” Four groups of three students each had to try the exercise, and rotated until everyone had done each one. They are supervised by one of the instructors, who is available to help work the procedures. A backup group of three stays on the perimeter as a safety precaution in case the main group gets in trouble. After all groups completed the exercise, they moved on to the simulation of a car on fire. In the groups, one person is in charge of holding the nozzle hose and another person with a council tool lifts the hood of the car. As they approached the car, they simulated putting out a fire under the car with back and forth sweeping motions. Once they reached the car, they changed the spray pattern of the water from a straight stream to a fog pattern. Then they pushed away the fire, putting the nozzle inside and doused the fire until it was completely out. The group had to make sure the fog stream
Instructor Jimmy Kitchens directs fire science freshman Timothy Mabry and his group to a dumpster on fire. Another group stays to the side in case of emergency. covered the top and the bottom of the car so the fire would not spread out from underneath and burn their feet, McCall said. The person with the Halligan tool then approached the hood and opened it so the person with the nozzle could reach in and extinguish the rest of the fire. After a lunch break, the students continued with the training by extinguishing a liquefied petroleum gas-tank fire. One student at a time led two rows of five students carrying hoses through the courtyard until they reached the tank. Then he had to place his hand inside the tank to turn off the valve. This simulation also was controlled by a main valve being watched by an instructor. The water was blowing simulating cooling, and a change of patterns had to be followed. The fog pattern keeps the fire away so the person in the middle can reach to turn the valve off. This semester the fire academy has about 76 students, including morning classes, afternoon classes and high school students, Coordinator Joe Hernandez said. This year’s incoming class was 25, five students more than previous semesters. The academy meets the national standard of one instructor for every five students. This ratio requirement must be fulfilled because safety is important, Hernandez said. At the end of the 27 credit hours of certification courses, the students of this college get the Basic Firefighter Certificate. They still need to take a basic EMT class. After
Fire science sophomore Jorge Casias practices lifting the hood with the Halligan tool before the car is set on fire. that, they can take the basic fire suppression test to be certified by the state. That makes them eligible for jobs as firefighters, Hernandez said. After that, students have the opportunity to go for an associate in applied science in fire science. If students are interested, they can contact the fire science office at 210-486-1692.
Study & Living www.theranger.org/news
1B • Nov. 15, 2013
Pull-out Section The Ranger published stories with tips for daily living and succeeding in college throughout the semester. We learned so much from these stories assigned to various reporters, we decided to assemble them in a pull-out section for students heading to four-year institutions and students beginning their higher education adventure at this college.
Carlos Ferrand
Having sex?
Get tested STDs can make great sex the worst kind. By Cory D. Hill
The need-to-know about financial aid Students should be checking ACES every two weeks for financial aid updates. By T. L. Hupfer
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Nearly 20 million Americans attend college and 60 percent, about 12 million, receive a form of financial aid. A student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen. The FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, needs to be completed as soon as the Apply Texas application is sent. Make sure to have school codes and student
PIN number ready. Javier Vargas, supervisor of student financial services, said students should always check back with the financial aid office after every change on the FAFSA made by the student. The school code for each Alamo College is located on the school website, www. alamo.edu/district/financial-aid/school-codes/. After filling out the FAFSA, allow two to three weeks for the college to receive the paper work. After
processing, login to ACES to check requirements. Federal Pell Grants are awarded to students who qualify and do not need to be paid back while Federal Direct Loans do. For subsidized loans, the Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans until six months after leaving school. For unsubsidized loans, students pay interest as it accrues or it is added to the principal to be paid back after leaving school. The Federal Work-Study Program funds students through part-time employment. If a student qualifies,
it will appear in the award section on ACES. Vargas said students must apply for work-study jobs in PeopleLink in ACES. Texas even has specific programs. The Texas Grant assists students just out of high school, the TPEG, Texas Public Education Grant, helps students taking at least six hours and the TEOG, Texas Educational Opportunity Grant, helps students seeking an associate degree. He also stressed the importance of deadlines. The spring semester deadline was Nov 1. The
deadline for the summer financial aid application and direct loan application is March 3. Students who want help with Apply Texas and financial aid application can go to Café College, 131 El Paso St. Call 210-207-4528. Students are welcome to visit the financial aid office 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m on the first Saturday of the month. The office has extended hours 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesdays. The office is in Room 101 of Fletcher Administration Center. Call 210-486-0600.
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Sex produces health benefits but also possible health risks. Having sex without the use of proper precaution has the potential for undesired side effects, one of them being sexually transmitted diseases. Studies by the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found sex can promote good health. Having sex twice a week or more, which is considered a good sex life, lowers risk of heart attack by half. Studies have provided evidence that a good sex life can improve the immune system, mental health and pain relief and even help with healthier skin. Jesse Ortegon, health program organizer and counselor for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, advises everyone who is sexually active to be tested at least every three to six months. Those who have sex with multiple partners are encouraged to get tested more often. “Texas is ranked No. 1 in syphilis cases, San Antonio especially,” Ortegon said. “The best way to protect against STDs is the use of condoms and education.” If students have questions or want an STD screening, they can call or go to Room 104 at the health district at 332 W. Commerce St. All information and discussions are confidential. The clinic takes walk-ins only. The clinic tests for multiple STDs, starting at $15 for a screening. “If someone does not have the money, we will still see them,” Ortegon said. For more information on safe sex tips and where to get tested, students can call 210-207-8330 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Caffeine a crutch for stressed students, dietician says By Cassandra M. Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
As the semester progresses, so does the amount of stress students face, and many may rely on highly caffeinated beverages because they are not getting enough sleep to function their best during the day. Tired college students will use caffeinated beverages as a crutch to keep them alert during the day, Ellen Brennan, biology professor and nutritionist, said. The recommended daily limit for caffeine intake is 300 milligrams a day, equal to about two cups of coffee. Moderate use of energy drinks is not dangerous to a person’s health; however, excessive use of energy drinks can be harmful. Coffee has some compounds that are beneficial when compared to all the sugars loaded in energy drinks, Brennan said. Although foods are not required to put the caffeine amount on the nutrition label, Brennan recommends reading the label to be aware of the sugar and caffeine if it is listed. Frequently exceeding the recommended daily limit of caffeine will cause health problems. Energy drinks pose a higher health risk than coffee because of the extra sugars and supplements. Headaches and grouchiness when a person goes without caffeine are signs of an addiction. “If you are not eating well and sleeping, the body will definitely respond,” Brennan said. A deficit of carbohydrates, protein,
Caffeine
levels in drinks
Critical reading improves grades By Jahna Lacey
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
When students read critically, they must be able to differentiate facts and opinions, assess arguments, comWired X344 344 miligrams/16 ounce prehend the main idea of works, summarize the reading Cocaine Energy 280/8.4 and examine key issues. 5 Hour Energy 200/2 “Critical reading is about understanding and interBuzz Water 200/16.9 preting the text,” student development Instructor Casey Lechuga said. “It is also about analyzing and No Fear 182/16 evaluating what you are reading and reading activeFull Throttle 160/16 ly, not passively.” NOS Energy 160/16 healthy Lechuga said students should use the SQ3R Rockstar 160/16 fats, vitamethod by surveying, questioning, reading, mins and minrecalling and reviewing the text. He said Amp 142/16 erals also affects critical reading is important for students Monster 140/16 a person’s energy in school and in life because it provides Nerd 120/12 level. Maintaining a them with information they can use to Redbull 80/8.4 good balance of these create knowledge of a subject. Instant coffee 57/18 helps the body process “Critical reading delves deeper energy and is essential for into a text and begs more questions,” Pepsi 38/12 other functions. Coca-Cola 34/12 See READING, Page 2B Amino acids in protein make Instant tea 26/8 neurotransmitters that keep Source: energyfiend.com people alert, she said. Other drinks, such as soda and tea, contain caffeine, but not enough to provide the energy boost students want. “Think ahead; give the body what it needs so it can do for you what you want it to do,” Brennan said. Treat the body right and it will last long-term. Used in moderation, caffeinated drinks can be safely incorporated into a healthy diet. For more nutrition information, call Brennan at 210-486-0861 or visit her in Room 345 of Chance Academic Center.
Illustration by Alexandra Nelipa
We’re not crazy, but we do have issues Register for journalism classes Spring 2014 Advising in Room 204 of Loftin Student Center • Journalism Program/Media Communications Department/San Antonio College • www.alamo.edu/sac/journalism
Study
2B • www.theranger.org/news READING from Page 1 writing center tutor Carlos Anthony Lopez said. “A great piece deserves to be read critically because it reveals so much more about a work, and it benefits the reader on an absolutely different level.” There are key strategies students can use to read critically. “Don’t just read for fact. Read for understanding,” English Adjunct Sharon Gammell said. “Slow down when reading. A lot of people read too fast because in college you’ve got a lot of reading to do. Take notes; keep a piece of paper with you when you read.” Gammell said some study tips for critical reading include eliminating distractions, seeking out a quiet spot such as the library, setting aside a certain amount of time for studying and reading, and
having a piece of paper and a pencil while reading. Lopez said critical reading takes a lot of patience because the content will stick the more readers interact with the reading process. “I try to tell students to annotate and write on the text,” writing lab coordinator Frank Kavanaugh said. “Students should also use sticky notes or any kind of method to make some kind of comment or question and underline what seems to be important.” Kavanaugh said students should first find a comfortable and well-lit place, read with a pen in hand, annotate a text, and reread notes and parts of a text in some way.
Students, instructors must establish communication By Christopher A. Hernandez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
In college, students must communicate with instructors to stay informed about changes in class location, upcoming assignments, unexpected obligations and dates for finals. Most students are afraid to ask questions because they don’t understand the assignment or material handed out, Lisa Black, student development professor, said. “Students need to overcome the fear of asking questions because the only way an instructor can help a student is by communicating,” she said. She said instructors could establish a relationship with students by making them feel comfortable in the classroom. “Students need to break away from the ‘miss’ mentality,” Black said. She referred to students who frequently address female instructors as ‘Miss” or male instructors as “Mister.” Instead, she said they should address instructors by name. Instructors can allow students to use
first names to establish a connection with students, she said. “Students need to keep instructors informed about unexpected emergencies or job-related obligations,” Julie Engel, director of student development, said Wednesday. She said most students don’t keep instructors informed about what is happening in their daily lives when they miss class. “Most instructors, in any way possible, will help students with personal or school-related issues,” she said. Students who seek assistance outside of class should contact instructors during office hours, and exchange emails through ACES or Canvas, Engel said. Canvas allows instructors to post assignments, grades and deadlines for their students. This system allows students to have discussions with not just the instructor but also the entire class by posting the discussion or communicating through recorded instructions, face-to-face video chat, email and chat rooms.
Managing Check for differing requirements time leads between universities, colleges to success for students By Kathya Anguiano sac-ranger@alamo.edu
By Carlos Ferrand
cferrand@student.alamo.edu
There is no easy way to be successful in college, but good time management is at the core of success, student development Professor Suzanna Borawski said. Borawski finds that many students do not devote enough time to their studies. The shift to being an independent learner presents a challenge for most students, she said. Students only spend a few hours a week in each class and professors expect a bulk of the course work to be done on their own time. “You have to give yourself the time to do quality work and turn in work that you’re proud of,” she said. Writing everything down can have the largest impact on a student’s time management skills. Students need to keep a written schedule, Borawski said. “You have got to write it down. You can’t just have those things floating around your head.” A new environment offers benefits, too. “It is easier to break a habit if you’re in a new environment,” she said. “Back in high school, if you had the habit of procrastinating, now is a prime opportunity to change that habit.” She said students should setup an award system to treat themselves once they accomplish goals. If a student does everything on a to-do list, they should reward themselves. Time management is an important ingredient to success. “If students get a handle on time management and getting their work done, they’re going to succeed, no doubt about it,” Borawski said.
Students planning to attend a public Texas university, whether it’s straight out of high school or transferring, may face requirements that differ from the requirements for applying to any of the Alamo Colleges. Most universities require an application fee, according to Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, University of New Mexico and Northwood University representatives at a transfer fair at this college. Application fees range from $20 to $75. Other universities may not charge a fee to apply, such as Northwood University with campuses in Cedar Hill; Midland, Mich.; and West Palm Beach, Fla. “Some universities may waive the application fees or have a different admission process depending on the completed credit hours of the applicant, Jessica Foreman, Texas State admissions counselor, said. The fee at the San Marcos University is $75. Most universities require transcripts and SAT or
ACT scores and a minimum of a 2.0 to 2.5 gradepoint average. “It is important for students to start planning early for these kind of things because scholarship deadlines do sometimes come sooner than admissions, plus it gives you a perfect way to figure out finances and adjust your budget to figure out how are you going to pay for admissions,” Counselor Rosa Maria Gonzalez said. Alamo Colleges’ does not charge an application fee. According to the Alamo Colleges website, after completing the admission application at www.applytexas.org, students are required to log in to their Alamo Colleges Education Services (ACES) account at aces.alamo.edu to view the “Start Here” tab for registration steps and the required MyMAP modules. Official high school transcripts must be submitted along with proof of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose during the five-year period prior to the enrollment. If required, students must take the Texas Success Initiative assessment test. Payments for tuition must be made on time.
A network with many connections Use ACES to stay informed. By Christopher A. Hernandez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students who don’t check their ACES emails will be left in the dark. “Students should regularly check their ACES account to stay informed about what is happening around the college,” public relations Director Vanessa Torres said. ACES is used to connect students to the college and district. Torres said students receive important updates regarding activities around the college, district announcements and updates about enrollment and payment deadlines. “A weekly e-newsletter is sent out to all enrolled students on campus,” Torres said. She said the email provides information about upcoming events, scholarships and happenings around campus. In the Oct. 10 notice, the upcoming events were “An Evening with Rita Moreno,” transfer fair, art exhibit in the visual arts center, and Coming Out Week. It also featured the Tom Sandoval Rey Feo Parent/Child Scholarship, Cyber Security Awareness Month and the president’s holiday card contest. “The district administration uses different methods of communication to inform students of valuable information related to different departments,” Mario Muñiz, district director of public relations, said. Muñiz said the district has an obligation to inform students of federally required announcements, such as the drug-free and smoke-free campus policies. He said the district also informs students of emergencies and payment reminders for tuition. Muñiz said the district informs students of emergencies through crisis communication, which are sent out by the district police department. “The district tries to keep all students informed. We try to communicate to students through different formats like email and the KSYM radio station,” Muñiz said. Students can access ACES email on portable devices, Usha Venkat, director of information technology, said. She said students access their ACES email through the use of cell phones, but students aren’t automatically notified when they receive an email. Venkat said one goal is to create a mobile interface for ACES, which would allow students to send and receive email using a cell phone.
Study groups share ideas
Two methods for note-taking
By Justin Rodriguez
Students should take notes during classes.
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Taking tests can be stressful, but there are a number of ways to prepare and relax instead of freaking out. The student learning and assistance center is available for students who need to catch up on homework, prepare for a test or just study with other students. While preparing for a test, premed sophomore Eric Kumana said, “taking your time to review and not rushing,” is a good practice. Sharing ideas with a group during a study session is a good way to learn as well, Kumana said. Doing this allows students to pick up information that others might have learned or read. Some students may explain more than the teacher sometimes, but checking with the teacher is always a good idea, Kumana said. Time management and review
should be the focus when preparing for a test. Architecture sophomore Ariadna Camarillo said she spends an average of three hours studying for each class when preparing for a test. Camarillo also adds group study and teamwork is an effective way to study. Getting a good night sleep and eating a good breakfast are also important, she said. During finals week, she makes flash cards, especially for multiplechoice tests, “to help get familiar with terms and dates.” Camarillo gets to campus early to study and review with classmates in preparation for tests. According to testtakingtips. com, eight hours of sleep is recommended before a test. Eating before taking a test will help with energy and focus, but heavy food can cause grogginess.
By Christopher A. Hernandez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
When students hear words like “for example” and repeated information is shared in classes students should pay attention and take notes. “Note-taking is a lifelong skill and every person has their own style,” student development Instructor Casey Lechuga said. He said there are many ways to organize notes from a lecture. “The platform or format may have changed, but note-taking is a universal skill. To stay organized in any subject, you must take notes,” he said. Lechuga said the most common for-
mat and method he uses in his classes is the Cornell Method. This method allows students to organize their notes by subject, lesson and a brief summary. Students can use this method to keep notes separate and organized from other subjects. Lechuga said if students think the Cornell Method is too complicated, students could use another method called mapping. The mapping method shows students how to become more detailed with their writing. A student will start with one word in a circle, and branch off ideas from that one word. The students could create a web or network of related sources. “Students must listen to key points during a lecture to know information not found in the textbook,” student development Instructor Dr. Karn Mowrey said.
Living
Nov. 15, 2013 • 3B
Injury, accidental death policy automatic, but no illness benefits for most students By Lorena R. Rivera sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Alamo Colleges offers three free insurance plans for students through First Health Network. Plan 1 is mandatory student injury coverage. All students are automatically enrolled at registration for $25,000 maximum benefit and $5,000 accidental death benefit. Illness is not covered. Plan 3 covers injury and sickness and automatically enrolls students in an F-1 inter-
national visa for $500,000 maximum benefit and a $10,000 accidental death benefit through Academic Emergency Services. It provides benefits and access to emergency assistance when students travel 100 miles or more from home for school. Dependents are not eligible on this plan, but it is available to students who are required by their coursework to have medical coverage, such as nursing or mortuary science majors. Students requiring coverage
must enroll online at www.ahpcare.com/alamo. Plan 3 is only mandatory for international students on an F-1 visa. Education support specialist Erika Peña said it’s important for students to understand the options. She added the mandatory Plan 1 option does not fulfill the requirements of the Affordable Health Care Act that goes into effect Jan. 1. Plan 3 does meet the requirements, but those who
are not international F-1 visa students have to pay extra and enroll separately. “It is important for students to come by the health promotions office if they have any questions regarding their health care options when enrolled,” Peña said. The office is in Room 150 of Loftin Student Center. The third option is Plan 4, an injury plan for students enrolled in continuing education courses that only covers accidents occurring during
class or when participating in a class-related or class-sponsored activity on or off campus. Insurance coverage is not available to students using employee tuition assistance or employee dependent tuition assistance. Students 65 years of age and older, enrolled in distance learning, on active military duty and dual credit students at off-campus locations are also excluded. So in short, health insurance Plans 4 and 1 cover only
student injuries. Plan 3 covers injury and sickness. Some of the benefits include in-patient hospitalization, outpatient doctor’s visits, surgery and emergency care. Other benefits, such as laboratory charges and X-rays, are included, but certain limitations and maximums may apply. Coverage period for this semester started Aug. 26 and ends Jan. 20. For more information, go to www.ahpcare.com/alamo or call Erika Peña at 210-486-0158.
Student IDs save money Clean With student IDs, you can unlock loads of savings. By Bleah B. Patterson sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Student IDs are good for much more than to check out library books. A student ID is a key to unlock a world of discounts and free stuff. VIA bus commuters can take their student ID to the business office in Room 202 of Fletcher Administration Center to get a sticker to put on their ID to grant access to via buses. This sticker is free.
Also a student ID allows free access or a reduced price ticket to any on-campus theater performance, recital or concert. Students can go to the Alamo Draft House, where they have $7 movie tickets any night after 6 p.m. if students bring their ID. The Raven, an Edgar Allen Poe themed hookah bar, offers students with a valid ID a 20 percent discount on Thursdays and 10 percent on the other days of the week. Students with a valid student
Building immunity is best sickness prevention By Katherine Garcia
kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu
Taking care of yourself may seem difficult with a busy lifestyle, but there are some simple tips to help you stay healthy. Education support specialist Erika Peña said the less stress one has, the stronger the immune system is. “You should have a good immune system to deal with (illness) so eat well, rest on a daily basis,” Ellen Brennan, biology professor and nutritionist, agreed. Brennan said now is a good time to get a flu shot because it takes a few weeks for the flu shot to become active and effective. Students should wash hands and wrists for at least 10 seconds with hot water, Peña said. She said cleaning a cell phone often with an antibacterial wipe can also prevent illness. She said sneezing in the crook of the elbow, covering the mouth when coughing and wearing boots to keep feet dry in rainy weather are important. Staying healthy is important, but sometimes illness just cannot be avoided. When students are sick, their studies may be affected if they are unable to get to class. “The best thing to do is rest, which most people don’t do,” Brennan said, adding that fluids such as broth and soup help keep body temperature warm. Peña advised people who are ill to avoid vigorous exercise because that will intensify the symptoms and to take medicine at the first sign of symptoms. She said not to hang around too many people because germs will spread easily. Peña suggests students who get sick but have tests in their classes should try to get to class to take the exams. “Take care of your exams, then take care of yourself,” Peña said. This is when Brennan’s advice to take it easy until strength returns applies. Students need time to recover and build up immunity to prevent future illnesses.
teeth on sale
ID can gain a 20 percent discount at Ann Taylor, 15 percent discount at J. Crew, The Limited and Banana Republic, 20 percent discount at Taco Cabana and a 10 percent discount at Steve Madden. Just show the cashier. A student ID from the Alamo Colleges grants free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Institute of Texas Cultures, and The McNay art museum. Students who do not have an ID can obtain one free in Room 200A in Fletcher. Replacement IDs cost $10. Call 210-486-0015.
Services are reduced or free for eligible low-income or homeless. Paula Christine Schuler
pschuler1@student.alamo.edu
Boundaries reduce stress By Neven Jones
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Stress is on the rise for many students throughout the semester. Student development Professor Suzanna Borawski said it is common for students to be stressed during important exam periods. Stress is the body’s automatic response to physical and mental demands placed on it. Borawski said moderate levels of stress might improve performance and efficiency. When stress is seen as a positive force rather than a negative one, some stress can be a positive, Borawski said. “This is my body’s natural response to a challenge and my body is preparing for it,” she said. “That adrenaline that’s being released is giving me that energy to face whatever challenge I need to face.” Too much stress, however, can cause an unproductive anxiety level. Being able to identify the source of stress can help minimize its effect. Work, school, finances or relationships can cause stress, she said. Deep breathing helps calm people psychologically and physiologically, thus
reducing stress levels, Borawski said. It is also important to have a good support network, such as friends, family, peers, professors and tutors. It is important to know when to ask for help, she said. Because many students have family responsibilities in addition to schoolwork, setting personal boundaries can help reduce stress. Students should be able to say “no” to family and friends when they need to study. Borawski said, “It’s OK to say no and set those good boundaries.” Another way to reduce stress is through exercise because physical movement helps release adrenaline, and meditation or prayer will help focus the mind. “Finding a hobby that enriches your soul and makes you happy can also help to recharge those batteries,” Borawski said. But if one’s stress is chronic and causing anxiety, mood swings or depression, it needs to be addressed by a professional. This college offers students free counseling sessions. Set appointments in the Balditt Counseling Complex on the first floor of Moody Learning Center.
Shop smart; eat on $20 a week Nutrition and variety are possible on the cheap at a grocery store. By Paula Christine Schuler pschuler1@student.alamo.edu
Eating decently for $20 a week sounds impossible when a burger combo at McDonald’s is $5. A little research shows H-E-B and budget bloggers have some suggestions. While prices continue to rise, it is still possible. Cheese
may not be on the list, but $20 is sustainable. No time to cook is the excuse for not grocery shopping with a $20 bill. But it takes time to drive through a fast food restaurant. It takes time to stop at a gas station and
$20 at H-E-B
1 lb. bone- & skinless chicken breasts 5 lbs. potatoes 4-piece corn-on-the-cob 1 lb. oranges 1 gal. skim milk 1 lb. lean, ground beef 32-oz. tub of light yogurt 18-oz. oatmeal 1 lb. frozen green peas 1 lb. dried kidney beans
Source: HEB.com/healthy-at-heb
See SHOP, Page 4
Students do not need to wait until they graduate and find that great job to keep their teeth in great shape. Dental schools, nonprofit organizations and government programs offer clinics for low-income and homeless individuals. Clinics operate with a wide variety of eligibility criteria. Some provide basic services and do not accept patients with Medicaid, Medicare or insurance. Other clinics accept all types of patients but offer sliding fees based on household income and size. Potential patients may need to provide identification and proof of income and residency. Some ask for proof of financial aid in the form of an award letter or notification. La Mision Family Health Care offers basic care for all ages. Discounts can be as much as 75 percent off depending on eligibility, dental assistant Lucy Morales said. This clinic is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 210-626-0600 for appointments. CentroMed is a nonprofit offering low-cost dental services at four area clinics. No appointment is needed for the screening interview. Dental services on a sliding fee are available at clinics at 5542 Walzem Road, 910 Wagner Ave. and 7315 S. Loop 1604 W. Call 210-637-2450 for information. San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic Inc., 1 Haven for Hope Way, offers free services. Receptionist Selena Sanchez said if applicants cannot provide proof of residence with a lease or property tax document, they can obtain a letter from the person offering them temporary housing or discuss a homeless situation. The clinic is staffed by volunteers who offer one emergency dental visit for individuals who do not qualify for free services. Call 210-220-2300 to schedule an eligibility appointment. Wesley Health and Wellness Dental Center offers services for all ages on a sliding fee scale. They serve individuals who do not have Medicaid, Medicare or insurance. Dental receptionist Beatrice Martinez said the clinic has a freeze on new patient enrollments. “We are telling people to keep checking day to day,” she said. Call 210-922-6922 and visit when the freeze is lifted, she said. The Affordable Health Care Act, scheduled to begin in 2014, mandates dental coverage only for children.
Study & Living
4B • Nov. 15, 2013
District making an effort to standardize online courses BioSig-ID would validate student identity. By Emily Rodriguez
erodriguez734@student.alamo.edu
Students taking online courses will have to use BioSig-ID and create their own biometric password to prevent cheating as early as the spring semester, Virginia Huntley, district director for Alamo Colleges Online, told Faculty Senate Nov. 6. Huntley did not return calls to The Ranger after the meeting. The district also plans to require mandatory training programs for online course professors and students who express interest in taking online courses. Huntley said faculty members will learn how to standardize coursework on Canvas learning management system. This is in an effort to make students taking online classes or using Canvas have an easier time locating what they need. Senators took issue with the workshop, claiming the district is controlling how instructors set up courses. Huntley said a two-week, web-based workshop would be set up for faculty to learn how to make taking online courses easier for students. Psychology and sociology Chair Thomas Billimek asked Huntley how faculty would
find the time to complete a lengthy workshop program on top of teaching, advising and fulfilling their other responsibilities. Billimek said the overload of workshops and seminars has caused him not to assign as many assignments because he no longer has the time to grade them. Students who have expressed interest taking online courses would eventually be required to take Introduction to Online Learning, a 10- to 12-hour course before registration. The district will identify students who plan to take online courses when they apply to the Alamo Colleges, using applytexas.org and check a box stating their interest. “I see students right now who will apply for next fall. We will be reaching out to them to take the class in the spring and the summer,” Huntley said. “We’re not going to wait. Until the schedule publishes, they will have no idea that they will have to sign up for Introduction to Online Learning.” Senators laughed at the length of time needed to complete the course and argued that students would not complete the course. “I was one of those fac-
By Kathya Anguiano sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Virginia Huntley, district director for Alamo Colleges Online, discusses the implementation of the BioSig Project at the monthly Faculty Senate meeting Wednesday. Daniel Carde ulty that used to pull my hair out because I said ‘why are these students enrolled in this online course when they can’t do this?’ I can tell you now that our students are getting more and more sophisticated,” Dr. Ellen Marshall, early childhood studies chair, said. “I think this might be a little late.” Fine arts Chair Jeff Hunt said for the first time, students taking his online flex course all had experience using Canvas for online courses. “Now when they just don’t do anything, they just say ‘Well, I just couldn’t do it’,” Hunt said. “It wasn’t because they couldn’t access it or didn’t know what to do. They just didn’t do it.” In addition to the workshops, BioSig-ID, a biometric signature gesture technology,
will verify the identity of a student enrolled in an online course. Students would have to create their own unique password, which will be integrated into Canvas to prevent someone other than the student enrolled in the course from taking exams and other assignments. According to biosig-id. com, students can use a mouse, stylus or touchpad to create their own password. To validate their identity, the student would have to reenter their password in the same order that they first set it up, which prevents guessing from an outside source. “You simply add an external module for BioSig to your course. Right before the exam or when whenever you want it from their students, they have
By Cassandra M. Rodriguez sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Architecture sophomore Julio Martinez works on a group interview project for a government class while nursing freshman Karen Gallegos works on a nursing care plan. Both students visit the SLAC lab for the quiet and open work space. Marina Garcia sophomore Anna Cecic with background noise to help her concentrate. Wallis suggests taking advantage of the variety of study areas in Moody Learning Center. Moody “gives me a reason to study,” architecture sophomore
SHOP from Page 4 pick up a banana or bag of chips and soda. It takes extra gas while idling in the drive-thru line. For $20 at Kentucky Fried Chicken, a week’s budget can be spent on an eight-piece dinner with two sides and four biscuits. KFC prices ranges from $16.99 to $20.99 nationally. For $20 at H-E-B, shoppers can purchase the list on Page 3B. It does not include typical cheap options of bread, peanut butter and jelly. If a
Balance demanding and easier classes Manage personal and study time outside the classroom carefully.
to go through the biometric process to confirm (their identity) before they access the exam,” Huntley said. According to a handout Huntley gave to the senators, Phase 1 is occurring this semester. The phase consists of training faculty who teach online courses, with priority to Northeast Lakeview College instructors, to adopt the changes. Phase 2, which will begin in the spring, consists of continuing to teach workshops and to implement BioSig collegewide at Northeast Lakeview. Phase 3, beginning summer 2014, BioSig will be used by all online courses districtwide. Full implementation will occur in fall 2014; all hybrid and online courses at all colleges must use BioSig.
Where students study matters A good study environment is important for students to learn and retain information. Finding a place to study effectively varies according to individual preference and learning styles. “Creating the best study environment has to do with your strengths as a learner,” student development Professor Dehlia Wallis said. Learning styles are important to identify to choose an appropriate study environment because it affects how well students study. Learning styles include auditory, visual and kinesthetic. Students can go to the student success center to take quick learning style assessments. Listening to scores from movies provides communication design
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Matthew Hover said. It is “easier to study here cause I get stuff done,” he added. This campus also has plenty of outside areas such as benches and tables that students can use to study in between classes.
shopper replaces some of the meat with peanut butter, the cost would drop further below $20. Alternatively, the meat could be replaced with a variety of beans and rice at about $1 a pound average. Chicken on sale can run as low as $1 a pound if purchased periodically in a bulk package. For that occasional must-have-moment, keep chocolate chips in the pantry. Price per ounce is significantly less than a candy bar. Almonds can run $4 a pound on sale, but a pound goes a long way. They do not require refrigeration and last
Oppenheimer Academic Center has study rooms that nursing sophomore Norma Arredondo uses two hours a day after class to help her “concentrate better,” Arredondo said. “There’s so many more distractions at home that can pull you away from your studying,” Wallis said. Chores, family and television are part of a distracting environment at home. Students studying in environments similar to testing environments will naturally do better on tests because the brain will recall the information easier, Wallis said. “I’d be happy to share any skills with them,” Wallis said, if students want more advice. For more information, contact Wallis at 210-486-0776 or dstrong2@ alamo.edu.
weeks. Keep a small bag on hand to avoid spending money on chips and soda. Dr. Mehmet Oz, a well-known cardiothoracic physician and author, suggests three shopping lists: buy foods needed immediately; buy foods needed soon on sale; remove foods needed later. Oz has a website where he provides diet and health advice to readers. “It is diet and wallet sabotage to shop hungry,” he says. For more information and tips, visit HEB.com/ healthy-at-heb, doctoroz.com and wisebread.com.
Whether a full-time student or part-time student, everyone still manages to run out of time at the end of the day. Julie Engel, chair of student development, said planning a balanced course schedule means students have to balance classes that are highly demanding with easier classes. “Students should choose class times when they are most alert and able to focus,” Engel said. “They should also consider scheduling a gap in between classes to study, take a break and get assistance. Often, our homes are not quiet places that are conducive to studying so having a set time to go to the library or a lab is helpful.” Dr. David Rodriguez, coordinator of counseling and advising services, said students should look at the big picture to see what other commitments they have in regard to sleeping, eating or spending time with family. “Students don’t realize that college requires a lot more time outside of class,” Rodriguez, said. “It all ties into time management.” Dr. Tom Billimek, chair of psychology and sociology, said the No. 1 priority should be things that students need to do and can’t change, such as going to class and work. “If students seem to be more organized and it becomes easier for them to develop their schedule with a planner, then why not use one?” Billimek said. “It is always good to schedule in some private time because you don’t want to stress yourself.” Rodriguez said school becomes another piece of life; therefore, students need to see how they can fit into their routine a hobby that relaxes them. “A lot of people leave out ‘me’ time from their daily routine, and there is only so much stress one can take,” Rodriguez said. “It is important for everyone to relax during the day with whatever subject it may be and take care of themselves because it’s not a good outcome when it comes to other responsibilities if they are stressed.”
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Call Rodriguez at 210-486-0354 for help with a balanced schedule, stress or advising.
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News
8 • Nov. 15, 2013
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Math chair nominated for Piper Professor Fariabi will advance to statewide consideration. By Emily Rodriguez
erodriguez734@student.alamo.edu
Math Chair Said Fariabi was selected as the winner of the Piper Professor Award for this college for his work in developmental courses. He will be nominated for the statewide competition that awards $5,000 to each of 10 recipients across college institutions in Texas. Each fall semester Faculty Senate solicits nominations for the Fariabi award. Nominees have to be tenured or tenure-track faculty who are teaching at least 12 hours and have completed six long-term semesters, meaning they must
have taught here at least since fall 2010. Tiffany Cox, chairperson of the selections and survey committee of Faculty Senate, said 14 faculty members were nominated and four were chosen as finalists. Fariabi was chosen by a vote among full-time and adjunct faculty. Engineering Coordinator Dan Dimitriu, foreign languages Professor Sharla Jones, business Professor Sylvia DeLeon and Fariabi were the nominees for this college’s competition. “I’m so happy, delighted. Being a Piper professor of the year (for the college) and being elected by the faculty who gave me the pleasure of working at SAC,” Fariabi said. “I never thought I could win this,
but I’m glad that I did. This is very good news for me.” President Robert Zeigler will work with Fariabi to complete his application for the statewide award by Nov. 22. Fariabi is not sure what he will do with the prize money if he receives the award. “I never thought about the money. I’m not going to say that money is not important. Of course, it is important. That’s not why I want to win this. The prestige and the name, being a Piper Professor is more important than the money,” he said. Fariabi began his teaching career by teaching geometry at a middle school in Iran as a junior in college. He received abachelor’s degree from Tabriz University and earned a master’s and doctorate from Oklahoma State University. After working at this college
RAISES from Page 1 that is what the public relates to,” she said. Austin, Dallas and Tarrant County community college districts round out the top three community colleges averaging more than $60,000 in annual salary. Alamo Colleges’ average annual salary for 875 full-time faculty is $57,729, and the average increase will be $2,792. The increase will bring the Alamo Colleges’ to an average salary of $60,521, the same as third-ranked Tarrant County College. The average salary for Austin is $65,585 and Dallas County is $61,639. College administrators, including Chancellor Bruce Leslie, will receive a 3 percent increase. Leslie’s new contract effective Sept. 1 reflected the 3 percent increase prior to Saturday’s vote. Leslie’s base salary starting Jan. 1 will be $369,229, up $25,754 form his current contract of $343,475. Some $15,000 of Leslie’s new salary comes from a previous contract’s retention bonus to encourage him to remain with the Alamo Colleges. The bonus was rolled into his base salary Sept. 1. Each of the five college presidents will receive 3 percent increases taking their base salary of $189,909 to about $195,600 annually. For staff, salary adjustments will be assessed according to their salaries in comparison with a current market value for each position. Raise percentages will depend on how far below a staff member is from the market value. Every staff member will receive at least a 1 percent increase regardless if their pay is at or above market value.
Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration, goes over a breakdown of a projected budget increase of $6.3 million for compensation during the board of trustees retreat Saturday in the nursing complex. Kirsten Simpson Out of 1,469 full-time staff members, 708 will be receiving an increase of 3 percent or more increase, 298 will receive a 2 percent increase and 463 employees will receive a 1 percent increase. The average increase for parttime staff will be 4.7 percent. Hay Group, global marketing consulting firm, assisted the Alamo Colleges in evaluating jobs and pay levels for all staff positions. Paul Glogowski, Hay Group senior principle, said employees receiving a 1 percent raise might be upset that other employees are receiving a larger increase, but employees slated for a 1 percent increase are already being paid a fair market value. The pay increases will be seen in paychecks beginning Jan. 31. During a board retreat in July, Linda BoyerOwens, associate vice chancellor of human resources and organizational development,
for three years, Fariabi was elected chair of the math department, allowing him to implement programs aimed at improving student success in math courses. Fariabi has focused on creating preparatory classes for high school seniors who are not ready for college-level math. Fariabi said only 10-15 percent of students entering college test at college level. He has worked to develop the Math PASS program, a one-week review that helps students skip some developmental math courses. Fariabi is helping develop AlamoPREP, which is a self-paced developmental course for students who are at a math level of eighth grade level or below. Also, Fariabi worked with student development to enroll students in both of the classes together to build a sense of community.
presented the compensation increase of $4.1 million as a self-funded initiative. On Saturday, Boyer-Owens presented the revised compensation package calling for $2.2 million more, bringing the total to $6.3 million. The compensation increase breaks downs to $1.5 million for full-time faculty, $3.1 million for full-time staff, $271,000 for part-time staff and $148,000 for administrators. An estimated $1.2 million in benefits is included in the $6.3 million. Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration, said despite the increase in funds needed for compensation adjustments, the district is still on target to self-fund 100 percent of the cost. According to the minute order, an increase in productivity, CPS Energy savings and summer four-day weeks will save $2.4 million. Other savings listed under college-identified savings included $300,00 for residual salaries or employee salaries that are budgeted for an entire year but terminated early. Another $300,000 in saving will come from lowering money spent on materials and supplies, such as using less paper and printing toner. Both summer faculty savings and a delay in capital improvements save $200,000. St. Philip’s provided a majority of summer faculty savings because fewer sections will be taught over summer. An additional $2.9 million of savings accumulated during fiscal year 2013 will be used for funding. Faculty adjuncts are rated third at $2,366 per course among the same eight large Texas community colleges so they will not be receiving a salary increase. Adjunct pay in Austin is ranks no. 1 at $2,778 and El Paso Community College follows in second with $2,554.
Music adjunct in El Éxito wins award By Neven Jones
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Music Adjunct Cindy S. Ellis is the fall 2013 recipient of the Excellence in Instruction and Teaching Opportunities or El ÉXito Award. Ellis has been teaching as an adjunct here for 15 years. She loves teaching here and enjoys working with her students. “They want to be here if they are music majors so that makes them especially interested in learning,” Ellis said. Her students have told her many times they relate with her style of teaching because of how clearly she explains things, she said. Ellis learned to play the piano at 3 years old. Her mother, a piano teacher, taught Ellis and her sister to play in her home studio. Ellis teaches MUSI 1114, Keyboard Harmony 1; MUSI 1115, Keyboard Harmony 2; MUSI 1181, Class Piano 1; MUSI 1182, Class Piano 2; MUAP 1269, 1270, 2269 and 2270, Applied Piano, which are one-on-one private lessons. The students’ vocal instructor assigns the students their repertoire, and they bring it to Ellis, who coaches them weekly and helps them learn their repertoire. She also gives piano lessons to children 5 years old and up at her home studio, and teaches at the International Academy of Music, 6865 Camp Bullis Road. Ellis did not apply for the award and did not know about it until she was nominated. Music Professor Mary Lou Russell, who retired in May, recommended Ellis for the award in the spring. Ellis said she did not receive the award then, but was told her information would be kept because the award committee thought she was worthy of a future award. Dr. Johnnie Rosenauer, real estate program coordinator, and Gerald Townsend, media communications adjunct, wanted to create a way for adjunct faculty to attend professional development classes and be recognized for teaching excellence, Cynthia Price, statistical research specialist, at Murgúia Learning Institute, said. The Bob and Mary Zeigler Adjunct Professional Development Fund provides up to $250 for adjuncts to go to conferences or buy instructional equipment for their classes. The fund also provides a $250 award to an outstanding adjunct instructor, Price said. Ellis is the second recipient of the award. The first award went to Yuko Kawabe, foreign languages department, in spring 2013, Price said. The deadline for award applications is Nov. 30. To apply, visit http://www.alamo.edu/sac/ murguia/.
Pulse
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Vista pushes back in 97-87 victory over Lakeview By Carlos Ferrand
cferrand@student.alamo.edu
The Northeast Lakeview College Nighthawks started the night dominating the boards and capitalizing on scoring opportunities until mental and physical breakdowns gave the Northwest Vista College Wildcats the victory 97-87 Wednesday in Huisache Hall. Nighthawks’ Coach Steve Gordon said his team began the game strong, but mental and physical exhaustion eventually destroyed the game plan. In the early goings of the contest, Northeast Lakeview was able to hold a slim lead by controlling rebounds and the offensive post. Criminal justice freshman Cody Swearinger was a formidable force, snagging six rebounds in the first seven minutes of the game and scoring 12 points in the first half. Swearinger ended the game with 22 points and 13 rebounds. The Wildcats fired back with precision beyond the arc. Criminal justice sophomore Jeff Lindsey’s back-to-back 3-pointers helped take the lead in the closing minutes of the first half. Northwest Vista’s continued perimeter attack earned them a 49-37 lead going into halftime. The Nighthawks’ frustration of watching the game slip away during the second half boiled to the surface when biology freshman Akheel Cochran’s shot block attempt slammed Lindsey to the court. Criminal justice freshman Alan Del Valle reacted quickly, shoving Cochran and earning himself a technical foul. “That is my guard (Lindsey) and he protects me, so I will protect him,” Del Valle said. Del Valle was Northwest
Nov. 15, 2013 • 9
Lady Warhawks stay perfect with 78-52 victory By Carlos Ferrand
cferrand@student.alamo.edu
Criminal justice freshman Angel Arellano jumps for a layup from the paint during the second half of the Wildcats game Wednesday. Daniel Arguelles Vista’s scoring leader with 18 points. In the end, the Nighthawks couldn’t finish the game with the same amount of energy and dominance they had at the beginning. “In the future, we need to work on finishing,” Gordon said. Isaiah Clasberry, education sophomore and Wildcats’ coach, said, “I don’t think it is that they started off strong. I think we just started off weak.” Up next for Northwest Vista will be the University of Incarnate Word 8 p.m. Wednesday in McDermott Center. The Nighthawks will take on the Rangers at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Gym 1 of Candler Physical Education Center.
A towering Lackland Lady Warhawks team secured the post and a 78-52 victory over the Northwest Vista College Lady Wildcats Wednesday in Huisache Hall. Lackland’s Jada Pardillo and Sabrina Martin may not actually be 10 feet tall, but for the Lady Wildcats scoring over them under the basket appeared nothing short of David vs. Goliath. Northwest Vista spent a majority of its possession time passing the ball around the perimeter, unable to find any holes in the tall and smothering Warhawk defense. Lackland’s Jennifer Schumaker attacked the ball early and often, forcing three turnovers in the first half. Schumaker said the Lady Warhawks did not intend to start the game off at such a quick pace. “The fast tempo of the game was a result of them (Lady Wildcats),” she said. “They came out fast, so we decided to run with it.” Schumaker scored 11 points. On the opposite end of the court, Lackland had no trouble entering the paint and grabbing easy bucket after easy bucket. The Lady Warhawks’ Frances Payton and Martin scored 14 points each. Several of their points came uncontested under the basket. Despite 15 points from Northwest Vista stand out accounting freshman Claire Renteria, the
Accounting freshman Claire Renteria is fouled as she drives to the hoop during the second half of the Lady Wildcats game Wednesday. Daniel Arguelles opportunities were too few and far between for the Lady Wildcats to mount any type of comeback. Lackland’s victory gives the team a 4-0 record, making the Lady Warhawks the only undefeated team in the women’s standings.
The Lady Warhawks face the 1-3 Lady Rangers at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Gym 1 of Candler Physical Education Center. The Lady Wildcats will take on the Lady Cardinals at 6 p.m. Wednesday in McDermott Center.
10 • Nov. 15, 2013
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Editor Carlos Ferrand Managing Editor Emily Rodriguez News Editor Katherine Garcia Pulse Editor Michael Peters Opinion and Web Editor Paula Christine Schuler Calendar Editor Katrina Dela Cruz Staff Writers Kathya Anguiano, M. J. Callahan, Priscilla Galarza, Christopher A. Hernandez, Cory D. Hill, T. L. Hupfer, Neven Jones, Jahna Lacey, Henry M. Martinez Jr., Bleah B. Patterson, Cassandra M. Rodriguez, Justin Rodriguez, Lorena R. Rivera, Adriana Ruiz, Diana M. Sanchez Photo Editor Monica Lamadrid Photographers Casey Alcala, Daniel Arguelles, Raquel Estrada Photo Team Ana Victoria Cano, Daniel Carde, Celeste Christy, Robbin Cresswell, Hosanna Diaz, Ian Flores, Marina Garcia, Esmeralda Gonzales, Osita Omesiete, Kirsten Simpson, Marie Sullins Illustrator Alexandra Nelipa Production Manager Mandy Derfler Multimedia Editor Riley Stephens Advertising Manager Patricia McGlamory Circulation Albert Zuniga Alexandra Nelipa
©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 Fridays 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.
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Video captures moments The lens of a video journalist captures the devastation after a tsunami hits, a school shooting, even the joy of welcoming home a military parent from deployment. Video excels at capturing grief, stress, longing and happiness. As video journalists, we can use a camera to tell a story as it happens. We provide the heart-breaking moments of families crying while they search for loved ones through wreckage. We show this to provide daily events that may be routine or catastrophic. As video journalists our cameras are important tools in providing the most in-depth look at events. An excellent example of video journalism is the coverage of 9/11.
During the terror attacks on the twin towers and the Pentagon, video journalism helped to spread a worldwide message of the effects of the terrorists attacks. Video puts the viewer at the scene. This is an impossible feat in written stories as readers can only take the words and imagi n e the scenery as it is described to them. Unless they have been there. The newspaper staff at this college has covered events that have dealt with happiness, sorrow and dreams of people. We’ve covered court hearings, shootings, stabbings, and community events. The best part of our job is knowing that when the video is complete, we’ve given readers a close-up view of the day.
4-day school week not priority This college’s executive team is considering moving to a four-day school week and has discussed the idea with Student Government Association officers. Moving to a four-day school week would eliminate Friday classes and move all classes to a Monday-Wednesday, Tuesday-Thursday schedule. Unlike the four-day workweek during the summer, the college and services would stay open and would not save this college any money. Which begs the question: Why even discuss it? The focus should be on finding ways to save money, considering the number of cuts there have been to valuable student services throughout the campus. Disability support services has lost notetakers, the student learning assistance center staff was cut from 37 to 16, and tutors in the SLAC lab have been cut by 50 percent. Hours for the English lab have been cut twothirds, and the tutoring staff is almost non-existent. The writing center lost most of its tutors. These budget cuts are pressing issues that affect large numbers of students, faculty and staff throughout the college.
If the four-day school week is not going to save money, then drop it and let’s find ways to eliminate the superfluous in favor of funding student services and labs. That should be the focus of the executive team. Elimination of Monday-WednesdayFriday courses would reduce the number of course selections available to students, which could negatively effect enrollment and slow degree completion. The point was made by English Chair Mike Burton that a four-day school week might help students balance work and school. This is a valid point, but if a student needs to work on Friday, wouldn’t they schedule Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday classes anyway? Business Chair Val Calvert said the college suffers from a high number of absentees on Fridays. The point can be made that students who repeatedly skip Friday classes are not serious about school anyway. Serious students will find a way to balance schedules. Administrators need to work on the budget to return lost services so students can get help when they need it.
Remedial classes serve a purpose Part of HB5, signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry June 10, would require high schools to partner with a higher education institution to offer college preparatory classes either online or on-site. The bill targets high school seniors who are not college-ready. If they are viewed as unlikely to pass endof-course exams, they will have to register for a corresponding college preparatory class. By completing the preparatory classes, students can enter college without taking developmental classes. It sounds like a good idea — until you stop to think about it. Each fall, college professors greet classrooms full of students who are ill-prepared for their courses. High schools should have already prepared students to enter college without the need for remediation. The job of high school is getting students ready for college or to enter the workforce. There is little evidence they are accomplishing either. How can they be doing their job if 89 percent of students have to take at least one developmental course upon entering college? Should we even call it college? You don’t earn any college credit hours for
developmental classes. HB5 may have grown out of good intentions, but it will be nearly impossible for it to be successful. The upheaval HB5 could cause is potentially devastating for community colleges. Squeezed for funding, increased class sizes and a turn toward more adjuncts already have taken a toll on higher education. Instead of giving high school students the chance to skip the remedial classes, the state should focus on how to make students successful at learning. Being able to pass a multiple choice test is not the same thing as learning. Patch after patch after patch is not effective. Once upon a time, high schools got the job done and students arrived to college prepared to engage in learning. HB5 is a simple change in venue with all the attendant processes, procedures and paperwork that accompany state initiatives. Instead of graduating, enrolling here and being placed in developmental classes, students will take preparatory classes offered by the college online or at their high schools. Well, that should make all the difference in the world.
Opinion
www.theranger.org/news
Nov. 15, 2013 • 11
NFL: Noticeably Fleecing Legions It’s the most popular sport in America. Its championship game is the most Viewpoint by watched Michael Peters s p o r t i n g event in the mpeters28@ student.alamo.edu U.S. and its prime time games are always among the highest rated shows on television. Thirty of its 32 franchises can be found in Forbes list of the World’s 50 Most Valuable Sport’s teams. Only one of its 32 teams operated at a loss last year. According to mediaite.com, the business is expected to rake in more than $10 billion, a number that could reach $25 billion within the next 15 years. This is the National Football League, and for tax purposes, it’s classified as a nonprofit organization. According to ESPN.go.com, the NFL is exempt from taxation through Section 501(c)(6) of Internal Revenue Code. This section exempts “business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade, or professional football leagues, not organized for profit … ” Also from ESPN.go.com, league
spokesperson Brian McCarthy says the NFL League Office is a nonprofit organization as it receives funding from its 32 franchises to cover non-revenue overhead expenses. McCarthy also says the NFL collects revenue on behalf of the 32 franchises and distributes it back to them. “All national revenues collected and paid to the member clubs, as well as local revenues earned individually by the clubs, are subject to tax at the club level,” McCarthy said. How does the NFL manage to maintain its status as a nonprofit organization? According to ibtimes.com, each of the 32 franchises is classified as for-profit ventures, while the league is not subject to taxes because it does not technically make a profit. As a nonprofit, the NFL is supposed to direct revenue back into an operating budget. Nothing prevents the league from doing so by paying enormous salaries. According to mediaite.com, the league paid eight of its executives about $53 million in 2009. That’s how the league office operates at a loss. The commissioner alone collected $29 million. ESPN.go.com cites a quote from Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., in which he references how NFL employ-
ees avoided taxes from hotels and restaurants by using its 501(c)(6) exemption at the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Similar events took place at this year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. Yet another symbol of the greed of those in positions of power within America’s most popular and the world’s most lucrative sports league. NFL ticket prices are ridiculous and cost the average fan an arm and a leg to see a favorite team play in person. According to money.cnn.com, the average game day price for a Dallas Cowboys game is $313. The game day experience includes two tickets, a parking spot and two beers. The league average game day experience is $209. Compare that to calculations for game-day experience in Major League Baseball. For four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four hot dogs, one parking space, two game programs and two adjustable caps, the most expensive game day experience would be the Boston Red Sox at about $337. The league average game day experience is about $210. For just $1 more than the NFL experience, you get 14 more items at an MLB game. The NFL is not making it worthwhile to attend games in person,
Sound Off
but here’s the problem: You wouldn’t know it based on fan response. League executives and franchise owners know the product is in demand and that people will attend no matter the price. Football fans are starved because the NFL holds the shortest regular season in team sports and one of the longest offseasons. Plus, fans in the area of their favorite team typically have only eight realistic opportunities to see their team play at home. With boycotting games being an option most fans are not comfortable with, Congress is being urged to take away the NFL’s nonprofit status through a petition on change. org titled “Congress: Revoke the Tax-Exempt Status of the National Football League.” The fact of the matter is the NFL is a multi-billion dollar industry and should no longer be able to avoid taxes through Section 501(c)(6). The methods used to continue to maintain its nonprofit status symbolizes the greed of NFL league executives, as does the sky-high ticket prices. I love the sport of football and I love the product the NFL puts out on the field. It is entertaining and something I look forward to every Sunday. But it is time for the NFL to lose its nonprofit status.
Viewpoint by Katherine Garcia kgarcia203@ student.alamo.edu
how to be strong. I found out she was sick only months before she died. Her passing caught up to me too quickly. I didn’t have enough time to spend with her; we were not as close as we should have been.
She didn’t complain about her pain; she only expressed gratitude to family members tending to her side at the hospital. I visited her often and hoped for the best. Days before she passed away in January, she entrusted her granddaughters with her rings. I chose a blue ring with a gold band, one she had not worn in a while, but one that made me feel like she was still with me. I wear this ring often so I don’t forget her. After my aunt became ill, she had a dream saying grandma could heal her. My grandma inspired me to help out my family. I didn’t want to lose another family member, and I saw my aunt’s dream as a sign that I could save her. I’ve been helping her pay for her medical bills. I may not have been able to help my grandma, but
“I don’t really check my ACES, but when I do, I think it’s inconvenient to have two passwords.” Destiny Acosta, forensic science freshman “I suppose it’s useful and annoying, but I think the additional password is helpful when it comes to security.” Timothy Castillo, biology sophomore “I regularly checked my ACES, but stopped because it was not useful, never functioning properly when needed, and I prefer to use my personal email.” Will Ingraham, geology sophomore “I don’t really remember it, so I always have to go into my personal information to get my password.” Jonathan Jimenez, criminal justice freshman “I guess it’s good because it helps with security, but I do forget my passwords now and again.” Kyle Laymond, fire science freshman “I don’t know much about it, but I get all my emails forwarded from ACES to my personal email.” Sergio Lorea, physics sophomore “Its OK, but it takes a while to look for the password. It’s a hassle to go back and forward in ACES.” Dalia Lomas, computer information systems freshman
Grandmother’s ring helps keep promise I wish I had been closer to my grandma on my mother’s side long before she died. But the year before she passed, she taught me an important lesson. Remembering her reinforces life lessons I have learned: to be kind, to be thankful and never complain. She taught me
How do you like having two email passwords?
through my grandma’s strength, I can help my aunt. After my grandma died, my uncle told me how proud of me she was. She would keep old copies of news stories I’d written. After receiving the ring, I decided to always make her proud. But more often than not, I forget her words, face and strength. Then I remember her ring on my left hand, and I picture her hand holding mine. I have to keep wearing her ring to remind myself not who I am but who I should be. I will never be perfect, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t strive to do my best to make her proud. I won’t forget her or her lesson. I will be strong, for her, my aunt, for everyone. I can do it all, because she believed I could. And I will never let her down.
“I didn’t know there was an additional password for ACES, but I think it’s good and would improve the security.” Roble Mesfin, engineering freshman “I’m so shocked about having an assigned password. I think if we are to have a separate password for our email, it should be personalized.” France Mlntamat, communication design freshman “I think it’s good to improve security, but they should make the operations less complicated.” Dean Nwokey, kinesiology sophomore
Drummer journeys from the tour life to the college life Waking up in a van full of estrogen from one city or state to another is an experience I will never forget or regret. Heather Go Psycho is my three-piece girl Viewpoint by band that originated in Diana M. December 2006. I play Sanchez drums and sing backsac-ranger@alamo.edu up vocals for the band. I began learning drums through friends who were drummers in bands, practicing on their drum set and learning how to play fast and hard, just like the boys. Our first show was in April 2007 with our friend’s band Given A Chance, who were willing to give us a chance, at a venue called Café Revolution in this city’s West Side. I will never forget it and how eager we were to hit the stage. People made comments like “Not another wannabe girl band, they’re going to suck.” We performed five songs that night, including “First to Worst” and “Super Drunk Girl.” The crowd looked amazed when they heard the punk rock explosion through the speakers. After the show, we got comments like “Wow, not bad for a girl band,” and “You girls were amazing, but you’re no Girl in a Coma.”
At that moment, we decided that music is what we wanted to do in life. We wanted to prove to people and ourselves that as female musicians we have what it takes. In 2007, I was attending this college taking core classes for a business major, and working at one of my many part-time jobs. We tried to create a name for ourselves, playing shows wherever we could get them. By the summer of 2008, I was completely invested in the band, wanting to tour and put out albums. HGP began playing shows regularly, sometimes five to six shows a month, and became the house band at the late Jiggers. I did not return to college for fall 2008. The pressures of being in the band, playing late nights caused my grades to suffer. I dropped out to pursue my dreams of being in a band. We began saving money and fundraising, recording in do-it-yourself studios around town. I thought this was what living like a rock star was, nickel and diming your way to the top. We gained a lot of fame locally with the grunge, metal and punk scene, playing shows at legendary locations that are no longer around like The Pedicab, Sin 13 and The Sanctuary. These were all memorable good times, performing on stages where some of my favorite bands performed, and at times, opening for
them. HGP had the opportunity to open for lead singer Mike Herrera’s band called Tumbledown, a band Herrera calls “music when you grow up.” These moments were times that I felt being in a band had really paid off — not literally though, we got paid little to nothing. If you do not bring people out to the show, you do not get paid, so in a way you transition into a salesperson, selling your shows to random people to make a dollar at the door. In fall 2010, I went back to school, registering for a few core classes to not give up on education. I attended Northwest Vista College for two semesters, but again band obligations caused me to leave school. HGP raised money to record our first CD “Favorite Record” produced by AMH studios. After we came out with a music video directed by Jenn Alva from Girl in a Coma. Then, things started getting real. We were no longer the 18-year-old punk rock girls; we were women who wanted to make music our career. We went on our first tour in summer 2011 to the West Coast, touring through the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona to get to the mecca of punk rock, Los Angeles. We performed at a punk festival in Pomona, Calif., where a guy yelled at us “shut up, and take off your top,” something we heard frequently throughout our tour. As women in a
band, it is easy to get offended by comments, but as the tour continued, we realized it wasn’t worth getting upset. HGP quickly learned ways to redirect the crowd to what is important, our music. We followed with a fall tour in 2012 to the Midwest, playing shows through El Paso, Missouri and Wisconsin. In Kansas City, Mo., a drunken woman asked my guitarist if we were there to play mariachi music. We did not respond. Instead, we dominated the stage, and after the performance, she wanted to purchase our band shirt. With frequent traveling, money was sparse, and after being stuck in a van with each other for so many days at a time, we decided we needed a break. During the break, I decided I needed to go back to school and finish. I changed my major to communications with a minor in marketing after using marketing tools and communication skills in trying to maintain a successful band. I told the girls that I would be attending school this year. Soin the summer we did a two-week tour to the East Coast, traveling to the other side of the musical spectrum, all the way to the big lights of New York City. For more information on HGP, visit heathergospsycho.com.
Premiere
12 • Nov. 15, 2013
www.theranger.org/premiere
KSYM’s sex ed show airs Wednesday Sex experts can answer students’ questions on college radio show via emailed queries. By Neven Jones
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Symphony, Legend of Zelda join for second quest
DJ Ann “Red Rock” Hardee and certified sex therapist Cay Crow will air their new sex education show called “Nightmoves” at 10 p.m. Wednesday on college radio station KSYM 90.1 FM. The hosts are looking for a “regular guy” to cohost the 30-minute weekly show because Victor “Mission Man” Martinez, who guested in pilots, will not continue with the show. Prospective candidates will go through an
audition process that begins with sending an email to Hardee at nightmovesksym@gmail. com. Candidates will be interviewed and required to guest host on “Nightmoves” for one month to see if they have chemistry with Hardee and Crow, Hardee said. Crow and Hardee had to pre-record four shows before taking their show to the airwaves. Adviser John Onderdonk, radio-televisionfilm professor, wanted to make sure the content was addressed in a mature way. Onderdonk said the show took a delicate subject and handled it well. The show will start with an informative segment followed by a guest and ending with a seg-
ment of questions and comments. “Nightmoves” is planning to air a series entitled “The Art of Communication and Sex,” which consists of three shows on “the talk before the romp,” “long-term relationships and marriage,” and “sex education or lack thereof.” Hardee is a retired nurse and a radio-television-broadcasting sophomore. She has been hosting “All Stars Breakfast,” on air 7 a.m.- 9 a.m. Sundays, for two years. Crow teaches human sexuality and psychology courses as an adjunct at this college. Email sex-related questions to the hosts at nightmovesksym@gmail.com. Include gender and age range. Names will not be used on the air.
2013 tour ends in San Antonio. By Jahna Lacey
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
A new adventure awaits as “The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses” takes on its second quest on stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston St. Music and visuals from the popular video game franchise will be played in an orchestrated four-movement symphony based on the games “Skyward Sword,” “Spirit Tracks,” “Link’s Awakening,” “Ocarina of Time,” “The Wind Waker,” “Twilight Princess” and “A Link to the Past.” “The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Second Quest” will include 30 minutes of fresh material as it explores additional chapters of the series. Act 1 will feature an overture with interludes including “Dungeons of Hyrule,” “Kakariko Village Hope and Calm” and “Songs of the Hero.” The symphony in the first act includes the themes from “Ocarina of Time” and “The Wind Waker.” Act 2 will begin with an intermezzo, or a short musical solo, with “The Great Fairy’s Fountain” and orchestrated music from “Twilight Princess” and “A Link to the Past” before the finale. Symphony conductor Susie Benchasil Seiter grew up in Baltimore where she cultivated her interest in choir and piano. She received musical training from the University of Southern California and later began assisting Hollywood composers and working at Disney’s music preparation department. Her husband, music director and arranger Chad Seiter, is a Los Angeles composer who has written music for numerous titles in Hollywood’s large movie and television titles such as “Lost” and “Fringe.” “The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses” has been staged more than 60 times. Since Jan. 20, 2012, in Dallas, the Seiters have been orchestrating the symphony while on tour. No cameras, phones or pagers will be allowed for use in the theater. A VIP package for $103.50 includes a premium top price ticket in a preferred seat, a chance to meet and greet the producers and creative team behind the symphony, and a limited edition poster signed by the creative team. Tickets range from $37.50 to $103.50. To purchase tickets, visit a Ticketmaster outlet, ticketmaster.com or the Majestic Theater box office. For more information, call 210-2265700.
Chemistry sophomore Brandon Rangel strikes a winning blow, knocking geology sophomore Will Ingraham off his perch in a pugil stick match Wednesday in the mall. Pugil stick-fighting is one of multiple competitive games hosted by the office of student life at Stress-Out Day. Daniel Carde
Exihibit celebrates Indian skaters By Adriana Ruiz
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., offers exhibits that spread awareness and appreciation of all Texans. “Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America,” a Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibit that celebrates Indian skateboarding culture, may interest college students, Bryan Howard, director of research exhibits and collections, said. The exhibit features photographs, film footage and skate decks created by Native American artists. “Ramp It Up: Texas Style” features deck art from the MacArthur High School skate culture. “The 201st Fighter Squadron: Mexico Joins the
Fight in World War II” is an exhibit Howard recommends to anyone with an interest in World War II. The exhibit contains photos, archival materials, footage By Adriana Ruiz from Mexican documentaries and book passages that sac-ranger@alamo.edu give insight into a time when Mexican soldiers fought during World War II alongside American soldiers. Although admission to the San Other current exhibits are “Traveling on Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Fredericksburg Road” and “Why We Came: The Ave., is free with a student ID, special Immigration Experience.” events and galleries, such as “Lethal The institute is open 9 a.m.-5 Beauty: Samurai Weapons p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 and Armor,” requires a $5 Student p.m. Sunday. General admission is fee. $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and The exhibit showcases 75 admission is up, $6 for children age 3-11, $6 for objects such as swords and free with ID active military, $6 for other students. uniforms and range from the to the McNay
Costume display at McNay By Adriana Ruiz
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels, has more than 20,000 works of art and displays Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” and Pablo Picasso’s “Reclining Woman on the Beach.” “If you have any interest in art, you would want to see it,” visitor services coordinator Betty Franklin said. She said the special exhibit, “Cut! Costume and the Cinema,” is an in-depth look into the art of costume-making. Stage costumes are also on display. Costumes are from popular movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Although admission is free for district students
13th century samurai armor at SAMA
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Art Institute, Institute of Texas Cultures and San Antonio Museum of Art.
with ID, special exhibits like “Cut!” require a $5 entrance fee. Other current exhibits include “Onstage! Costume Design and Theatre,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “C. Thomas Wright Patron and Collector,” “Rosalyn Schwartz: A Brief History of Seduction,” “Native Son: Prints and Drawings by Luis A. Jimenez Jr.,” “Frost Octagon Video: Nic Nicosia’s ‘Middletown,’’’ and Catherine Lee’s “Alice.” Hours for the McNay are 10 a.m-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m-9 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 and up, $10 for active military, $10 for students with ID, and free for children 12 and under.
13th to the 20th century. Gallery attendant Lee Peterson said he recommends the Latin American wing. “I think it’s really cool and I have a new appreciation for it.” Objects are from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Other exhibits are “Danny Lyon: The Bike Riders” and “Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus: ‘Patron Saint’ of Texas.” Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday, Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and up, and free for children 10 and under. It’s free for everyone 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m-noon Sunday.