Vol. 86 Issue 8
Single copies free
Nov. 7, 2011
THE RANGER A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
SEXUAL ASSAULT ALERT 5 $150 VACCINE REQUIRED 6 TO DROP OR NOT TO DROP 24
THE WAR COMES HOME WITH TROOPS
All photos by AccuNet/AP Images
Calendar
2 • Nov. 7, 2011 For coverage in Calendar, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
Today SAC Transfer: Concordia University 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon-1 p.m. in faculty and staff lounge of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Meeting: Campus Activities Board 4 p.m.-5 p.m. in faculty and staff lounge of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. Tuesday Election: Voting for Amendment, Joint General, Special and Bond Election 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Visit votexas.org or call 210335-8683. SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Transfer: Wayland Baptist University 10 a.m.-noon on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. PAC Lecture: “A Nation Seized” by Bill Israel 11:25 a.m. in Room 109 of Pedernales. Call 210-486-3130. SAC Hot Potato: “Does Affirmative Action Promote Racial Equality?” by President Robert Zeigler 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. at Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 210-733-1441. SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ 1:30 p.m. in Room 113 of chemistry and geology. Continues Tuesdays. Call 210-486-1233. SAC Event: Strategies and Tools for 21st Century Researching 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. in the writing center in Room 203 of Gonzales. Call 210-486-1433. Wednesday SAC Event: Talent Show 11 a.m.-1
p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210486-0125. SAC Event: Money Matters series “In Trouble” sponsored by office of student life 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0126. SAC Meeting: Psi Beta 3 p.m.-4 p.m. in Room 642 of Moody. Continues Wednesdays. Call 210-486-1264 or email rross41@alamo.edu. SAC Meeting: Gay and Lesbian Association 3 p.m.-4 p.m. in Room 644 of Moody. Call 210-486-0673. SAC Meeting: Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in MESA Center. Continues Wednesdays. Call 210486-0342 or email mpackard2@alamo. edu. NLC Music: Veterans Day Concert “America, of Thee I Sing” 7 p.m. in performing arts center. Call 210-486-5640. Thursday SAC Event: Lecture by artist and master printer Richard Duardo 10:50 a.m.-noon, and printmaking workshop 1:40 p.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Call 210-4861042. SAC Event: Smoking Awareness and Prevention sponsored by office of student life 11 a.m.-noon in Loftin. Call 210486-0125. SAC Event: Documentation Workshop: Citing Sources Correctly 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. in the writing center in Room 203 of Gonzales. Continues Nov. 15. Call 210486-1433. Friday SAC Exhibit: Modern Multiples Fine Art Studio’s “Hot Off the Press” opening reception 5 p.m.-8 p.m. on second floor of
The Ranger
visual arts. Call 210-486-1042.
Incarnate Word 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.
PAC Play: “Las Nuevas Tamaleras” written by Alicia Mena 7 :30 p.m. in performing arts auditorium. $5 for PAC students, $10 others. Call 210-486-3125.
SAC Music: Early Music Ensemble 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in theater in McCreless. Call 210-486-0255.
Saturday
Nov. 16
SAC Sport: Racquetball tournament sponsored by the kinesiology and dance department 9 a.m. in racquetball courts in Candler. Suggested donation $5. Call 210-486-1029.
SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University 9 a.m.-noon on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.
Event: Family fun fitness day sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at San Pedro Springs Park. Call 210-486-1136. Nov. 13 Music: An Afternoon of Ragtime Piano sponsored by San Antonio Ragtime Society 3 p.m.5 p.m. at 106 Auditorium Circle. Suggested donation $10. Call 210-5410760. Nov. 14 SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. by appointment in transfer center. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Event: Leadership — Collaborative Relationships sponsored by office of student life 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Continues 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Tuesday. Call 210-486-0125. Nov. 15 SAC Event: Maid Cafe sponsored by the Japanese Club in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. For more information, call 210486-0965. SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues Wednesday. Call 210486-0864. SAC
Transfer: University of the
SAC Event: Sixth annual Fashion Show sponsored by office of student life noon-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210486-0128. SAC Event: Honors Ceremony 5:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-4860881. Nov. 17 SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Event: Coping Skills and Stress Management sponsored by office of student life 11 a.m.-noon in Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. Nov. 18 SAC Event: Coffee Open Mic Night sponsored by Cheshyre Cheese Club and office of student life 6 p.m.-9 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Event: 14th annual Alternative to Hunger concert sponsored by campus radio station KSYM 90.1 FM 6 p.m.11 p.m. at Beethoven Maennerchor, 422 Pereida. Admission five cans of food or $5; one frozen turkey gets 5 people in. Call 210-486-1373.
Calendar Legend SAC: San Antonio College NVC: Northwest Vista College SPC: St. Philip’s College SWC: Southwest Campus PAC: Palo Alto College NLC: Northeast Lakeview College AC: Alamo Colleges
The Ranger
News
Nov. 7, 2011 • 3
DegreeWorks, a Sungard Higher Education product, shows students the remaining classes they need to complete a degree plan.
Degree auditing software expected Nov. 14 District may update new $151,000 program within six months. By Joshua Fechter The Alamo Colleges will roll out a new degree auditing software to be integrated with Banner Nov. 14. Sungard Higher Education, the maker of Banner software, states on its website that DegreeWorks provides academic advising, degree auditing and transfer credit evaluation. The software will show coursework students need to complete a degree. The district purchased the software for $151,000 in spring. Patricia Parma, district director of student success initiatives, said the district meant to implement the software over the summer but decided to wait until November to allow enough time to train people at each college. Parma said they also wanted to make sure all of the degree plans in the system were accurate. “The student deserves that,” she said. Katherine Beaumont, recruiter and adviser at the center for academic transitions at Palo Alto College, said DegreeWorks is user-friendly and will be helpful to students. “It’s right there at their fingertips,” she said. Beaumont said the software does not eliminate the need for counselors or advisers
because students may still need to visit them to make plans to transfer to another institution. “DegreeWorks adds an additional piece to counseling,” she said. Beaumont presented a tutorial on how to conduct a degree audit Oct. 26 in Ozuna Learning and Academic Center during Palo Alto’s Employee Development Day. During the session, Beaumont showed employees features such as the what-if audit, which allows students to see progress with a change in major. Beaumont said DegreeWorks pulls information from student records in Banner, so the program will reflect students’ current academic records. Art Professor Mark Hogensen of Palo Alto said he thinks the software is straightforward and is eager to see students like it. “Something like this is long overdue,” he said. Dr. John G. Hernandez, philosophy professor at Palo Alto, said he is excited to see how the program works and thinks it will help the advising process. “I hope it contributes to student success,” he said. Parma said the software will not include degree plans prior to fall 2010, but students who follow a plan prior to fall 2010 can still check the software to ensure the plan in the system matches theirs. Velia Tovar, enrollment services professional
at the center for student information, said the district decided to change the software’s name from DegreeWorks to Alamo GPS in ACES as an abbreviation of “goal plus plan equals success.” Tovar said the district is creating logos to accompany the software, but it may still be called DegreeWorks when it rolls out Nov. 14. Tovar said each college will decide how to introduce the program to its students and employees, but the district is trying to schedule as many training sessions for faculty and staff as possible before the rollout date. Emma Mendiola, dean of student affairs at this college, said admissions and records staff have had some training in DegreeWorks, but the college will offer additional training sessions before its implementation. As of Thursday, additional training sessions had not been scheduled. Mendiola said once a group of employees is trained, those employees will share that knowledge with colleagues. “They will teach people to fish,” she said. Parma said the district is deciding whether to upgrade the software from DegreeWorks 4.0 to 4.9, but it has not committed to purchasing the upgrade. She said she did not know how much the upgrade would cost. Scott Pruitt, customer relationship manager at Sungard Higher Education, said he did not know either.
4 • Nov. 7, 2011
People
The Ranger Liberal arts freshmen Marc Lombrano, left, Jorge Zapata, Marcos Rivera and Hugo Hernandez play a game of pickup soccer Tuesday west of Fletcher. Rivera said they never keep score and play for recreation. Casandra Gonzales
The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, streaks through the clear blue sky Oct. 29 at the Randolph Air Force Base Airshow 2011. The squadron maintains a wedge-shaped formation as the squadron passes in front of the crescent moon. Rennie Murrell
Above: Nursing sophomores Alexis Waldrep and Rebecca Villarreal participate in a sugar skull workshop as part of DĂa de los Muertos Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Valerie Salazar Left: Nursing freshman Elisha Apawan walks the catwalk Monday dressed as a marionette for a Halloween costume contest in Loftin. Apawan won first place for the scariest costume. She said her inspiration came from living dolls, or people who dress up as dolls. Ingrid Wilgen
The Ranger
News
Nov. 7, 2011 • 5
Sexual assault, robbery in parking Lot 10 Assailant remains unapprehended and unidentified by police.
whether she knew the attacker. The incident is being investigated by SAPD, and the Alamo Colleges police department will assist, Adams said. By Alma Linda Manzanares District police will check surveillance cameras to see if the incident was recorded, Adams A female student reported being sexually said. assaulted and robbed at about 7 p.m. Monday He received an email about the incident in Lot 10 at Courtland Place and Lewis Street. about 8:47 p.m., but learned details about At 10:41 p.m. the Alamo Colleges police the incident from a phone call about 9 p.m., department issued a campus crime alert about he said. the incident through ACES email. McCourt said sexual assault is vaginal, oral The suspect was described in the email as or anal penetration by penile or object. a white male, 5-feet-9 inches tall, 160 pounds, According to the Rape Crisis Center website, 19-23 years of age. if a person was assaulted In case of an emergency on He was wearing a gray less than 96 hours previcampus, call district police at baggy shirt and blue jeans ously, they should call the 210-222-0911 or dial 911. and possibly was driving a police jurisdiction in which Courtesy phones are available gray car, according to the the assault occurred and throughout the campus and alert. file a police report. are identified with a blue light. Chief Don Adams said The police will escort the student went home and the victim to the nearest later called the San Antonio Police Department hospital with a sexual assault nurse examiner to to report the assault. conduct a medical forensic exam. Sgt. Wes McCourt of the SAPD Sex Crimes The purpose of the exam is for the victim Unit, said the call came in at 7:49 p.m. and was to receive evaluation and treatment of trauma, issued as a robbery. treatment of possible exposure to infection, McCourt said the suspect had a crowbar, and referral to counseling and follow-up mediused it to pry open her car door and stole her cal care. purse. The sexual assault nurse examiner also colHe said it was not presented as a weapon, lects evidence from the victim and victim’s and the report did not indicate if the car win- clothing. dow was smashed. During an exam, the victim’s medical history McCourt said the student was leaving camis recorded to determine injuries and appropripus between 7 p.m.-7:05 p.m. when the suspect ate medical treatment. drove up to her car. A head-to-toe examination, including the Adams and McCourt said they would not genital area, is conducted to document trauma, comment on how the victim was assaulted or and forensic evidence is collected.
Personal safety The following tips are offered on the Alamo Colleges police department website on what to do if a potential threat is recognized: • Tell an assailant you recognize them as a potential threat. • Avoid traveling the same route everyday. • Go to a well-lit area and call the police. • Run to a large group of people or yell, scream or create any commotion possible if a threat is eminent. • Call the police if you see another person in trouble. Everyday safety tips include: • Have keys ready when approaching your vehicle. • Avoid walking to a window to speak to people. • Walk in the center of the sidewalk away from the buildings, doorways, hedges and parked vehicles. • Wal briskly along the sidewalk in a high-traffic area.
To reduce similar incidents, students should be aware of their surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity to Alamo Colleges police. Students can request at 210-485-0099 an Alamo Colleges police escort if they feel unsafe. Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to call the Alamo Colleges police department and speak with the assigned investigator at 210-485-0099.
Rape Crisis Center, DPS offer crime prevention sessions By Diana Palomo The college scheduled two crime prevention sessions after a student reported a sexual assault and robbery on campus Oct. 31. The Rape Crisis Center and the district department of public safety presented campus awareness and personal safety tips at 6 p.m. Thursday. A second presentation will be 9:25 a.m.-10:40 a.m. Tuesday at the empowerment center at Howard Avenue and Evergreen Street. Presenters from the Rape Crisis Center include outreach Coordinator Chloe Tower, education Coordinator Debbie Benavides and volunteer Coordinator Nicole Castro. Topics include Rape Crisis Center services, risk reduction, prevention tactics and campus safety tips.
Tower said the event is to raise community and campus awareness. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the effects of rape and talk about their experiences. Dr. Helen Vera, chair of the women’s center and services to nontraditional students, said the session will discuss being safe and aware of surroundings. The sessions are open to the public. The Rape Crisis Center provides services for children and adults in need of immediate crisis care and support and hope for victims. Anyone in need of assistance can call the Rape Crisis Center’s 24-hour hotline at 210-349-7273 or office at 210-521-7273. For more information, call the empowerment center at 210-486-0455. Visit www.theranger.org for coverage of Thursday’s crime prevention session and to learn more tips about how to stay safe on-or-off-campus.
6 • Nov. 7, 2011
News
The Ranger
Meningitis vaccine is a must in January State law requires vaccination for new and transfer students By Faith Duarte
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Students planning to attend college in January have another item to add to the back-to-school checklist. Senate Bill 1107, which takes effect in January, requires a bacterial meningitis vaccination, or booster, for all college students regardless of housing status. The Alamo Colleges website states the student vaccination window is from five years to 10 days before spring enrollment. The semester begins Jan. 17, the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Students who have had a break in enrollment lasting at least one semester, and transfer students are required to obtain the vaccination. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, three membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The National Meningitis Association says symptoms include high fever, body aches and fatigue similar to influenza, but stiffness of the neck is a key indicator in diagnosing the infection. While most people make a full recovery, the onset of meningitis can rapidly progress — even with prompt medical treatment — and may cause deafness, blindness, loss of limbs, brain damage, paralysis or death. The Texas Tribune stated Aug. 12 that Texas is the first state to require student vaccinations. The new law is a provision to House Bill 4189 enacted by the 81st Texas Legislature in 2009, which required vaccination for college students living on campus. The Texas Legislature passed both laws in memory of Jamie Schanbaum, a student from the University of Texas at Austin who contracted meningitis in November 2008. Although she survived, Schanbaum remained in intensive care for two months, and doctors amputated both legs below the knees and all of her fingers. Schanbaum told the Texas Tribune, “It could have been worse: I could have been blind, I could have been deaf, I could have had brain damage, I could have died.” The new bill also honors Nicolis Williams, a 20-year-old student from Texas A&M University in College Station who lived off-campus, con-
tracted the disease and died in February. At the time of his death, Williams lived off-campus because campus housing was full. The Texas Tribune said Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Forth Worth, sponsored the new legislation. “From this day forward, we’ll never know, of course, whose life was saved as a consequence, but no doubt there will be people whose lives are saved,” she said. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there are approximately 2.4 cases per 100,000 people annually.
Exceptions to the new legislation include: Students 30 years of age or older. Students enrolled in distance education courses, including online classes. Students who submit an affidavit or certificate signed by a physician stating the vaccination would be dangerous to the student’s wellbeing. Students who submit an Affidavit Request for Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Allow several weeks for submission and approval.
The Ranger
Nov. 7, 2011 • 7
News
‘You’re buying time,’ professor says English professor endures clinical trials after cancer returns. By Faith Duarte English Professor Donna Duke-Koelfgen is undergoing experimental treatment at South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics after a relapse of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The disease affects the nodes of the lymphatic system, which help fight infection. She was first diagnosed with the disease at age 48 in September 2006. Tests showed the cancer was at Stage 4; it had spread to her bone marrow. She said she “lit up like a Christmas tree” during positron emission tomography, or PET scans, which measure vital functions after radioactive chemicals are injected into the body. Duke-Koelfgen said she soon underwent a combination of chemotherapy drugs called R-CHOP to destroy the cancer cells, but the medication kept her constantly nauseated. She said the lymphoma returned in December 2009, a few months after she stopped her chemotherapy sessions and was declared in remission. She said doctors reclassified the cancer at Stage 4, although it didn’t affect her bone marrow. It reappeared less than six months after remission. Doctors referred her to START shortly after the relapse. Duke-Koelfgen said she participated in several unsuccessful clinical trials, including medications “that tasted like jet fuel” and increased her liver enzymes. She said her current medication, called 806946, has reduced her tumors by 40 percent. She said because the treatment is only in the trial phase, it will be named only if it continues to be successful. Duke-Koelfgen said, with a laugh, she wants it to be called DD-K, her initials. High blood sugar is a side effect, so she uses strips to test her blood and watches her diet. She said the trial started with six people,
but people are visiting San Antonio to participate because of the continued success. In addition to the START center in San Antonio, there are centers in Madrid and at Fudan University in Shanghai. She said she goes to treatment every Wednesday for three weeks in a row with one week off between sessions. Because it’s a clinical trial, they run other tests to make sure the medication isn’t creating side effects that make the patient feel worse then the disease. While the medication is administered intravenously, her blood is monitored to test its effectiveness. She said she gets a substitute to teach her classes on her treat
Breast Exam In the Shower
Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.
Before a mirror Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin or changes in the nipples. Then rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match — few women’s breasts do.
Lying down ment days and has back-up activities for her classes in case she needs to see a doctor for unexpected side effects. “If I miss a day, there’s something ready for the class to do,” she said. Duke-Koelfgen said ACES helps her keep in contact with her students, but she enjoys in-class interaction. “If I can see it in somebody’s eyes, I know they got it,” she said. “Sometimes, I don’t have that as much as I want, but things are getting done.” Duke-Koelfgen said she’s upfront about her condition with students; she informs her classes at the beginning of each semester. “If they work with me, I work with them,” she said. For more information, go to www.startthecure.com.
Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast. Source: www.tennesseebreastcenter.com/
8 • Nov. 7, 2011
The Ranger
News
Cancer survivor focuses on life in San Antonio A service dog helped her cope with depression during treatment. By Faith Duarte Former student Martha Henry was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, at age 40, after finding a lump in one of her breasts. She was in the Netherlands when she was diagnosed and was initially unsure about returning to the United States because she didn’t have medical insurance. Henry said after her return to the United States, doctors discovered she was in Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, which spread to her bones. Doctors told her she had only a 50 percent chance of living two years after diagnosis.
Henry said her oncologist released her from treatment this summer after eight long years of treatment and check-ups. She said doesn’t participate in activities involving breast cancer awareness because she doesn’t want to be reminded of the fear, pain, nausea and depression she suffered. Henry said she tends to focus on activities involving local issues and urban development; however, she’s open to sharing her experiences. According to www.komen.org, patients with Stage 4 cancer have a 15 percent chance of survival five years after their initial diagnosis. Henry’s mother and grandmother also had breast cancer. She said the oncologist “threw
in the kitchen sink” to aggressively treat her. It consisted of chemotherapy for six months and radiation for seven weeks, with a month of rest between each treatment. Then, doctors performed a bilateral mastectomy, a procedure that removes both breasts. According to www.breastcancer.org, medicine is administered during the chemotherapy process to destroy cancer cells at the tumor site and may be given intravenously through a patient’s hand or arm or orally in capsule form. She said she visited an oncologist three to four times per week and endured radiation five days a week for eight months. Once treatment was over, appointments with her oncologist waned from every month, to every
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Martha Henry playing with Hank, a service dog prescribed for helping her cope with depression caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Courtesy six months, then annually. Henry said she felt poisoned while undergoing chemotherapy but felt her treatment was working during radiation. While in treatment, she also had a port surgically inserted into her chest, a disc that connects an IV tube to a vein for smoother chemotherapy treatments. Henry jokingly called the port a “red devil” and said she felt anchored, but once it was removed, she said it was a “big symbol of being unleashed.” She said dots marked her chest to show where to place the port. She calls them her only tattoos. She said hearing others recount stories of those who lost family members to breast cancer was depressing. “People don’t want to hear horror stories.” Henry said she suffered from depression during treatment, but a service dog enabled her to cope physically and mentally with her illness. The depression was more debilitating than her diagnosis, and it’s sneaky so people should be more aware of it. For more information, visit www.breastcancer.org
The Ranger
News
Nov. 7, 2011 • 9
Experience allows dean to drop ‘interim’ New dean of student affairs is chosen for experience.
counseling chair at Palo Alto College; and Dr. Karlene Fenton, dual credit director at St. Philip’s College. By Joshua Fechter Rosenauer said the committee did not recommend a specific candidate because their job Emma Mendiola was approved to fill the was to screen candidates, not choose them. position of dean of student affairs Oct. 25 by Mendiola said she is excited to be an official a 7-0 vote of the Alamo Community College member of the college executive team and District board. excited for initiatives such as the Mendiola had served as interim districtwide implementation of dean since spring 2011. DegreeWorks, a degree auditing Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of software to be integrated with student affairs, said Mendiola was the Banner. best applicant based on her experi“I have been humbled and ence in the office of student affairs. overwhelmed by the support I “That made her a strong applihave received,” Mendiola said. cant,” he said. “She proved herself.” She said she believes colPresident Robert Zeigler said the leagues take her more seriously three candidates the search commitnow that her position is official. Emma Mendiola tee recommended were viable candi“Interactions feel different; dates but that Mendiola’s experience they feel more solid,” Mendiola as interim dean of student affairs made her said. stand out. She said she will have to change her business “We decided she was the best choice,” he card to remove the word “interim,” but that she said. will not order new cards until she runs out. Dr. Johnnie Rosenauer, director of Murguia “I’m going green; I’ll scratch out ‘interim’ for Learning Institute, chaired the search commitnow,” Mendiola said. tee, which screened seven applicants employed The college has been without a dean of by Alamo Colleges and narrowed the field to student affairs since Vela was promoted to vice three candidates: Mendiola; Dr. Yolanda Reyna, president of student affairs in spring 2009.
Vela came to this college as dean of student affairs in fall 2008 and was promoted to vice president in spring 2009. Vela left the college temporarily to become interim director of the center for student information in spring 2010. During that time, Mendiola served as acting assistant vice president of student affairs. He returned to his position as vice president in fall 2010. Mendiola stayed in the office to update Vela on student affairs and became interim dean in spring 2011. The position was open only to internal candidates. Eight others served on the committee: enrollment specialist Henry Castillo; student activities specialist Carrie Hernandez; counseling secretary Esther Campa; Sylvia Ybarra, reading and education professor; mortuary science Professor Francisco Solis; Counselor Jim Lucchelli; Dr. Conrad Krueger, dean of arts and sciences; and Vernell Walker, dean of professional and technical education. The candidates spoke to employees about their credentials in a series of forums in late September. Zeigler and Vela reviewed the candidates and submitted their recommendation to Chancellor Bruce Leslie.
Board letter clarifies intent, but gag order for retirees stands Faculty legal association still questions legality of keeping terms private. By J. Almendarez The Alamo Colleges upheld the wording in a controversial gag order Oct. 25 at the regular board meeting in Room 101 of Killen Center. It states, “… you agree not to make derogatory or disparaging remarks regarding Alamo Colleges, your employment or your separation from employment with Alamo Colleges, unless compelled to do so by a subpoena or court order following written notice to Alamo Colleges.” It also states, “except as required by applicable law, the terms and conditions of this agreement shall remain confidential and you (retirees) shall not respond to or participate in any public discussion or other publicity con-
cerning or relating to your employment with, resignation or separation from Alamo Colleges.” The board unanimously voted to send retirees a letter clarifying, “the intent of this provision is to ensure the confidentiality of the terms of this Agreement and the conditions of employment in which you separated from Alamo Colleges. As it relates to this program, engaging in any public discussion or other publicity relating to any Alamo Colleges matter of public concern is not intended to be prohibited by this provision.” The letter does not legally change the contract. Gerald Busald, math professor and president of the Alamo Community College District Faculty Legal Action Association, said in the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the meeting, “If the words are still there, a letter doesn’t really change a contract. And so from a legal standpoint, I don’t know if we’ve really accom-
plished anything.” He said while the association is relieved to know the district did not plan to completely stifle retirees, concerns were also raised about why the terms of a contract distributing public money would be considered private. Busald reminded trustees that retirees could not decide to retract their commitment to accept retirement incentives or face termination. “How can we have people bound to a contract they haven’t seen? The legality of that certainly is questionable,” he said. He recommended the board review its policies more carefully so a “misunderstanding” of contracts does not happen again. Busald said Oct. 26 the association was continuing to seek legal advice about the matter. District 6 trustee Blakely Fernandez and District 4 trustee Marcelo Casillas did not attend the meeting.
10 • Nov. 7, 2011
News
The Ranger
Student life director demands payment for interviews Local and national media pick up college story. By J. Almendarez and Joshua Fechter Jorge Posadas, director of student life, said in an email Oct. 17, if The Ranger wants to interview him, “we can set up a professional consulting contract and we can negotiate an appropriate fee.” Thursday, he was to meet with the president and vice president of student affairs to discuss the abnormal request. Posadas has long demanded email exchanges with The Ranger and refused to conduct telephone or in-person interviews to provide information on the goings-on on of the office of student life. Until recently, he has prohibited his staff from speaking to reporters. The Ranger does not allow student reporters to conduct email interviews except in unusual circumstances, such as military personnel serving overseas. Posadas said the fee is for serving “as professional source on the subject of student affairs.” In his email, he refused to be interviewed “since by doing so it is in an official capacity with repercussions I am not willing to accept.” At about 12:15 p.m. Oct. 20, he declined to speak to The Ranger on the record about his email statements and ignored questions from this reporter. On Sept. 19, Posadas told a reporter he does not give interviews, and the proper procedure for obtaining an interview with him is to go through the public relations office. He refused to explain why he would not speak about his activities in a managerial position at a public institution, and then said he would charge the reporter with harassment if attempts to speak to him continued. Public information officer Julie Cooper said the office helps direct outside media outlets to proper sources, and Posadas may be misinterpreting policy. Zeigler said in an Oct. 11 College Council meeting that employees at this college may speak to outside media sources, but they should inform the public relations office of their actions so the office is aware there is an outside media source on campus. He also encouraged employees to be forthcoming with The Ranger and to inform student reporters if they are unable to speak about information being asked about. In an interview Oct. 12, Zeigler said he thought Vela spoke to Posadas about matters concerning granting interviews to The Ranger. Zeigler confirmed Oct. 24 there is no fee for Ranger reporters to request information about student affairs from Posadas nor is there a fee charged to any student reporters for interviews with personnel about the departments they work in.
Zeigler said he and Vela would speak to Posadas about the matter Oct. 27. The administrators could not coordinate their schedules to meet Oct. 25. Oct. 26 was Employee Development Day, so they decided on Oct. 27. However, Vela could not meet Oct. 27 because he had to attend a district meeting. Vela said Jorge Posadas was out of town at a conference until Wednesday. The San Antonio Express-News wrote about it Oct. 25 and in an editorial Oct. 28 suggested Posadas “should consider a job in the private sector if he does not want to deal with requests for information about his job or expenditure of the almost $500,000 a year in student fees he is responsible for documenting.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Huffington Post, Gawker, The Dartmouth and Poynter. org also noted the abnormal circumstances. The Express-News characterized Posadas asking for payment for information as “ludicrous” and asked why any employee on the Alamo Colleges payroll would think it is appropriate to charge a student for a consultation. San Antonio Express-News reporter Melissa Ludwig said Posadas did not request of her to be interviewed through email nor did he request a fee for her interview with him via telephone Oct. 24. Meanwhile, the incident has drawn national ridicule. In its Media Roundup section, Gawker expressed skepticism about Posadas’ explanation to the ExpressNews that he was confused after returning from a few days away from the office. “Oh, OK then, that makes complete and total sense, and we wouldn’t dream of further insinuating that Jorge Posadas is a petty little incompetent tyrant, after an explanation like that,” Gawker wrote. “This has been a great lesson for student journalists about both the power of the press to effect change, and the fact that holding a position of power is no guarantee that any person will not be jaw-droppingly stupid.” Zeigler said in a telephone interview Nov. 1 that he had seen the Express-News and Chronicle but not the others. He said everyone is entitled to an opinion, and he would like to see what the public is saying, but he will not get involved in a debate on the issue. “I don’t see anything to be gained from that,” he said. Zeigler said the administration believes in open discussion, but he would not comment specifically on Posadas’ actions. He said he encourages and routinely praises college employees for speaking with The Ranger. “The college executive team values The Ranger,” he said. To reach the office of student life, call 210-486-0125.
The Ranger
News
Nov. 7, 2011 • 11
PATRIOT Act turns 10 years old By Joshua Fechter Oct. 26 marked the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, or U.S.A. PATRIOT Act, a bill passed in the wake of the 9/11 attacks that increased the surveillance and investigative powers of U.S. law enforcement agencies. The act allows information from criminal investigations to be shared with intelligence agencies and other parts of the government; allows one wiretap authorization to cover multiple electronic devices, eliminating the need for separate, individual court authorizations for a suspect’s cell phone or computer; and allows “sneak and peak warrants” which let authorities search a home or business without immediately notifying the target of a probe. Ten years later, the question remains about the extent and purpose of the act. James Richardson, emergency management and homeland security professor, said opponents of the act as well as the news media have blown the implications of the act out of proportion. Richardson said the act extended laws that were already in place, such as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO Act, which prohibits organized criminal organizations from operating legitimate businesses. He said the PATRIOT Act has stopped many potential attacks, but the media either do not emphasize them properly or the federal government keeps them a secret. “You don’t hear about that,” he said. Richardson cited the conviction of the Buffalo Six, a group of six Yemeni-Americans convicted of providing material support to al-Qaida. Richardson noted that President Barack Obama signed a four-year extension of the act May 26, 2011. “Even the most liberal officials see the need for it.” Richardson quoted Founding Father Benjamin Franklin who said, “Those who would give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty n o r safety.” Richardson said he is not in favor of sacrificing liberty for security, but there needs to be a balance between the two. “There is no such thing as absolutes,” he said. “We authorize the government to protect us. Law enforcement can’t do that if their hands are tied.” Mekonnen Haile, English professor and vice president of this college’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said the act was meant to strengthen the executive branch and law enforcement agencies, but it grants too much power to those bodies. He quoted Roman philosopher Cicero, who said, “For among times of war, the laws Juan Carlos Campos fall mute.”
Haile said he wondered if perpetual war means the law is perpetually silent. He said the act weakens the Fourth Amendment of the Bill of Rights, which says, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” Haile said he lived in Ethiopia, ruled by a communist dictatorship from 1977 to 1991, until he moved to the United States in 1984. He said that experience gives him appreciation for the liberties he enjoys in the United States. “I don’t want the prerogatives of security to overwhelm liberty,” Haile said. Political science adjunct Daniel Sanchez said when bad events happen, the federal government is usually more than happy to intervene. Sanchez said he served as a captain in NATO during the 1970s and 1980s and worked against terrorist groups such as The Reds Brigade, an Italian Marxist group, so he understands the need for law enforcement. However, Sanchez takes issue with people who justify the act by saying, “If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about.” “Do you want to be investigated even if you’re not a criminal?” he asked. Sanchez said the United States needs to take action against terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida, but people need to understand the goal of terrorism. “The object of terrorism is to destroy institutions,” he said. “Civil liberties are a part of our national fabric, and by limiting those, we hand our enemies a victory.” Sanchez quoted Benjamin Franklin as well. “I stand with Ben on that.” He said the United States needs to be careful about renewing the act in the future. Philosophy Professor John Visintainer said the ethical consequences of government surveillance are not a problem in countries like China that do not purport to be free societies, but it is a problem in the United States. Visintainer said President Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, the right for prisoners to challenge the terms of their incarceration before a judge, during the Civil War. Visintainer said in times of emergency, measures that curtail certain liberties are appropriate. He said he does not know what the future holds for the act, but he said the United States’ current level of emergency is not as frantic as it was on Sept. 12, 2001, but is not as calm as before 9/11. “The problem is knowing when the situation stops being an emergency,” he said.
Prem
12 • The Ranger
Confucious Classrooms invest in Alamo Colleges By Ingrid Wilgen
“Not to do to others as you would not wish done to yourself.”– Confucius Book 12
Chinese culture and language will be offered to students in the district through Confucius Classrooms at this college, Palo Alto and Northwest Vista colleges. Dr. Donald Lien, director of the University of Texas at San Antonio Confucius Institute, said once the English version of the contract between UTSA Confucius Institute and Alamo Community Colleges has been approved, classes will start. He said there are about 400 Confucius Classrooms throughout the world and about 10 Confucius classrooms at community colleges within the United States. Carol P. Fimmen, district director of international programs, said the Chinese National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China, in partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio Confucius Institute, has funded the program. She said each of the colleges initially receive a grant for $10,000 to start the project. Computer equipment, cameras, software and textbooks are coming from China, Fimmen said. This college will be eligible to receive up to $30,000 of grant money each year depending on the annual budget it submits for academic resources and cultural events. Full-time faculty from China will teach classes in Room 118 of the academic instruction center. He said their salary, which is not paid out of the grant, comes from the Confucius Institute in Beijing. He said there will be one instructor per Confucius classroom. But Lien has suggested having two instructors so that each instructor can teach one class,
two days a week, and hold office hours. He said the goal is to replace the current Chinese classes with Confucius Classrooms offering language and heritage classes. Lien said he would like to see all the community colleges in this district with Confucius Classrooms. Fimmen said new faculty members will teach credited classes and noncredit continuing education classes. The classroom will primarily offer Chinese language classes. Other courses relating to Chinese culture and heritage will be offered as well. Fimmen said community outreach is an important part of the Confucius Classroom, and an advisory committee composed of faculty and students will determine the activities. This committee has not been formed yet. She said that the committee is encouraged to come up with creative ideas to promote Chinese culture in San Antonio. Fimmen said cultural event possibilities include special exhibits, a film series, music and dance groups. Lien said students and community members can start learning Chinese now at the UTSA Confucius Institute. The institute offers Sunday Chinese school from 2 p.m.–2:45 p.m. He said the Sunday school helps to re-establish the Chinese language in Chinese families who have lived in the United States for a long time and have lost some of their language skills, as well as helping new learners master the language. He said 150 students are enrolled in 14-week classes for $80. Lien said the classes are divided into heritage classes for those who have at least one parent who speaks Chinese and non-heritage classes are for those who speak no Chinese. For more information, call the UTSA Confucius Institute at 210-458-6242 or email confucius@utsa.edu.
Theater sophomore Anthony Diaz and Robert Ortiz work on stage lights Oct. The students are part of the technical paring the set of “Hamlet.” Photos by Ing
Ortiz puts gels on stage ligh preparation for an upcoming duction of “Hamlet.”
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Nov. 7, 2011 • 13
Theater sophomore William JohnsonOfoegbu is working on the wheels of King Claudius’ throne Oct. 29 in the production “Hamlet” in McAllister.
theater freshman . 29 in McAllister. l crew that is pregrid Wilgen
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Theater sophomore Jericho Trejo prepares the prop for Ophelia’s body for burial Oct. 29 during a “Hamlet” workday in McAllister. “Hamlet will be presented 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Nov. 17-19 and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 20.
‘Hamlet’ explores dysfunctional royal family To see or not to see this tale of treachery and deceit. By Robert Medina The theater program prepares to launch its second performance of the semester, “Hamlet,” taking the stage Thursday in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Theater Professor Paula Rodriguez, who directs “Hamlet,” said it is considered by many the greatest play ever written. “The story involves Prince Hamlet of Denmark and his choice to avenge his father’s murder in Shakespeare’s masterful tragedy of revenge, madness and corruption,” she said. “Hamlet,” written by William Shakespeare in 1601, is a complex tale of murder and deception
between Hamlet, son of the king of Denmark, and Claudius, his uncle. Claudius murders Hamlet’s father and marries his mother, Queen Gertrude, to become king. Hamlet sees his father’s ghost, which tells him to seek revenge on the man who usurped the king’s throne and married his queen. Rodriguez said the department’s version of the play will mirror the original Shakespeare play in costume design and dialogue. Theater and speech sophomore Jill Anne Aden said, “It’s a completely period piece. We’re doing everything by the book. There is no modernization. This is not ‘Hamlet on the Beach,’ it’s not ‘Hamlet Goes Surfing.’” A period piece refers to a piece of work that is set in or is strongly reminiscent of an earlier
historical period. Unlike “The 39 Steps,” the department’s first fall production, “Hamlet” will consist of a considerably larger cast, elaborate and intricate set design, moving platforms and trap doors. Theater sophomore William JohnsonOfoegbu said, “If you can’t take direction, you’re not going to be very good on stage.” The curtain rises on “Hamlet” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Nov. 17-19. Matinee performances will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 20. All performances are in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Admission is $2 with an Alamo Colleges ID and $10 general admission. For more information, call Rodriguez at 210486-0492.
14 • Nov. 7, 2011
News
The Ranger
VA counselor plans for reality of homecoming Veterans may return to classes in summer 2012.
at once. “I’m just concerned that we have so many troops; it took me four months to come home,” By Jacob Beltran DeMasi said. “You can’t take everyone home at the same time.” President Barack Obama DeMasi’s tour in Operation announced Oct. 21 the United Desert Storm as a medical platoon States will withdraw all remaining sergeant lasted five months. U.S. troops from Iraq and that one “I didn’t get exposed to what of the challenges facing this counthe men and women are getting try will be creating jobs for them exposed to now,” he said. “They’ve at home. been going back two or three Political science Professor times.” Asslan Khaligh DeMasi said said it was a good some U.S. troops Veterans Day is Friday. idea to withdraw return from comThe Alamo Colleges troops after more will be open and classes bat with a variwill meet as usual. than $700 billion, ety of medical 4,500 U.S. troop and psychiatric fatalities and conditions that about 32,000 injured in Iraq. require a professional. According to iraqbodycount. As for job opportunity and creorg, there have been at least ation, DeMasi said many soldiers 103,253 to 112,824 documented start off by returning to their old civilian deaths in Iraq. jobs. Khaligh said U.S. troops are “That’s what usually happened not being left behind because the in the past. You don’t get fired; Iraqi government did not grant most employers are understandU.S. troops immunity from prosing, and the job will be waiting for ecution in case something went you when you get back,” he said. wrong, meaning Iraq’s judicial sysMilitary cadets walking by the tem could charge U.S. troops as veterans affairs center commented individuals rather than the United on the announcement. States. American Sign Language freshJames DeMasi, counselor man Francisco Carreon said, “As a coordinator of veterans affairs at civilian, I think it’s a good move.” this college, said it may be diffiMedical freshman Gonzalo cult bringing back so many troops Gonzalez said, “It’ll help with get-
Map courtesy of GLORIA Center ting the country back on its feet. People need to learn to do things on their own.” Carreon said it helps decrease the number of soldiers who come home injured, with PTSD, or post traumatic stress disorder, or have a hard time re-integrating with their families. DeMasi said Tuesday that returning soldiers would not be quick to return to school until after they have re-integrated with society. “They have to get to know their families, then their communities and get their jobs back,” DeMasi said. “Then they’ll come back in summer and fall thereafter.” The veterans affairs office is in Room 242 of Moody Learning Center. For more information on veterans affairs, or for a referral to another agency that assists with injury, disability or integration problems, call the office at 210486-0111 and 210-486-0112.
Iraq War’s toll Total U.S. fatalities: 4,481 Est. Iraqi civilians dead: 115,405 U.S. wounded: 32,195 Journalists killed: 150 Peak U.S. presence: 170,000 in Oct. 2007 U.S. expenditures: $805.5 billion Source: The Brookings Institute’s Iraq Index, updated Sept. 30
CONT. FROM PAGE 15 cide in 1994. She visited Rwanda in 2008, 2009 and 2011 to meet victims and allow them to write untold stories for trauma narratives. “Expressive writing is physically and mentally healthy to write down,” she said. For more information about the genocide in Rwanda, visit jenosborne.wordpress.com and for donations to an organization dedicated to building schools in Rwanda, visit cyapepe.wordpress.com.
The Ranger
News
Nov. 7, 2011 • 15
Since genocide, Rwandans share identity, instructor says A St. Philip’s instructor shares her dissertation research during EDD. By Diana Palomo Prior to genocide in 1994, ethnic groups had experienced tension and rioting for decades because the minority Tutsis had better jobs and educational opportunities than their Hutu neighbors in Rwanda in Central Africa. This division dated back to 1916 when Belgian colonists arrived and assigned ID cards by ethnicity, the BBC website reports. The Belgians thought the Tutsi were superior and gave them preferential treatment. In the wake of Belgian colonialism and Rwandan independence, the Hutus took power and turned the Tutsis into scapegoats for every crisis. The slide into genocide came April 6, 1994, when President Juvénal Habyarimana’s plane was shot down. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, filled with militia and deaths squads to hunt Tutsi and kill anyone on prepared lists suspected of opposing the genocide. The death squads also searched for Hutus, forcing them to join in the killing and raping of Tutsis. English Instructor Jen Osborne of St. Philip’s College spoke to an audience of 17 about reconstruction in the African country Tuesday as part of that college’s Employee Development Day.
Osborne presented a slideshow called “Constructions of Rwandan Identity” about what has changed since the devastation in Rwanda. An estimated 200,000 people participated in the mass slaughter of as much as three-fourths of the Tutsi population of Rwanda. In 100 days, 800,000 Rwandans were shot or hacked to death and 200,000 died from disease in refugee camps. “It was called work,” Osborne said. The national banks, treasury, businesses and homes were destroyed in the violence. The Rwandan Patriotic Force, a coalition political party in exile, ended the genocide when Kigali was captured July 1, 1994. In the aftermath, Hutus and Tutsis became unified and identified as Rwandans, and the country began to prosper under the leadership of President Paul Kagame. In the pre-colonial identity, there were 14 clans and only a single ruling one. It was a single culture with the same language, religion and stories. The Tutsi were relatively wealthy and “smarter, more deserving” and Hutu were relatively poor, she said. The people in the Republic of Rwanda were identified by “who you were in your bones,” Osborne said. Rwanda’s constitution was rewritten in 2003. Article 33 states, “Propagation of ethnic, regional, racial or discrimination or any other form of division is punishable
Developmental English Instructor Jen Osborne speaks about Rwandan identity Oct. 26 in Sutton Learning Center. Diana Palomo by law.” Osborne said it became illegal to self-identify as Hutu or Tutsi nor can Rwandans ask their original ethnicity. “Identity is unified and fixed.” She said the genocide came from a division of identity of ethnic groups. At the end of genocide, “open-minded thinking and ‘we are all Rwandans,’” has guided the republic’s perspective. The survivors celebrated “living through genocide,” she said. Osborne said there is hope because the Rwandans are reconstructing the country, building schools, offices and dorms. People lost everything they had. Orphan villages were established so families could adopt children. Now students in the sixth- to ninth-grade levels use computers and read and write more than before the carnage. Foreign aid from countries feeling guilty for not intervening has assisted
in rebuilding. Aid from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, the United States and other countries totaling $307.4 million poured into Rwanda from mid 1994-1995. Films, documentaries, novels and books written and produced by the victims of genocide abound. Among them are the dramatization “Hotel Rwanda” starring Don Cheadle and Nick Nolte from director Terry George, director Nick Hughes’ film “100 Days,” and PBS’ “Frontline” report “Ghosts of Rwanda” by director Greg Barker. Survivors’ narratives are identified as, in-group: I, me, my, we, us, our and out-group: they and them, she said. Osborne did her dissertation at Texas Tech University on examining the characteristics of trauma narratives based on the Rwandan geno-
CONT. ON PAGE 14
16 • Nov. 7, 2011
News
The Ranger
Leslie takes questions from NLC students Students concerned about course, availability and enrollment, capping. By J. Almendarez Chancellor Bruce Leslie said many student concerns including enrollment capping, lack of equipment in professional and technical programs and availability of specialized, sophomore-level classes are a direct result of legislative decisions made earlier this year. Leslie answered impromptu questions from about 20 students for about an hour and a half Oct. 27 in the library at Northeast Lakeview College. He said he understands the changing atmosphere across the nation about education, which emphasizes fewer faulty, high-
tuition costs and limited enrollment. “It’s a very different world than the one I grew up in,” he said. To combat issues of decreased funding nationally and statewide, Leslie said the board of trustees approved cost-cutting measures throughout the district, including an attempt to raise the adjunctto-full-time-faculty ratio to 50-50; green energy investments that cut costs; and an emphasis on student success strategies. “We have had to cut $60 million from the operating budget in the past year and a half,” he said. Ranall Goeth, anthropology sophomore from Northeast Lakeview, said he wants to be a professor after he earns his master’s degree. He is concerned about job
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prospects because of the national courses. He said students can ask move to increase adjunct rates on department chairs and deans to campuses. work with them to create a class Leslie said the move to that can offer lower maximum increased adjuncts across this enrollment requirements. district stemmed from cuts to the Thompson asked if Judson district’s budget and trustees’ deci- Early College Academy students, sions to not who receive increase taxes college credLeslie will answer questions or general its while still from students at a student leadership forum from 2 tuition. attending high p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday He said school, pay at St. Philip’s College, but many adjuncts tuition. an exact location has yet to make a living Beth Lewis, be determined. A student by teaching a vice presileadership forum will be at this college at 1:30 p.m. Dec. few classes at dent of aca1 in the faculty and staff several institudemic affairs lounge of Loftin. tions; howevat Northeast er, in this disLakeview trict, adjuncts can teach only three College, said the students do not sections, which pay up to $3,000 pay tuition, but the college is reimfor a three-hour course. bursed by the state for contact Adjuncts are not eligible for hours dedicated to those students. benefits. She said the program is meant Leslie also said those who to help students in the lower sociowork mainly in their field of study economic sphere and first-generaand teach one or two classes on tion Americans attend college. the side are invaluable to the “We are really changing the coldistrict because they bring their lege campaign culture in the area,” daily work experiences into the Lewis said. classroom. Anthropology sophomore Keith Dr. Eric Reno, president of Faz also asked how the college preNortheast Lakeview College, told vents student without a parking Goeth that when applying for a pass from using the parking lots job as a professor, he will likely on campus. have to begin his career as an Cheryl LeGras, director of stuadjunct. dent development leadership and “We all did it,” he said. “We all activities, said vehicles without started that way.” permits are noted, and, if seen Michelle Thompson, math again in the lots without a permit, and education sophomore, asked will be issued a ticket from campus Leslie why some courses neces- police. sary for a degree plan are not Goeth asked Leslie if the district offered at all colleges. is considering long-term, costShe said math majors require saving measures, including implea linear differentiation class menting green energy products. to graduate from the Alamo Leslie said many of the colleges Colleges, but the class is offered are implementing green energy only at San Antonio College. options by replacing air conditionLeslie said a minimum aver- ing units, implementing a four-day age enrollment of 25 students per workweek during summer sessection is necessary to keep the sions, ensuring insulation of all section open, which makes it difbuildings and using solar panels ficult for the district to offer a at St. Philip’s College’s Southwest lot of specialized sophomor-level Campus.
The Ranger
News
Nov. 7, 2011 • 17
Editorial
18 • Nov. 7, 2011
The Ranger
Juan Carlos Campos
Healthy life lessons eliminated from core Many traditional first-timein-college students are venturing into a world of responsibility on their own, experimenting with jobs and budgeting time and money to develop self-reliance. What a great age to influence lifestyle with health information and physical activity. The college can encourage kickboxing, water aerobics, fencing, golf, Pilates, self-defense, tai chi or ballet, to name just a few options. Degree-seeking students are required as part of the core curriculum to enroll in two one-hour kinesiology courses. Students can fearlessly try physical activities they never imagined they might enjoy. The benefits of exposing people to new habits do not stop with the participants either. Healthy habits can be incorporated into whole households after a person has decided to make healthy lifestyle choices, which can eventually reduce the per capita
Top 10 fattest 1. Corpus Christi 2. Charleston, W.Va. 3. El Paso 4. Dallas 5. Memphis, Tenn. 6. Kansas City, Mo. 7. San Antonio 8. Baltimore 9. Houston 10. Birmingham, Ala. Source: Men’s Health
state health care spending. Despite this knowledge, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has decided to eliminate a three-hour institutional option, selected coursework a college or university adds to customize the core curriculum. Here the addition was a onehour science lab and two hours of kinesiology. According to Men’s Health’s annual list of the nation’s fattest cities, San Antonio is ranked
seventh nationally. In fact, Texas snags five of the top 10 spots on the list. According to the magazine’s website, they derived their statistics from: • the percentage of people who are overweight; • the percentage with Type 2 diabetes; • the percentage who haven’t left the couch in a month, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; • the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report on the amount spent on junk food; • and the number of people who ate fast food nine or more times in a month as surveyed by Mediamark Research. Kinesiology in colleges is vital to turning this state’s health and future around and the stage was set for success. The suits in Austin have forgotten this, and it is time they are reminded. An important part of self-reli-
ance is learning to stand up for yourself and to clearly express your ideas. So, let the Coordinating Board know how you feel about cutting the core curriculum. To them, this may just be a response to the need to cut expenses or a step toward meeting Gov. Rick Perry’s delusion of a $10,000 degree. To us, it’s not just about the money; we are here to build foundations for life. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board can be contacted at 512-427-6101 or visit their website at www.thecb.state.tx.us/ an click on “Contact Us.”
Correction In the Oct. 24 editorial, “Get tested for HIV,” antiretroviral inhibitors were incorrectly referred to as antibiotics. Antibiotics inhibit the growth of or destroy bacterial microorganisms, but are not used to treat viral infections.
The Ranger
Editorial
Nov. 7, 2011 • 19
Long titles Unite against domestic violence short on meaning Let’s play a game of “Guess What This Person Does!” Contestants will identify a person’s job based only on the title of a position at the Alamo Colleges. Ready? No. 1: “director of institutional research, planning and effectiveness.” Was that too hard? Try an easier one: “director of partnerships and services.” Still no answer? No. 3: “director of strategic initiatives and performance excellence.” It must be really hard to introduce these people at meetings and social gatherings. On a serious note, the length and vagueness of these titles pose a problem: Unless someone with one of these titles or one similar to them explains it at length, how will the public understand what they do? These titles only mean something to those who work in those positions or the people who work with them. The names are bogged down in jargon seemingly applied to make the position seem more important. Job descriptions can be found at http://legacy.alamo.edu/district/hr/JD/ALLJOBS.htm, but not all positions in the district are posted there. For instance, the positions of district registrar and director of the center for student information, located at 8300 Pat Booker Road, have not been posted despite the positions having been occupied in the last year. When the district creates a position, it should pick a name that accurately explains what an employee does, not just for the public’s sake, but for the employee’s as well. What good is a title that doesn’t mean anything to anyone?
Guilt, shame and fear are three of the emotions felt before, during and after physical and mental abuse. Cuts, bruises, broken bones and even death aren’t the only results of domestic violence. Trust, faith and a sense of security are also diminished, if not lost. Children also bear the brunt in violent relationships and often are victims of child abuse. With a lack of support, abuse can last for a long time before any action is taken or its effects are noticeable. Fortunately, domestic violence does not have to be dealt with alone. Telling a friend, teacher, public official or parent is a start to ending the cycle of abuse. To break free from an abusive relationship, there are many options. There are many facilities in town that offer help, such as Family Violence Prevention Services Inc. and
the Battered Women’s and Children’s Center. Counselors also are available at the empowerment center, and nurses are available in Room 150 of Loftin Student Center. The empowerment center also offers a booklet called “breaking away from violence,” which lists items to take with you when leaving an abusive relationship and notes the local organizations to contact for help. The San Antonio Police Department victims advocacy website also offers assistance, advice and resources at www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/safamily. asp. The longer the cycle of domestic violence continues, the more opportunities abusers have to physically and emotionally damage victims. Each time abuse occurs could be the last time, but only because the victim might not survive.
Why no breast cancer awareness events? October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, yet apparently no one at the college found the topic interesting because no events were scheduled at the college. According to breastcancer.org, about one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. In a classroom of 26 students, that’s at least three women. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000, or about 24 for the entire college. For 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States, along with 57,650 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. About 39,520 women are expected to die from breast cancer this year. New cases of invasive breast cancer
in men are expected to reach 2,140. Non-invasive cancers stay within the milk ducts or lobules in the breast. They do not grow into normal tissues within or beyond the breast. Invasive cancers do grow into normal, healthy tissues. The empowerment center hosted domestic violence awareness events sponsored by the Non-Traditional Student Club, and the office of student life scheduled “Yu-Gi-Oh” and “Mortal Kombat” tournaments. Entertainment events are fun, but we cannot forget to inform our students about the serious health concerns they face. The college and student organizations need to find a balance between educational and entertainment events, particularly in the area of health. Life is not all fun and games, and not everything can be painted in a positive light.
20 • Nov. 7, 2011
Letter to the Editor
The Ranger
Thanks for job well done, Mr. Qudus Editor: Representing all the students that had class with this brilliant professor, I want to say that it is also with great sadness that we say goodbye to you, Mr. Qudus. I can say you are one of the best professors I have ever had in my 29-year life. Also, I can say you are one of the best men I have ever known. You are a marvelous teacher not only because you know so well the world we live in today, but also because you care so much about the world we will be leaving for the next generations. Before you leave for your deserved journey in Maine, I just wanted to share with the readers the happiness of having being your student, and share with you the many changes you have helped me to accomplish/achieve in life. After an entire life trying to create courage to stop eating meat and trying to be healthier, I finally understood the real reason why we
should not accept the modern life-style we are all submitted to nowadays. More than religion, ideology, or even for fitness purposes, we all must stop and analyze how we eat and how we act toward our world for the single purpose of avoiding damage to ourselves. Water, food, and resources in general have always been scarce, but the way we are living is increasing their scarceness and contaminating, compromising and destroying them. I know all these words sound so obvious and even old-fashioned, but unfortunately, the words are getting old, but the attitudes aren’t changing. Everything you taught me in our short summer semester was enough to make me see the world differently and start changing, and that is how you know you found a great professor. I can no longer close my eyes to our environmental issues. I became a vegetarian. When
I am showering, I shut the water if I am not using it. I am trying to eat organics only, use less plastic, etc. Again, all these things sound old or hippiestylish things, but in fact they are pretty hard to be done. I myself spent 29 years trying, trying, and trying. And only now, after taking your geology class, I was able to start, little by little, putting all this in practice. I had the pleasure of being your student only recently, in the second summer session, and you have helped me to change my life in so many aspects in such a short time. I can only imagine how many people have been enlightened by your knowledge and inspiration during your entire academic path. Thank you so much, Mr. Qudus, for your dedication in every class, inspiration to our lives, for the huge knowledge you passed to us in geology, and, mainly, for teaching us how to love our “Mother Earth.” Rebeca Dominguez International Student from Brazil
The Ranger
Trustees District 1: Joe Alderete Jr. 1602 Hillcrest Drive San Antonio TX 78228 Cell: 210-863-9500 Home: 210-434-6967 E-mail: jvajr711@aol.com, jalderete21@alamo.edu District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 210-281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com, dmcclendon2@alamo.edu District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 210-882-1606 Home: 210-921-2986 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio TX 78211 No telephone number provided Board of trustees liaison: 210-485-0030 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio TX 78251 No telephone number provided E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way Helotes TX 78023 Work: 210-567-4865 E-mail: sprague1@alamo.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 3707 N. St. Mary Street San Antonio TX 78212 Work: 210-538-9935 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu, bfernandez@tuggeyllp.com District 8: Gary Beitzel 15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio TX 78232 Home: 210-496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@alamo.edu District 9: James A. Rindfuss 13315 Thessaly, Universal City, TX 78148 Home: 210-828-4630 Work: 210-375-2555 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Nov. 7, 2011 • 21
The Ranger Editor J. Almendarez
News Editor Joshua Fechter Calendar/Opinion Editor Alma Linda Manzanares Photo Editor Ingrid Wilgen Photo Team Julianna Anaya, Rachael L. Emond, Casandra Gonzales, Celeste Kulla, Ivie Okungbowa, Valerie Marie Salazar, Katie Sheridan, Alex Solis, Riley Stephens Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos, Alexandra Nelipa, Fred Nockroes Staff Writers Brian Burdick, Sebastian Carter, Jennifer Coronado, Marc Cunningham, Faith Duarte, David Espinoza, Jennifer Flores, Kirk Hanes, Stefania Malacrida, Robert Medina, Diana Palomo Multimedia Editor Jennifer M. Ytuarte Production Manager Melody Mendoza Web Editor Jacob Beltran
Administrators Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio TX 78204-1429 Work: 210-485-0020 Fax: 210-486-9166 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 210-486-0959, rzeigler@alamo.edu Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 210-486-5484, ereno@alamo.edu Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 210-486-4900, jclaunch@alamo.edu Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 210-486-3960, aguzman@alamo.edu St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 210-486-2900, aloston@alamo.edu
©2011 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger.org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (210486-1765) 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 singlecopy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
22 • Nov. 7, 2011
The Ranger
Pulse
Kinesiology instructors encourage healthy eating Personal trainer gives grocery shopping tips. By Sebastian Carter Kinesiology Instructor Chris Dillon said according to the Centers for Disease Control’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 50 percent of the city’s population is not exercising enough during a presentation on healthy eating Oct. 26 in the academic instruction center. Dillon spoke at the session at Employee Development Day about the city’s statistically unhealthy habit of not exercising. The CDC recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Dillon said the consequences of not eating correctly include obesity, hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease. He said the human body needs carbohydrates, vitamins, certain kinds of fats and water to function properly. He compared wheat bread to the superior 100 percent whole grain bread. “Just because it’s brown doesn’t mean it’s good for you,” Dillon said. He compared skim milk, which is 80 calories
per serving, to whole milk, which is 160 calories per serving, according to Fat Secret, a diet-help website. He said milk is great for the calcium it provides, but the fewer calories the better. However, Dillon said children need higher-fat diets and benefit from whole milk. Dillon compared broccoli to corn, and said broccoli is the healthier choice because it is high in vitamin C and beta carotene. Beta carotene is a provitamin the body converts to retinol, which assists vision. He said corn only contains fiber and sugar. Dillon said a large serving of fish contains fewer calories, less fat and less cholesterol than a smaller serving of red meat. He compared peanuts to almonds, saying almonds contain similar amounts of protein but have less saturated fat and more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat, which are fats that the body actually benefits from. Josiah Johnson, kinesiology instructor and personal trainer, gave advice on shopping. Johnson said not to go shopping while hungry lest temptation to buy oily and fatty snacks sets in. He said going shopping without a list also is a bad idea for the same reason. Johnson said it is a good idea to buy fruits and
vegetables frozen if you’re worried you might not eat fresh produce before it spoils. Eating meat is OK in moderation, but shoppers should look for cuts that are low in fat, such as sirloin. He said it is important to know what to look for when reading food labels, such as fats and carbs. Johnson said it is generally a bad idea to buy anything with trans fat because trans fat both raises “bad” cholesterol and lowers “good” cholesterol. He said to look for low-sodium foods, and food with high dietary fiber because the added fiber provides a feeling of fullness quicker. Johnson said organic juices are best because they do not contain extra sugar, corn syrup or other additives, which are unhealthy and unnecessary. He said it is a good idea for shoppers to try to cut calories from drinks out of their diets. Johnson said online tools for meal planning such as Fat Secret are helpful, as opposed to calorie counting which is time-consuming. His final, brief tips were to get support from friends and family, set realistic goals for portion control and weight loss and do not disallow certain foods because they seem too fatty. For more information, see FatSecret.com.
First aid kit vital, instructor says By Sebastian Carter
Kinesiology Instructor Medin Barreira teaches self-defense to English Instructor Yon Hui Bell Oct. 26 in Gym 2 of Candler as part of Employee Development Day. The Wellness Committee offered seven sessions of healthrelated topics. Riley Stephens
Kinesiology Instructor Raul Rodriguez said everyone should own a first aid kit. In an Employee Development Day session on first aid Oct. 26, Rodriguez asked participants if their departments had first aid kits and received mixed replies. He said that while most people believe rubbing alcohol is the best for wound cleaning, the truth is that Neosporin, antibiotic ointment and water are more effective. Rodriguez asked his audience to draw pictures of their impressions of “first aid” with his son’s crayons in the academic instruction center. He said the clearest sign
that a victim’s injury is lifethreatening is loss of consciousness. He explained the Good Samaritan law was enacted so that anyone without medical training could render aid without worrying they could be sued. The Good Samaritan refers to a biblical parable in which a man beaten and robbed was left to die on the side of the road. Two religious leaders passed by careful to avoid the man, but a man from Samaria stopped to help. The Good Samaritan law varies by jurisdiction but in general is designed to protect those who provide aid from lawsuit or prosecution for unintentional injury or
wrongful death. According to the Texas Good Samaritan Act, “Persons not licensed or certified in the healing arts who in good faith administer emergency care as emergency medical service personnel are not liable in civil damages for an act performed in administering the care unless the act is willfully or wantonly negligent.” This section applies without regard to free care or expectation of remuneration. Rodriguez said in cases of emergency, first check the scene and victim, then either call 911 or get someone nearby to do so, and provide care. He also showed a video demonstrating how to treat a conscious choking adult.
The Ranger
Pulse
Nov. 7, 2011 • 23
Gonzales mold gone, but teachers still out English offices in Gonzales Hall continue as storage areas.
The investigation revealed an exterior entry near the nearby stairs of the office, which collected water along a sump pump under the building. By Diana Palomo The store room — district safety officer Roy Brown said Wednesday he wasn’t sure which room Despite resolving mold and moisture probwas used for storage at the time — also needed lems in two offices of Gonzales Hall, the previous cleaning and the return air plenum, part of an air occupants remain housed in other buildings and distribution system in the drop ceiling, needed the former offices are used as storage space. cleaning. In a report from AEHS, Inc., dated March 7, Paper products and other material that were 2010, all tests for VOCs, or volatile organic comstored there were wet and contained limited mold pounds, and mold came back negative, but the growth. company offered a number of suggestions for The reports confirmed March 7, 2010, that preventing further problems. Room 104 had higher levels than Room 102 of David Mrizek, vice president of college sermold, including growth on the ceiling. vices, said Tuesday he does not remember what It is Brown’s job to keep track of all the probspecifically happened but said, “The problem was lems of air quality on campus to have students, identified and resolved.” faculty and staff working in a healthy environContinued complaints of poor air quality in ment. Gonzales Hall finally prompted an Mike Burton, chair of the English indoor air quality investigation in department, said Oct. 11 that buildDecember 2009 during the semester ings get sick, especially if they are break. built on a flood plain as Gonzales is, The first investigation of the buildand it’s possible the building is wet ing was Dec. 28-29, 2009. The results from underneath, producing mold showed elevated particulates and some and alluring mosquitoes to breed. anomalies in mold spore trapping near Aguilar said Oct. 13 she is conand in the rooms. cerned, wondering if all the other The follow-up investigation in offices in Gonzales had the same Liz Ann Aguilar February 2010 focused only on the area problem. in and around Rooms 102 and 104. She also wonders why no one Increased levels of mold growth informed her about the December were found in Professor Liz Ann investigation. Aguilar’s office in Room 104 and above She said she did not experience the dropped ceiling. any symptoms, but was checked out Mold species known as cerebella, by her doctor to be on the safe side. which is associated with wood rot, was Results were negative. found there. Argo did not respond. Since August 1997, Aguilar’s office Aguilar was offered a move back had been Room 104, but she never to Gonzales but said she decided Sharon Argo knew her desk sat above a tiled-over to stay in Room 329 of the academdoor to the basement. ic instruction center because she She said she had not experienced any sympdoesn’t want to intrude in offices of other profestoms of allergy or irritation from the mold in the sors from the English department. office. Brown said, “Most important, based on the In March 2010, Mrizek told Aguilar and scientific data, the building is safe for human Professor Sharon Lynn Argo to immediately occupancy.” evacuate their offices in Rooms 102 and 104 of The department, however, maintains those Gonzales Hall because of mold growth. two offices as storage space. Aguilar was moved to Room 329 of the acaFor more specific information about air quality demic instruction center, and Argo was moved to in Gonzales Hall, visit legacy.alamo.edu/district/ Room 110 in McCreless Hall. facilities/AIR/SAC/Follow-UP-Gonzales-Hall.pdf.
Wellness team hikes 1-3 miles By David Espinoza Healthy options of Employee Development Day included “Healthy Eating San Antonio,” “First Aid,” “SelfDefense” and “Orientation to the Employee Fitness Room.” The Wellness Committee offered seven classes in three breakout sessions. Three lengths of walks were available — one to three miles. The one-mile walk, led by early childhood studies Professor Terri Sinclair, followed an oncampus walking route that begins at Candler, winds around buildings and returns to Candler. Follow the signs. Kinesiology facilities manager Linda Casas led a two-mile walk that circled San Pedro Springs Park once and then walked the interior of the park. Kinesiology Instructor Dawn Brooks led a three-mile walk north on Belknap Place to Hildebrand Avenue and then back south to the campus. Sinclair, Casas and Brooks are all members of the Wellness Committee. Additional routes include three onemile paths and another off-campus two-mile walk. Eight times around the Moody Learning Center balcony equals one mile. Five times around the college’s tennis courts complex or 12 times around Gym 2 inside Candler equals one mile. For two miles through Monte Vista Historical Neighborhood, walk north on Belknap Place from Dewey Place to Elsmere Place and return to Dewey.
24 • Nov. 7, 2011
News
The Ranger
Paperless class drops require instructor consult The last day to receive a W for course withdrawal is Friday. Story and photo by Jennifer M. Ytuarte To drop a course, students must contact instructors, Marion Garza, assistant director of records, said. Garza hosted a drop process Q-and-A session during Employee Development Day Oct. 26. Garza said courses dropped before the Sept. 7 census date do not show up on a student’s official transcript and courses dropped before Nov. 11 will show up as a W. She said professors are responsible for assigning a W in Banner once they are notified of the student’s willingness to drop. The college is moving to a paperless system, so a two-part carbon drop slip is no longer required. But, students need written documentation to contest a transcript change during following semesters if a letter grade shows instead of a W. Joe Jacques, assistant director of admissions, told attendees it is better to create an email paper trail to verify a student’s drop request. Garza said a time-stamped email is sufficient evidence of attempt to drop before the Nov. 11 deadline. She said it is ultimately up to the student to make sure the drop shows up correctly on a transcript. “We’re trying to put a lot of that responsibility back onto the student, Garza said. “It’s their transcript, their record.” Garza said incurring a W still qualifies the course for three-peat and six-drop penalties. A three-peat penalty charges out-of-state tuition for a course taken three or more times and the six-drop rule allows only six dropped courses during a student’s undergraduate career. However, students can petition admissions and records to waive the three-peat fee in cases of financial hardship if the course is taken during the graduating semester. Garza said students who want to petition should meet with a counselor and take the petition paperwork to admissions and records where either Garza or Jacques will meet with the student. She said if a student wants to drop all enrolled courses, they have to see a counselor to discuss three-peat consequences and pos-
Joe Jacques, assistant director of admissions, discussed drop process miscommunication between faculty and admissions personnel during a drop process presentation Oct. 26 in Room 316 of the nursing complex. sible academic probation. Students are required to fill out individual drop slips and talk to an admissions and records clerk in person. Garza said the six-drop rule does not apply to an entire semester of courses dropped at the same time, but it does apply to students who drop one course at a time throughout the semester. Jacques said the reasoning behind not penalizing all-course drop students versus those who drop over the course of the semester is because most all-course drop students have an emergency, family illness or drastic job change. When asked about repercussions from the state-mandated six-drop rule, Garza said she hasn’t seen the fallout yet. Counselor Lisa Menard said, “The courses dropped at a community college directly affect university tuition costs.” All-course drops may not be penalized by the six-drop rule, but Garza said the drops still affect academic progress and can place a student on academic suspension, or dismissal. Garza said admissions and records will not accept emailed or faxed drop requests unless the student is incarcerated, had a major accident, or is living out of state. She also said the college will provide a 100 percent refund of tuition if a student presents military orders.
Time-ticketing registration Spring 2012 registration begins Nov. 14. Students currently enrolled in courses at the Alamo Colleges will be allowed to register based on how many hours they have accumulated. New students and transfer students, regardless of hours earned, must apply when registration opens to all students. • Nov. 14-15 for students with 46 or more hours. • Nov. 16 for students with 31-45 hours. • Nov. 17 for students with 16-29 hours • Nov. 18 for students with 1-15 hours • Nov. 21 for all students.
To view the schedule online, go to the college website and click the photo next to the spring registration slide of the large rotating slideshow.
For more information, call admissions and records at 210-486-0700.