The Ranger 2-7-11

Vol. 85 Issue 12

Single copies free

Feb. 7, 2011

The Ranger A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926

Love your heart

eat fresh EVACUATION PLAN 5 STAR SHOWS 14 SAFE IN MEXICO 22

2 • Feb. 7, 2011

The Ranger

The Ranger •

A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926

Nursing majors, sophomore Jessica Lara and freshman Jacqueline Lara, brave a 14-degree wind chill Thursday on the mall near chemistry and geology. JungKeun Song

This issue

3 News

8 St. Philip’s requests more

16 News

Book Review

structure in communication

Area power outages roll through Alamo Colleges

‘The Lovely Bones’

Story by Megan Mares

By Joshua Fechter

23 Officials & Policies

Story by Zahra Farah

Senate rejects blame for errors

10 Activism leads

Story by Melody Mendoza

to changes, organizer says

17 Burst frozen pipe closes

4 Blotter

Story by Alma Linda Manzanares Photo by Ingrid Wilgen

early childhood center

12 Have a heart-healthy

18 Editorials

American Heart Month

Signs insult rather than unify

Story by Krystal Barcenez Photo by Marisa N. Montano-Garza

Photo by JungKeun Song

5 News

Story and Photos by J. Almendarez

24 Spreading the gospel of graduation

Confusion prompts plan changes

Story by J. Almendarez

19 Kudos to St. Philip’s

Online

Story by Julysa Sosa

Cafeteria offers healthy choices for eating on the run

Learn black history, heroes, pioneers

Dan Rather lecture

Story by J. Almendarez Photo by Tyler K. Cleveland

20 Turn district budget

6 Banner replaces middle man in payroll confusion Story by Melody Mendoza

7 Staff on receiving end of complaints Story by Jacob Beltran

14 Premiere

efforts inward

Planetarium start of career

22 Opinion

Story by James Anthony Salamé

Despite reputation, life in Mexico feels safe

15 Calendar

Story by Megan Mares

Funding formula fair Story by Zahra Farah

Community College Day Story by Jennifer M. Ytuarte

By Ximena Alvarez

Cover: A photo illustration of examples of healthy-eating options for American Heart Month Tyler K. Cleveland

The Ranger

News

Feb. 7, 2011 • 3

Senate rejects blame for errors Lack of training and programming is the problem, senators say.

By Melody Mendoza Faculty Senate is collecting information on problems inputting grades for the fall semester.

This is in response to a comment from District 9 trustee James Rindfuss at the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee meeting Jan. 18.

Senators decided at Wednesday’s meeting to collect the data after Dr. Thomas Cleary, vice chancellor for planning, performance and information systems, reported to the board of trustees that the Banner system had few problems at the end of the fall.

In the committee meeting, Rindfuss said faculty should be held accountable if grades, drops and any other status changes are late.

“You cannot do any better than the information you have at that time,” he said to Dr. Adelina Silva, vice chancellor for student success.

In response to Rindfuss’ comment about blaming faculty, the senate decided to collect examples of problems they’ve had to justify that problems haven’t arisen because of late grades.

Political science Professor Christy Woodward-Kaupert, vice chairperson of Faculty Senate, asked senators to send examples so a response could be sent to the board of trustees before the next regular board meeting Feb. 22.

Woodward-Kaupert presided in place of Chair Dawn ElmoreMcCrary, who was absent because of a death in the family.

Math Professor and Secretary Susan Paddock said Cleary reviewed six items “he will keep his eye on.” That list included trouble with transcript processing, the synchronization of Blackboard Vista and Banner, segregating classes that fall under this college’s jurisdiction versus Northeast Lakeview

College, automatic notification for canceled classes that was not activated, financial aid processes and a lessons learned tour for feedback.

Barbara Knotts, chair of media services, added that Cleary “keeps getting the clear to keep going” with the implementation of Banner so she agreed that a response to the board is needed.

Jeff Hunt, chair of theater and speech communication, said Rindfuss blamed faculty for financial aid problems because “thousands” of grades weren’t input on time. Hunt argued that he was sure “thousands” was not correct because most were dual credit because they “got erased.”

He said over the break, district changed codes for FLAC, faculty load and compensation, in ACES that are used to manage faculty payroll.

This caused input errors chairs had to correct so faculty could be paid correctly. “No one is owning up to this system problem,” he said.

“We’re getting blamed.”

Woodward-Kaupert reported that one student had two Banner ID numbers, and when one was purged, the student’s grades were no longer in the system.

“It’s like they’re learning as they go along,” she said. “They neglected to pay for training that was needed.”

Commenting on district’s effort to go paperless through Banner, she said more paper is being generated to document changes that the system is not recognizing. “I am befuddled.”

Hunt said the issues are system problems, and no one at the board meeting spoke up on behalf of the faculty.

“This is still district making college decisions when they don’t know what goes on here,” he said.

Dr. Thomas Billimek, chair of psychology and sociology, said there were faculty who entered grades into the system, and then

grades were not there later.

Billimek said he was having the same problem with faculty pay.

“It’s amazing how between last spring to fall, so many faculty became so incompetent,” he said.

Kinesiology Chair Bill Richardson added that there is still confusion about the number of Northeast Lakeview College students enrolled at this college.

Math Professor Carlos Corona said, “It’s nice in theory that you can go to any of the Alamo Colleges,” but said going to multiple colleges is not that simple.

Tammy Kothe-Ramsey, Student Government President, added that SGA will be conducting another Banner survey at Rodeo Roundup Wednesday and present results to the board Feb. 22.

In other news, the decision to hire new librarians as faculty or as professional staff is still at the chancellor’s level.

Librarian Celita DeArmond said senates from the other colleges sided with this college to support the faculty status.

But during the senate meeting, Woodward-Kaupert said Dr. Robert Aguero, vice chancellor for academic success, had not received responses from the other colleges.

After the meeting, DeArmond said she will determine where the resolutions are and why they haven’t been sent to the chancellor.

Librarian John Deosdade said it was “very curious” because DeArmond received support at a Super Senate meeting.

Regarding the library, DeArmond also stressed the importance of TexShare, which allows libraries across the state to share resources.

She said there are proposals to cut this database.

“The college only pays $2,675 annually,” she said making it $16,050 annually across the district to subscribe to this database.

DeArmond said if the library were to subscribe on its own, the

“This is still district making college decisions when they don’t know what goes on here.”

Jeff Hunt, chair of theater and speech communication cost would be $410,853.

She said people can find this information on the library’s Facebook page. Search SACLibrary and click on the notes tab.

DeArmond said Teaching with Technology conducted six discussions before classes began that included Media site, Acrobat 9, Sharepoint, interactive video conferencing, and two discussions about the learning management system and taking challenges.

DeArmond also said district has hired a consultant to look at ways to consolidate distance learning.

“I got my fur up,” she said because I’ve always had issues with district asking, “Why not consolidate library services.”

The districtwide committee is headed by Aguero and DeArmond said she has told Usha Venkat, director of information and communication technologies at this college, that if there is not a librarian on that committee, one needs to be found.

On a separate topic, Hunt asked the senate if they noticed the Alamo Colleges logo that covers the college’s seal on the sign west of Gonzales and McCreless halls on San Pedro Avenue.

“We all knew that was coming,” he said and requested this college

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Blotter

4 • Feb. 7, 2011

The Ranger

SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

Did You Know?

Drivers can keep a concealed handgun in vehicle

Jan. 24 — Individual reported damage to vehicle.

Jan. 25 — Individual reported damage to personal vehicle. No further incident.

Individual reported theft of personal property. No further incident.

Individual reported a suspicious person. Suspect located. No further incident.

Jan. 26 — Individual reported damage to his personal vehicle.

Individual reported graffiti in the men’s restroom. No suspects.

Jan. 27 — Individual reported damage to vehicle in a hit-and-run vehicle accident.

State law makes carrying a concealed handgun in a car legally without a concealed-carry license from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Drivers cannot be involved in criminal activity other than a Class C misdemeanor or other traffic regulation, cannot be a member of a gang or have the handgun in plain view.

For more information about the law, visit www.legis.state.tx.us.

Individual reported a student having a seizure. EMS treated the individual.

Jan. 28 — Individual reported theft of property.

Emergency 210-222-0911 General DPS 210-485-0099 Weather Line 210-485-0189

Jan. 24 — Individual reported lost property.

Jan. 28 — Individual reported suspicious activity off campus.

Individual reported theft of personal property.

ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE

Jan. 27 — Individual reported damage to personal vehicle.

Individual reported his property was stolen from campus.

PALO ALTO COLLEGE

NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW COLLEGE

Jan. 21 — Individual reported damage to personal property. No further information.

Jan. 23 — Individual reported a suspicious person. Suspect located, everything found to be OK.

Individual reported graffiti in men’s bathroom. No further incident.

Jan. 24 — Individual reported theft of district property.

Jan. 26 — Individual reported a female parking in a handicap parking spot.

Jan. 28 — Officer assisted the public.

Contact Info

Digital design freshman Chris Nix copes with the cold by covering all but his eyes at noon Thursday west of Loftin. JungKeun Song

Jan. 30 — Officer reported an activated alarm. All found to be OK.

Jan. 23 — Individual reported damage to district property.

Jan. 24 — Individual reported a male and female causing a disturbance.

Everything found to be OK. Jan. 25 — Individual reported theft of personal property.

NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE

Jan. 27 — Individual reported a male looking at pornography on a library computer.

Jan. 21 — Individual reported graffiti.

Facilities advised of problem.

Individual reported vehicle had been damaged. No suspects.

Jan. 20 — Individual reported a suspicious person. Everything found to be OK. Jan. 22 — Individual reported a disturbance in the library. Everything found to be OK. Jan. 25 — Individual reported theft of personal property.

Individual reported burglary of vehicle.

No further incident.

Jan. 26 — Individual reported his cell phone had been stolen. No suspects.

Jan. 28 — Individual reported a suspicious male in the area. Male was not located.

Individual reported two suspicious males in the area.

SOUTHWEST CAMPUS Jan. 21 — Individual reported stolen district property. No suspects.

The Ranger

News

Feb. 7, 2011 • 5

Confusion prompts plan changes Fire and gunman left questions about lockdowns and evacuations.

By Julysa Sosa Confusion in the wake of two fall incidents made college officials question the existing emergency response plan and prompted changes for the spring.

The first was a two-alarm house fire south of campus that caused three buildings to be evacuated.

“People weren’t really sure where to go and when to be released,” Dr. Robert Zeigler said.

The second incident was a search for a gunman who robbed and assaulted two students Dec. 7 in Loftin Student Center. Three buildings were put in lockdown and then evacuated.

“We felt that there was some confusion with who to talk to,” he said. “We thought people knew where to go for information.”

Zeigler presented the revised plan at the college convocation Jan. 12.

Unlike the 2007 plan with 10 zones, the current plan features six zones indicating where to relocate in the event of an evacuation order.

“We’ve had the evacuation plan for a long time,” Zeigler said. “We modified this to look at meeting points.”

The plan had been simplified and reduced to a double-sided sheet, which can be found on the college’s website while district and college facilities work on posting it in campus buildings.

David Mrizek, vice president of college services and head of the emergency response committee, said, “The plan is to have one in each classroom so students will be able to see it.”

Mrizek did not have a specific date for posting but said they were printed Feb. 1.

In addition to the modified evacuation plan, the emergency procedure committee has prepared communication templates. The recordings and messages are ready to “fill-in-the-blank,” given the emergency by the campus police.

“A series of general emergency messages has been written and recorded,” public information officer Julie Cooper said.

In a campuswide emergency, a text message, e-mail or phone call will be sent to students and employees with information on actions to take.

Although three buildings were put on lockdown and evacuated Dec. 12 during a search for a gunman, no alert was issued.

“We didn’t have the messages ready to go,

and within minutes from the police phone call, there was an all clear,” Cooper said.

A note was published on the college’s Facebook page the day of the incident, which more than a dozen students responded to with complaints about alerts not being issued.

Cooper said this semester, public relations is equipped to ensure students and faculty receive important information and urges students to update contact information in ACES. For more information on the emergency response plan, go to www.alamo.edu/sac/sacmain/erp.

“We thought people knew where to go for information.”

Dr. Robert Zeigler college president

6 • Feb. 7, 2011

News

The Ranger

Banner replaces middle man in payroll confusion Adjunct faculty members are expected to receive first paychecks Feb. 15.

By Melody Mendoza Adjunct faculty will not receive their first paycheck for this semester until Feb. 15, although a 15-member task force had attempted to more closely align adjunct pay periods with those of full-time faculty.

And chairs and others complained that they were not informed that adjunct pay would not be awarded until a month after classes started.

Linda Boyer-Owens, associate vice chancellor of human resources and organizational development, however, said there have been no problems with Banner this semester and that adjunct members will be paid on time on Feb. 15.

Boyer-Owens said human resources and payroll at the district offices are trying to get faculty on one pay cycle, but it wasn’t pushed this semester.

Jerry Townsend, full-time adjunct in the media communications department, said he went before the Alamo Community College District board of trustees last February to report adjunct faculty were not treated fairly.

He said full-time faculty are paid sooner because they are required to work a week before classes start. But adjuncts also prepare before classes start.

“We don’t just walk in on the first day and start teaching,” he said.

After meeting with the board, a 15-member process improvement team was set up in human resources to work on adjunct pay.

He was informed by Andrea Priolo, director of compensation, in an e-mail last fall that adjuncts would not be paid until Feb. 15. That was not the goal of the task force, he said.

“It’s not fair, but it is correctable,” he said.

Adjunct faculty payroll was one process that was supposed to improve with the implementation of Banner last fall, although other changes may also have had an effect.

Ruben Flores, dean of evening, weekend and distance education, said each department is now responsible for submitting adjunct assignments directly to human resources.

Pat Appleby, unit assistant in the math department, said she enters course assignments and information on faculty into Banner. Then she has to go to ACES, the “face” of Banner that

is open to all users, and use the FLAC, faculty ulty who will not be paid if “input errors” were load and compensation, system to manually not corrected. confirm that assignments are the same.

He said the errors were due to incorrect or Faculty are supposed to be able to check blank position numbers and suffixes. their compensation in FLAC for accuracy. This Jeff Hunt, chair of theater and speech comreplaces printed contracts. munication, said adjunct assignments were Appleby said departments have to go input into FLAC before the winter break, but through every professor, full-time and adjunct, when chairs returned in January, the informato check schedules, position had changed. tion numbers and term.

“I don’t know if it was a Although she said out glitch,” Hunt said. “There was of 350 sections of math, no communication.” she hasn’t had many probHe said the only reason he lems with the new system, knew was because he e-mailed the process is time-conhuman resources so he could suming. check the assignments, and they She said three or four told him there was a problem. adjunct schedules were not “When I went into the showing up in ACES when system, it was completely she input them into Banner. changed,” he said.

Before moving to Banner Hunt said he didn’t know if last fall, department chairs it was fixed now or what the submitted assignments to specific problems were.

Flores who then submitHe said he likes change but ted the assignments to the not without communication. district’s human resources Townsend said, “You can’t department. make changes as fast as we have Dr. Thomas Billimek With the implementawithout a negative fallout.” psychology chair tion of Banner, the district Now that Flores no longer cut out Flores in an effort has access to the system in to decentralize and reduce paper, Boyer-Owens Banner, errors he would normally fix are being said. made, he said.

Wednesday, during a Faculty Senate meetFlores said he would spend five to six hours ing, Dr. Thomas Billimek, chair of psychology on Saturday and about four hours on Sunday at and sociology, said human resources said they the beginning of the semester checking that the had adjunct pay all under control and it was information was input correctly. only two or three people with problems.

Most mistakes were made in the music After the meeting, Billimek said there was department because some faculty members not just a problem in his department, but also are paid per student because they teach private districtwide. lessons, he said.

He said last semester, district pushed the He said before Banner, he used to go through idea to pay adjunct faculty by Jan. 31. the Passport system to ensure adjuncts weren’t “Apparently, there was some issue with the being underpaid or overpaid, which would hapsoftware,” Billimek said. pen often. He would have to put an “s” next to He said adjuncts now have to wait a month the course number so the district would “skip” it into the semester to get paid. or manually change the amount.

Billimek said the only reason he knew Flores said now the departments are responadjuncts didn’t get paid Jan. 31 was because sible for catching mistakes. full-time faculty hadn’t received overload pay, This semester, Flores only oversees adjunct which is paid at an adjunct rate. upgrades.

“It doesn’t make too much of a difference Adjunct faculty pay depends on level of for full-time, but you’re not taking care of your education and hours of graduate courses employees,” Billimek said of district. completed; therefore, if an adjunct attains Tuesday, Flores printed out more than four a higher degree, Flores has to update that pages of course numbers taught by adjunct facinformation.

“It doesn’t make too much of a difference for full-time, but you’re not taking care of your employees.”

The Ranger

News

Feb. 7, 2011 • 7

Staff on receiving end of complaints “Kinks” still delay transcript delivery.

By Jacob Beltran Members of this college’s Staff Council blamed lack of communication as a reason students are unable to get official college transcripts from the Center for Student Information.

Staff Council met Tuesday in the visual arts and center.

President-elect Henry Castillo said many students who have

requested official college transcripts since January still have not received them.

President Gerald Guerra said official transcripts are being printed at the Center for Student Information on Pat Booker Road, but they were either mailed directly to students or sent back to their home colleges for distribution.

Guerra said Dr. Thomas Cleary, vice chancellor for planning, performance and information systems, said his office is busy with other issues, but things will be

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 uncover the seal and put the logo somewhere else on the sign.

Woodward-Kaupert said President Robert Zeigler and Dr. Adena Williams Loston, president of St. Philip’s College, will revisit the issue with the chancellor.

Woodward-Kaupert said this college welcomes the logo but not over the college’s seal.

Hunt questioned the need for the Released Time Committee, which was implemented to consider faculty requests for release time.

Mortuary science Professor Mary Mena said 40 percent to 50 percent of requests are submitted because faculty want time to grade, set up labs or advise students.

Hunt questioned why chairs are signing off on the requests.

Mena said she did not know, but many times, the committee and deans will approve the request “this one semester.”

Woodward-Kaupert asked if the committee was seeing a pattern of the same people, and Mena said yes.

Woodward-Kaupert responded saying, “So then the problem hasn’t gone away,” and said the committee needs to continue being the “bad guy” and disapproving those types of requests.

In other news, Counselor Steve Samet requested a clarity of program cuts on campus.

Samet said he sent a student to Basic Skills Enrichment Program, but found out it doesn’t exist as of Jan. 31.

BSEP offers noncredited classes to prepare students for placement tests and cred-

quicker and smoother in March when the kinks are worked out.

“We’re both very busy,” Staff Council member Rachel Zamarripa, records and reports technician in continuing education, said, “but the difference is I get cussed out over here, while they’re over there hidden.”

In budget news, Guerra said, “There will be consolidation at all levels” Guerra also said there was a 7.8 percent increase in students enrolled at this college alone.

it classes in areas of English, math and reading.

English Professor Jane Focht-Hansen said the notification was on Facebook before the college notified anyone.

Woodward-Kaupert discussed the student success summit that she attended in which a committee of five to seven faculty members will define the metrics of student success.

Hunt said, “Isn’t this a little redundant?

It’s not like we’re not doing this already.”

Although Woodward-Kaupert agreed, she asked, “Wouldn’t you rather decide what you’ll be evaluated on instead of district?”

In the midst of the cold weather changes, Billimek asked about the Family and Medical Leave Act because many are out because of the flu.

He said district policy states that if an employee is absent for more than three days, they have to report it as FMLA. Woodward-Kaupert said it may just be legal’s interpretation, but FMLA is for longterm circumstances, such as pregnancy, not for the flu.

In another account, Focht-Hansen asked the senate to consider wearing a T-shirt encouraging students to join Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.

She said it would help students and enhance faculty’s engagement with students.

The senate also went into an executive session for almost an hour to discuss a matter concerning a report given to trustees by Chancellor Bruce Leslie.

He said that at a previous budget meeting, consolidation at all levels was discussed.

He said because St. Philip’s and Palo Alto colleges do not have a public relations director, the departments at all colleges are being considered for consolidation.

“Its all up in the air,” Guerra said.

The next meeting of Staff Council is Feb. 15 by teleconference. For more information, call 210-486-0258.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 graduate and still use every resource given.

Graduation is not impossible,” Guerra said.

Deadline to apply for graduation is March 5.

There is one commencement ceremony per year in spring. Requirements include completing 60 credit hours and a degree audit with a counselor or faculty adviser. Students short of the minimum hours before transfer can apply for reverse graduation, which allows students to transfer back hours from a senior college to complete an associate degree.

The Graduation Team established Push Week three years ago, and since then, graduation participation has increased annually. The overall graduation percentage is still lower than officials want.

“Data shows students who get an associate degree at a community college do better at a four-year university,” Zeigler said.

He is a graduate of this college who had no intention of going to college or even graduating, Howard said.

“It’s true,” Zeigler said.

Dr. Conrad Krueger, dean of arts and sciences, also participated in Push Week Wednesday along with three high school seniors shadowing Howard for the morning. “Here’s how it all started,” Krueger said pointing to the diploma hanging in his office.

He earned an Associate in Applied Science in engineering technologies from this college. “It opens a lot of opportunities and doors,” Krueger said.

Howard said, “Intelligence is only 25 percent of achieving academic success; the other 75 percent is personal effort and hard work.”

Graduation Push Week is the first week of February and March to give students ample notice to apply for graduation. Commencement is May 14 at Freeman Coliseum. For more information, visit www.alamo.edu/sac/csd/grad/default.htm.

8 • Feb. 7, 2011

News

The Ranger

St. Philip’s requests more structure in communication Not all nursing classes are measured equally across the district.

By Zahra Farah George Johnson III, chair of St. Philip’s College Faculty Senate, said his chief concern in a grievance the board unanimously rejected is that employee contracts were altered a month into the academic year without advance notice.

In the regular board meeting Jan. 25, trustees voted 8-0 to maintain district policy of weighting lab hours as two-thirds of one lecture hour in determining faculty teaching loads.

District 7 trustee Blakely Fernandez was absent to attend an emergency business meeting.

Trustees deliberated for two hours before responding to the Nov. 3 grievance filed by St. Philip’s faculty members.

They were appealing for a change in the faculty loading formula because they have used a 1-to-1 ratio at St. Philip’s for about 10 years.

Three weeks into the fall semester, Chancellor Bruce Leslie mandated that faculty at all colleges in the district be paid the two-thirds rate for lab hours.

Contracts were not available until Sept. 17, a month after the academic year started. That meant 70 faculty members and their students were

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affected by an abrupt schedule change.

Johnson said, “According to board policy, it’s permissible for our structure to change any moment, at any time; I’m not sure if that should be permitted.”

The lack of communication makes an institution look bad, he said.

When the board rejected the appeal, Johnson set his jaw and nodded twice.

Even though trustees heard concerns, the vote ended the matter.

“It was the board’s decision, ultimately, to make, and we have to endure their decision whether we like it or not,” Johnson said.

Employees continue to work to give students a world-class education, he said.

Some faculty resigned last fall and this semester because of the change, he said.

Johnson said Faculty Senate is exploring mediation, but he is not sure if this avenue is still available to them because trustees already voted on the grievance.

Policy D.3.3 Employee Complaints states that if a complaint is not resolved as a result of an informal resolution conference, the employee may request a conference response.

It also states that when the district and employee agree to meeting face-to-face with the help of an experienced mediator, at no cost to the employee, this may help resolve issues presented in the grievance.

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News

District’s general counsel Retha E. Karnes wrote in an e-mail Wednesday that district procedure states that the board’s decision is final.

Johnson said he hopes in the future any change coming from the chancellor’s office would be communicated to employees before the semester begins.

“Communication is prudent,” he said.

Jack Eldridge, Faculty Senate president of Northeast Lakeview College, said his college’s senate is neutral because no one there is being paid at the 1-to-1 rate.

Christy Woodward-Kaupert, vice chair of this college’s Faculty Senate, said Wednesday on the way to the senate meeting, members had yet to discuss the result of the grievance.

Brian Stout, Northwest Vista’s Faculty Senate president, said they were not affected by the loading issues and they felt there should be some equality across the colleges.

Stout said one of the good points brought up in the grievance is St. Philip’s contract was changed during the semester, which is not fair.

“There should be equality, but if there is a misunderstanding, they (faculty) should not pay for it,” he said.

Palo Alto College watched closely the way the board handled employee contracts, Faculty Senate President Belinda Román said.

Román said faculty have one idea of what the contracts mean, while the board and chancellor see it another way. “We need a stable work environment; we need to set ground rules,” she said.

Another concern is conveying information in a timely manner, so people know what to expect.

Feb. 7, 2011 • 9

The only exception to the two-thirds rate is for nursing and allied health faculty who are accorded the same rate for lab as for lecture hours.

Román said she wants to know which labs received the full lecture credit because at the South Side college, faculty who teach allied health courses are paid at the two-thirds rate for labs.

“There should be equity across the board,” she said.

Lula Pelayo, district director of nursing, said Thursday the only colleges who teach nursing are St. Philip’s and this college.

She said in the hospital, the ratio of professors to students is 10-to-1.

The Texas Board of Nursing doesn’t regulate loading issues, but because nursing students work with patients, give directional care and dispose of hazardous materials, their labs are loaded as a lecture.

Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, associate vice chancellor for academic partnerships and initiatives, said only the nursing programs at this college and St. Philip’s are accorded lab hours at 1-to-1. She said it does not apply to all allied health courses.

Fabianke said she met March 24 with nursing representatives from the two colleges to discuss which labs were going to be on the 1-to-1 rate.

In the meeting minutes, nursing representatives set up load guidelines for nursing.

Those guidelines state lab hours with instruction are equivalent to a lecture, and lab hours where faculty only oversee the classroom are equivalent to two-thirds of a lecture.

Fabianke said she planned to meet with the other allied health instructors to figure out which labs should be measured at the lecture rate, but no meeting date was been set.

10 • Feb. 7, 2011

News

The Ranger

Community activism leads to changes, organizer says

By Alma Linda Manzanares

Yasmin Radjy of Communities Organized for Public Service describes the power of grassroots groups Tuesday at a Hot Potato lecture at the Methodist Student Center. Ingrid Wilgen

“They could imagine something different and that made a big difference in the community,” an organizer said of the early days of COPS Tuesday at the Methodist Student Center.

Yasmin Radjy of COPS/Metro Alliance helped kick off the Hot Potato series this semester with the topic “Grass Roots Democracy through Community Organization.”

COPS, or Community Organized for Public Service, was founded in 1974. It is a diverse organization that is involved in 1,200 neighborhoods in San Antonio composed mostly of Hispanic, lowincome families.

Radjy started off the discussion with Lutheran Pastor Dennis Jacobsen, who wrote the book “Doing Justice:

Congregations and Community Organization,” that talks about the role of the church in dealing with problems of the world.

“He talks a lot about how the church does a lot of charitable work,” Radjy said.

“Even though they do a very good job, it’s not enough obviously since the ills and problems affecting these vulnerable people keep getting worse.”

Radjy said this raises questions about what more they could do, which leads to a need for justice work, which can be done in three ways: advocacy, proclamations, and congregational-based organizing.

“Congregational-based organizing deals with power,” Radjy said. “Power is a big word that raises a lot of red flags, which leads to the question, should congregations have a role in dealing with power?”

News

The Ranger She said it doesn’t seem like the American way to allow small institutions to have such power, but COPS exists to help create long-term power for institutions.

Radjy told a story from when the organization first started in San Antonio. A man was angry about flooding on the West Side because children walked through mud on their way to school, and some children drowned.

As a result, he turned to the Catholic Church and found that funds earmarked for his side of town were used on the North Side instead.

The man joined parishioners in going to City Hall to find out why. The elected officials discussed the budget, ratified it, signed it and finally decided to ask the man what he wanted to talk about.

“So here’s this man with very

good intentions, very good values, and the Catholic Church is very clear about how speaking out like this is important,” Radjy said. “But he had nobody listening to his voice.”

Radjy said this leads to institutions organizing with others who have common values or problems, so the institutions can transform the community.

“My experience has been that you sit down with a group of people of different faith backgrounds, but the pressures that they feel with their families and their congregation are the same,” Radjy said.

She told another story about how congregations on the South Side were getting attention because people were talking about how their children graduated from high school but were unable to attend college.

The closest community col-

lege at the time was this college at quite a distance and a long bus ride, and if a family had only one car, it could be problematic to get to school.

So a group of people went to City Council to explain the problem and the solution — build a new community college.

The response they got was, “The kids on the South Side won’t make it to college. They aren’t focused enough in school, and it’s not worth the investment,’’ Radjy said.

“So they organized and had lots of conversations and got a lot of congregations together in an attempt to create a community college. And they created Palo Alto College.”

Alamo Community College District established Palo Alto College Feb. 21, 1983, and it began offering classes in September 1985.

Feb. 7, 2011 • 11

Film scheduled Director Pablo Veliz will discuss the failed DREAM Act and show his sixth film at Tuesday’s Hot Potato lecture.

“Cartoneo y Nopalitos,” literally “Cartons and Cactus” or as Veliz refers to it in English “Cardboard Dreams,” tells the story of two young women who cross paths and impact each other’s lives immensely.

One of the women is based on a central figure in the debate of the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors) Act, which would have allowed high school graduates who have attended two years of college or signed up for military service to earn conditional permanent residency.

Baked potatoes are served at the weekly lecture series at the Methodist Student Center at Belknap and Dewey places.

For more information, call 210733-1441.

Puls

12 • The Ranger

Have a heart healthy American Heart Month

By J. Almendarez Since 2001, kinesiology Professor Andreia Brown has taught three students in their early 20s who have survived a stroke.

She teaches KINE 1175, Adaptive Physical Conditioning, which creates an individual fitness plan for disabled students.

More than one in every four deaths in the U.S. result from heart disease, the No. 1 killer in this country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

The CDC ranks stroke as the third leading cause of death in this country, contributing to one in 17 deaths.

This month is American Heart Month, a tradition since 1963 when Congress realized a need to focus public attention on heart health.

The American Heart Association has Andreia Brown kinesiology professor worked with every U.S. president since then to prepare an annual American Heart Month proclamation, which stresses the importance of nutrition, physical activity and awareness.

Brown described being heart healthy as making a lifestyle decision to practice good nutrition, fitness and general wellness. While genetic, unchangeable factors like age, race and gender can contribute to cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association lists stress, excessive alcohol consumption, cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking and nutrition as elements that can be controlled with healthy lifestyle choices.

The National Stroke Association has an almost identical list of controllable risk factors on its website at www.stroke.org.

Brown, who also teaches KINE 1304, Concepts of Fitness and Wellness, said, “As Americans, we eat way too much dietary fat. My students come in with the craziest ideas of what they should eat.”

She recommends her students try eating as much natural food as possible saying, “If you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t eat it.”

Nutrition Adjunct Nancy Foster said the most important thing people can do to improve their nutrition is to be informed about what they are

eating. “You want to read labels,” she said.

Cholesterol and saturated fat are found only in animal products and byproducts.

“Fish and shellfish have less,” Foster said. “You want some of those preferably twice a week.”

She also said choosing skinless chicken helps to eliminate a lot of fat and cholesterol.

Her advice for dairy products is to choose reduced or nonfat items because much of the cream and animal byproduct used to make the food is removed.

She said people struggle to eat heart healthy whole grains because of the flavor and texture.

Nevertheless, she said, “If you aim for half of the grains you eat to be whole grains, it’s OK.” Vegetables and fruits; however will reap the most benefits, she said. People who eat five servings of fruit and vegetables a day have low rates of heart disease and cancer. Cancer is ranked by the CDC as the No. 2 killer in this country.

In 2007, the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine updated recommendations for exercise in people younger than 65. A year later, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its first physical activity guideline, which coincided with the two group’s suggestions. The groups recommended moderate exercise for 30 minutes a day for five days a week or intense cardio exercise 20 minutes a day for three days a week. Between eight and 10 strength training exercises should be added two days a week in sets of eight to 12 repetitions.

Brown said differentiating between moderate and vigorous activity is easy. She said during moderate exercise, one should be able to conduct a conversation, but not sing. During vigorous activity, a person should still be able to talk but will experience more breathlessness.

The No. 1 reason people say they can’t exercise is lack of time, but she emphasized that people find excuses to avoid working out. “We have to accept that being overweight will contribute to heart disease and eventually, we’ll pay for that,” she said.

She recommends thinking of exercise as a lifestyle choice. “Most people get up and brush their teeth in the morning as a lifestyle choice.”

“If you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t eat it.”

Line server Teresa Mendoza prepares a deli wrap

Cafeteria offe

By J. Almendarez In a kitchen that sells about 300 breakfast tacos a day, nutrition may not be foremost in the decision-making process.

However, Mary Lou Lovett, who has worked in this campus’s kitchen for 38 years, said there have always been healthy options available.

She said people choose to eat healthy or unhealthy food. “Everyone has their own taste,” she said.

In addition to fruit cups, two hummus and pretzel snacks, pre-made salads and pre-made lean sandwiches, there are other healthy options in the cafeteria.

For instance, at the Market Fresca station, students can request custom-made sandwiches, wraps and made-to-order salads.

The station has five vegetables, three pickled vegetables and six kinds of bread for sandwiches, including tomato and herb tortillas, spinach tortillas and wheat bread.

Turkey — a healthy, lean meat — and egg and

se

Feb. 7, 2011 • 13

p Wednesday. She has customized wraps since 2007. Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland

Fruit cups cost $3.99 in the cafeteria in Loftin. “They are way too expensive,” physics sophomore Anthony Vasquez said.

ers healthy choices for eating on the run tuna salad are protein rich and available for sandwiches and wraps.

The station also will make salads according to the customer’s preference.

So, chopped romaine lettuce, extra tomatoes, bell pepper strips, and turkey salads without cheese or croutons can be a lunch option.

The Rio de Piedra station began selling baked potatoes last semester.

Bacon, cheese, butter, sour cream and chives are displayed as toppings; however, upon request, other vegetables like mushrooms or onions can be added for a healthier twist.

This semester, the station also began selling a new, light lunch: a cup of Campbell’s soup and half a sandwich.

Celia Contreras, who has worked in the cafeteria for the better part of a decade, said she makes the sandwiches in the morning.

She said she usually makes ham or turkey sandwiches on wheat or white bread with lettuce, tomato and cheese.

Even the Alamo Carvery and Grill station has a

hidden, healthy option.

Although it’s typically known for serving curly fries and hot dogs, veggie burgers are available for those who ask.

Veggie burgers are lower in fat and cholesterol than traditional beef burgers.

In November 2009, Frederick Danzoy became the district manager for Fresh Taste Foods, the company that supplies food and staff to the cafeterias at this college, Northwest Vista, Northeast Lakeview and St. Philip’s colleges.

In March, it will extend its services to Palo Alto College. In January 2010, Danzoy hired Soccorro Valdillez to be this college’s unit manager.

In just a year, the kitchen has moved far away from the demerit-ridden state that The Ranger reported on in March.

At that time, the cafeteria was given 24 demerits in a health inspection by the city. The problems — including repairs of a broken sink, installing thermometers in coolers and adding an ice scoop caddy — were addressed.

Today, the cafeteria’s cleanliness, food quality

and nutrition have improved, and a reporter was welcomed for a kitchen tour.

Valdillez credits Danzoy’s experience in the service industry as a key factor in the kitchen’s improvements.

“Obviously, we try to save money, but our boss tries to get the best there is,” Valdillez said.

Shelves and coolers are mostly lined with wellknown brands like Kraft, Tyson, Sara Lee, Gold Medal and Hormel.

Valdillez’s more than 15 years in the food industry has also added to the kitchen’s overall quality.

She said she orders food on Mondays and Thursdays, which ensures that perishables like veggies, fruit, dairy products and meat, are fresh.

As for cleanliness, the kitchen has not been inspected by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District since last March.

The district said another unannounced inspection should happen soon.

Valdillez said she wouldn’t hesitate to arrange to show people the kitchen.

“I have nothing to hide,” she said.

News

14 • Feb. 7, 2011

The Ranger

Planetarium field trip start of career

By James Anthony Salamé In 1977, a student named Bob Kelley visited the planetarium here when it was not as technologically advanced as today.

He was so fascinated on that high school field trip to this college, he decided to major in science with an emphasis in planetarium astronomy.

Today, Kelley is the coordinator of Scobee Planetarium, where he first discovered his life interest.

“I didn’t realize I lived in an incredible universe,” he said.

Kelley said his fascination continues to grow every year.

He said his joy comes when he gets to display his experience and knowledge to class field trips to pass on the way he felt when he first experienced the planetarium.

He said then he believes he and his staff have accomplished their mission.

He said, “After 35 years, I still have the coolest job on campus.”

New technology at Scobee Planetarium has brought more interest than ever, based on similar technology used in space simulators for astronauts.

With the new technology, three popular shows play every Friday.

At 6:30 p.m. “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” plays. Although it’s a children’s show, all ages will

Se habla español “Tales of the Mayan Skies” is available in Spanish. Planetarium Coordinator Bob Kelley said the show was purchased because of requests, but it has not been shown.

He said if requested, he will add it to the Friday lineup or arrange to show it to language classes or clubs.

It also may be of interest to those expecting the end of the world in 2012.

Call 210-486-0100.

enjoy its state-of-the-art animation.

Children younger than 4 are not admitted to the children’s show or any other shows, and the minimum age for other shows is 6 “Violent Universe” plays at 7:45 p.m and is narrated by Patrick Stewart, Capt. Picard in “StarTrek: The Next Generation” and Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” movies.

At 9 p.m. is “Seven Wonders” narrated by Sean Bean, Boromir of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

It is one of Kelley’s favorite shows because he loves the material.

Admission is $2 for children age 4-17, $5 for adults age 18-54, $3 for senior citizens age 55 and above, and all students, staff, and faculty of the Alamo Colleges are free with

Patrick Lanclos, member of the San Antonio Astronomical Association, guides Tré Newsoma, 11, looking through telescopes set up in February 2010 next to Scobee Planetarium. File photo a current ID. Kelley recommends arriving early to secure one of the 85 seats because it fills quickly, and no one

is admitted after the show has begun.

For more information, log on to www.alamo.edu/sac/ce/scobee/.

Did you know?

• Scobee Planetarium was named after Dick Scobee, the commander of the Space Shuttle Challenger that exploded on launch Jan. 28, 1986.

• Dick Scobee attended San Antonio College in the early 1960s.

Space Shuttle Challenger lifts off at Kennedy Space Center. Seven crew members were lost in an explosion 73 seconds into the launch. AccuNet/AP Images

• Ranger reporter Martin Malacara suggested in 1993 naming the planetarium after Scobee.

• The Challenger Center at Brooks City Base will move to this college.

• Friday shows at the Scobee Planetarium change every four weeks during long semesters.

• The San Antonio Astronomical Association, a group of amateur astronomers, volunteer to set up telescopes for the public on first Friday of each month outside the planetarium.

• San Antonio College has an Astronomy Club.

Calendar

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

SAC Lecture: “Black Photographers: Documenting African-American Lives from the Civil War to the Jazz Age” 9:25 a.m. in the visual arts gallery. Call 210-486-1035.

Today

SPC Event: Soul Food Luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Southwest Campus. Call 210 486-2887.

SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.

SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday. Call 210-486-0864.

Event: Feb. 3-20 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo at the AT&T Center.

Admission $7-$25. Log on to www. sarodeo.com.

SAC Sports: Women’s and men’s basketball vs. Victoria College. Women 6 p.m., men 8 p.m. at 2200 E. Red River in Victoria. Call 210-486-0125.

Tuesday Thursday SPC Event: Auditions for “The Gospel at Colonus” 7 p.m.-10 p.m. in Watson studio in Room 103. Prepare 16 bars of an appropriate song. Continues 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday. Call 210-486-2838 SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.

SAC Transfer: Texas State UniversitySan Marcus 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. by appointment in transfer center. Call 210486-0864.

SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. by appointment in transfer center. Call 210-486-0864.

Wednesday SAC Lecture: “Sexual Health and Condom Awareness” by William Sandburg from University Health Center 11 a.m.noon in craft room in Loftin. Call 210486-0125.

SPC Event: Blood drive from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 210-486-2887.

SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m. in Room 642 of Moody. Call 210-4861264.

Feb. 7, 2011 • 15 Call 210-486-0589.

Sunday SPC Concert: 2011 San Antonio Symphony-in-Residence with Damon Gupton, guest conductor. Continues through Feb. 19 in Watson Fine Arts Center. Call 210-486-2887.

SAC Event: Coffee and open mic night sponsored by Cheshyre Cheese Club 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in Loftin.

SAC Meeting: Kinesieology Club 3 p.m. Room 126 in Candler. Call 210588-1936.

Feb. 14

Feb. 20

SAC Dance: Chinese dance group 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860125.

SPC Concert: San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble with Albert Aguilar, resident conductor and Damon Gupton, guest conductor 2:30 p.m. in Watson. Call 210-486-2887.

Feb. 21

SAC Event: HIV testing 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 119 of Chance. Continues Wednesday. Call 210486-0222.

SAC Concert: Regency Jazz Band 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-486-1035.

SPC Donation: Southwest Campus blood drive 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Call 210-4862887.

NLC Concert: African drum and dance presentation 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. in commons. Call 210-486-5000.

Event: Jennifer Pozner, author of “Reality Bites Back: The Troubling Truth About Guilty-Pleasure TV,” 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Twig Bookstore, 200 E. Grayson. Call 210826-6411.

Feb. 15

Feb. 22

SAC Event: A Taste of Soul, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-486-0589.

SAC Audition: “SAC’s Got Talent” audition 2 p.m.-4 p.m. in craft room of Loftin.

Call 210-486-0125.

SAC Play: “Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll & Hyde Play” 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in McCreless theater. $2 with ACCD ID. General admission $10. Call 210-486-0487.

NLC Event: Painted plate party to create an African vase 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 136 of the student service, Call 210-486-5000.

SPC Lecture: “Relevance of AfricanAmerican History in the 21st Century” with speaker Lasana Hotep 6 p.m. in the Heritage Room. Call 210-486-2887.

Feb. 17

SAC Sports: Women’s volleyball vs.

Victoria College 8 p.m. at 2200 E. Red River in Victoria. Call 210-486-0125.

SAC Event: Martial arts performance 11 a.m.-noon in Loftin. Call 210-4860125.

SAC Event: African-American Read-in Celebration of “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210486-0661.

SAC Event: Chinese class in celebration of Chinese New Year noon-1 p.m. in Loftin.

Call 210-486-0125.

Feb. 23

Friday SAC Concert: Acoustic, folk and indie artist J. Meridian 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.

SAC Event: Second Friday Artwalk with Tobin Hill Art Alliance begins in visual arts 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Call 210-486-1030 SAC Event: “Storyteller in the African Tradition: Toni Simmons” from 10:50 a.m.-noon in the Feista Room of Loftin.

SPC Discussion: Military perspective “The Civil War to Present Day” panel discussion 10:45 a.m.-noon in Heritage Room. Call 210-486-2887.

SAC Lecture: “Media Art Politics” with Dr. Christiane Paul, adjunct curator of New Media Arts at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, 7 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-4860142.

Feb. 18 SAC Concert: Bobby Black performing Dixieland 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin.

SAC Event: Dental Fest 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in the first floor foyer of nursing complex. Call 210-486-1036.

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

The Ranger

News

16 • Feb. 7, 2011

Area power outages roll through Alamo Colleges Freezing temperatures stress state power grid Wednesday.

By Megan Mares City Public Service gave notice to district Vice Chancellor Thomas Cleary and President Robert Zeigler before 11 a.m. Wednesday that the college may experience rolling power outages because of freezing temperatures.

According to the CPS Energy website, the outages happened because there was not enough generation online statewide to meet demand.

This is a direct result of the extreme low temperatures across the state.

Some power plants were offline for overhaul and maintenance, and some units dropped offline because of the extreme weather conditions.

The utility noted online that the temporary outages were induced to maintain a steady flow of energy to meet increased demand throughout the freezing temperatures expected this week.

Four buildings on this campus lost power at different times.

According to an e-mail from Cleary, a power protection plan is in place that will support network and telephone connectivity for about 25 minutes after a power loss.

In the nursing and allied health complex, an orange supervisory button on the Siemens RCC-1F security system beeped incessantly.

Down the hallway, dental assisting receptionist Bella Williams said the building was out of power from 10 a.m.-10:50 a.m. “It was cold in here,” she said.

In the academic instruction center, many of the secretaries said the power was only out for about 15 minutes.

A Spanish class of Professor Marta Montemayor, who lectures in the academic instruction center, was plunged into darkness.

“It was out for 15-30 minutes,” Montemayor said. “It was a lot of time.”

Art sophomore Saul Garza said the class had a cultural-political discussion instead of studying Spanish.

The law enforcement annex also experienced a blackout.

“We were practicing building searches so it worked out well,” Instructor M.C. Joseph said. “The power went out for about 30 minutes though, and then came back on and we were back in business as usual.”

The Alamo Colleges police dispatcher said Northeast Lakeview College called about a power outage at about 9:30 a.m.

Northwest Vista, St. Philip’s and Palo Alto colleges did not report any outages, though Texas State University-San Marcos closed for the day.

John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities operation and construction management, said the only outage he was aware of was at his office at 7990 Pat Booker Road.

He said the building was without power from 6:40 a.m.-8:10 a.m.

Melody Mendoza contributed to this article.

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The Ranger

Pulse

Feb. 7, 2011 • 17

Burst frozen pipe closes early childhood center

By J. Almendarez At about 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, a student from this college reported to the college’s early childhood center that water was gushing out of one of the building’s pipes near the corner of Howard Street and East Ashby Place.

About 55 children were evacuated from the facility because of safety concerns. If parents weren’t available, emergency contacts were called.

The center reopened Thursday. Officials at the center were unaware of the incident because there were no water leaks or damage inside the building.

Mary Abundis in the district facilities department, said a part of a pipe broke, likely because of the weather. A new part for the pipe was quickly purchased, and maintenance completed repairs.

Interim Coordinator Claudia Gonzalez said employees working in the reception area of the building quickly began to call parents or emergency contacts to pick up children immediately.

“It’s a violation of the state’s minimum standards to keep our building open without any running water,” Gonzalez explained.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services states, “Hand-washing sinks must be equipped with soap, running water and single use disposable towels or hot-air hand dryers.”

Child-care facilities must have a set number of flushing toilets based on the number of children they are licensed to care for.

Because the sinks cannot be used, children and teachers were using hand sanitizer and sanitation wipes to clean their hands.

Gonzalez said parents responded quickly.

“We’re trying to keep everything running smoothly to keep the kids in their routine,” she said.

Eunice Garza picked up her granddaughter, 4-year-old Riley, from the center because her daughter, kinesiology major Rhiannon Garza, was in class. She said all the children seemed calm and didn’t seem to realize there was a problem. “All she said to me was ‘Grandma! I’m not

AIRGUARD

Medical assisting sophomore Jessica Martinez picks up her child, Kayla Rivera, from the center. J. Almendarez supposed to see you yet,’” Garza said.

However, one 4-year-old was overheard daring a friend to turn on the water faucet in a classroom.

For more information, call 486-0530.

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18 • Feb. 7, 2011

Editorial

The Ranger

Alexandra Nelipa

Signs insult rather than unify A bronze plaque, which used to bear the 60-year-old seal of this college, has been covered by a $730 cheap metal cap.

Part of a district initiative that trustees approved two years ago to brand the five colleges, this signage is intended to project a unified image focusing on the college district rather than the individual colleges.

That’s fine, but to plaster a blue, red and white sign over the college seal is an insult to 85 years of excellence, achievement and dedication to this community.

This college’s seal symbolizes 85 years of athleticism, literacy and learning, poetry and music, truth and wisdom, and justice and wisdom.

And it gets worse: It cost about $16,000 to install this new symbol of superficial unity across the district.

Unity doesn’t come with a cash price.

Unity should begin with common purpose and communication, which this district sorely lacks.

No one bothered to alert the college president that new signage was ready to

be installed, let alone that it would cover the college seal.

The district’s brand standard guide states, “The Alamo Colleges logo family reflects our unity and shared purpose while still celebrating the uniqueness of each individual college.”

Assigning colleges red, blue and shades of green is not “celebrating the uniqueness” of anything. It just adds more Alamo silhouettes to a city already over-saturated with the icon.

To unite the colleges, accept the importance and impact of communication and learn to communicate effectively first.

An important first step is listening — to college administrators, faculty, staff and students.

Stop with the last-minute notices, running streams of corrections to corrections, and the multiple superfluous initiatives that take away from our mission of providing Bexar County residents with quality higher education.

Spending money on new signs doesn’t build unity; it is a waste of taxpayer dollars at a time when we do not have any to waste.

College seal The college’s official seal was adopted in the mid-1950s.

The circular, bronze seal has a star in the center with five symbols that represent characteristics of the college.

Winged feet symbolize swiftness, athleticism and protection, things typified by the Greek messenger god Hermes.

An open book symbolizes the learning process, literacy, teaching, quest for knowledge and understanding.

A harp represents joy, praise, poetry and music.

At the base is a lamp of learning symbolizing truth, intelligence, life, wisdom, knowledge, guidance and enlightenment.

A scale represents justice, just proportion, impartiality and balance.

The Ranger

Editorial

Feb. 7, 2011 • 19

Kudos to St. Philip’s faculty for persistence The Ranger commends the faculty of St. Philip’s College for standing its ground in a disagreement with the district over lab hours in faculty teaching loads.

St. Philip’s College faculty were notified three weeks into the fall semester that they would be accorded less credit for lab hours than lecture hours even though they have been treated equally for about 10 years.

In calculating the teaching load of 240 hours per semester, St. Philip’s used a 1-1 ratio of lecture to lab hours instead of the district’s mandated twothirds for lab hours.

So in the best we’re-so-obliviousto-what-you-people-do-at-the-colleges fashion, the chancellor derailed the fall semester by forcing full-time faculty to change schedules and add hours to teaching loads while stripping adjuncts of their hours.

Was any thought given to how students were supposed to adjust?

Chancellor Bruce Leslie justified the move saying it is his job to make the ratio equal across the district.

A fair point, but did he have to do it in the middle of the semester?

Everyone knows money is growing scarce, all the more reason to practice the highest standards of courtesy.

Despite the abrupt changes, the St. Philip’s faculty rallied to take up the

issue and follow it cials seem to through to the end. find funding Although they for pet projknew it was likely ects no matter a hopeless cause, the constraints they invested time, at the colleges. energy and spirit — Clinical labs on top of all those in nursing and extra teaching allied health hours — in pressat this college ing the case. and St. Philip’s Their actions are credited make them imporat 1-to-1. The tant role models for Ranger reportour students and ed the reason employees. clinical labs In the end, of count as a leccourse, the board ture is because backed the chanfaculty have to cellor and voted 8-0 be at hospitals against the grievfor six to eight ance. hours observNo matter the ing students George Johnson III File photo circumstance, peoin “life and ple need to stand up death” situations. and fight for what they believe, in While that may be true, all faculty whatever forum they find themselves. members are expected to give their The trustees of this college district best, and labs generally require more — and leaders in every government work of instructors than a lecture class entity — need to be reminded from does. time to time how their decisions affect If more students, more staff memothers. bers and more faculty members Still, if the chancellor wants equal- followed the example set by the St. ity, he should arrange funds to change Philip’s faculty, trustees and district all lab loading to 1-to-1. District offi- officials might get the message.

Learn black history, heroes, pioneers Every February, we observe Black History Month in celebration of the journey and achievements of black Americans.

Although growing, the black population makes up less than 10 percent of this city and about 13.6 percent of the country.

With President Barack Obama, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, and music industry power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z prominent among American movers and shakers, we run the risk of becoming complacent about the role of African-Americans and Carribbean-Americans in our history.

From 1619, when a Dutch ship captain traded 19 Africans (taken from a Spanish ship) for food in Jamestown, Va., until 1863’s Emancipation Proclamation, the lot of blacks

in America was mostly enslavement and indentured servitude.

The founding fathers decided blacks were to be counted as only three-fifths of a person for the purpose of the Census.

Even after Lincoln declared an end to slavery, de facto servitude persisted well into the 20th century.

We are familiar with the cinematic depictions of slavery in America, but we are largely ignorant of the heroes of the African-American story and their contributions.

Events throughout the city will celebrate a hidden history along with popular culture.

The Ranger urges all to participate, learn a little history passed over by textbooks and perhaps find new figures who will inspire.

Editorial

20 • Feb. 7, 2011

The Ranger

Turn district budget efforts inward Officials are busy lobbying the state for funding while just as industriously cutting student services because they know they won’t get needed funding.

Is this really the way to go?

No. Wake up, vice chancellors, associate vice chancellors, directors, et al., in district departments.

Take a good look at your operation and figure out where the fat is so you can make some cuts at the top of the chart for a change.

Cut until it hurts someone with a high tolerance for pain.

One vice chancellor eliminated eight positions after restructuring.

Chancellor: Maybe you could do without a Plaza Club membership. You have an office and downtown there are dozens of restaurants where you can entertain — entertain who for what we can’t imagine.

Or, perhaps you could just pay your own phone bill like the rest of us.

This isn’t a Fortune 500 corporation where executives greedily compete for the most perks. If that is your motivation, get out of education.

We need every dime.

Trustees: When you start reviewing contracts for renew-

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

February 19, 2011

als, try to remember that a guy who is contracted at $320,000 and has been asked by faculty to resign, doesn’t merit a bonus, much less one bigger than the annual salary of many employees.

While you’re at it, give up trustee travel, conference expenditures and catering for meetings.

Brown bag it like everyone else.

In these lean times, that would be public service.

Students are frustrated with cuts to services while you jack up tuition and refuse even the tiniest tax increase.

District taxes are so low, not many would even notice.

But students — even community college students — are not buying green initiatives that simply transfer expense to them.

Forget about lobbying the state. Legislators have shown their indifference to community colleges and education in general.

Leave that to Tom Taxpayer.

Instead, address efforts that you can control and that will make a real difference in people’s lives.

In bad times, we all have to work together, but morale is at an all-time low.

Let’s see some leadership.

The dream of a college education and opportunity for all.

Community colleges can’t deliver for us unless we deliver for them.

www.tamu.edu/aggiesaturday www.twitter.com/aggiesaturday

It’s the smartest investment you can make in your community’s future.

Tell your lawmakers to increase funding for community colleges now.

American Association of Community Colleges and Association of Community College Trustees

Church of Christ Student Center 301 W. Dewey 736-6750

* Conversational English * Bible Studies - Women Wed. 1-2 pm - Life Group Tues. 7-8 pm - One on One Study * Food Pantry * 12 Step Accountability Grp.

* * * *

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The Ranger

Feb. 7, 2011 • 21

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22 • Feb. 7, 2011

Opinion

The Ranger

Despite reputation, life in Mexico feels safe As a Mexican-American, it hurts me to know that my beloved country, Mexico, has become the new Colombia. The past 50 years of a corrupt and ambitious government allowed criminal elements to take hold and thrive.

I was born in Mexico City to a Mexican mother and an American father and hold dual citizenship. Forty-five days after I was born, my parents brought me to San Antonio. Though most of my Viewpoint by Ximena Alvarez life has been spent in the Alamo City, my heart has always belonged to Mexico.

Every year, I vacation in Mexico City and visit my family, but last summer, I not only was a tourist, I interned for four months at Radio UNAM at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México on the preproduction crew. Growing up, my mother always made sure I did not lose touch with my Mexican roots, but it was not until last summer that I was exposed to the reality of living in Mexico City.

If I had been asked about Mexico City six years ago when Vicente Fox was president, I would probably tell you how my ex-boyfriend had to borrow bodyguards from friends for the summer — many wealthy families hire bodyguards to avoid kidnapping — or how my uncle was robbed at gunpoint in front of his house.

But that was four years ago and this is now.

The violence and drug trafficking began in Mexico City where there are very wealthy residents and extreme poverty, a recipe for crime. It is still common for criminals to call families for extortion though now politicians are not usually involved. Criminals falsely claim a child has been kidnapped to get money out of the family quickly before the fraud

has been discovered. Others will call with lies to lure people out of their homes to rob, burglarize or kidnap.

As in all wars and battles, innocent people die; and in this war between the drug traffickers and the government, it’s the innocent who suffer.

The new government of President Felipe Calderon, installed in 2006, has taken the initiative to end corruption and stop the filthy, fraudulent politicians who little by little have robbed and destroyed Mexico. It is very easy to criticize, but 4 1/2 years of Calderon’s tenure has not been enough to end 50 years of widespread corruption and violence under the PRI party regime.

As the new generation, we are liable for who governs our country. If we do not stand by our morals and use the right to vote as citizens to elect our leaders, Mexico will not be able to prosper.

Unfortunately, as Mexicans safely ensconced in the United States, we are the ones who feel free enough to criticize. Needless to say, we contribute to giving Mexico a bad name.

But last summer, I walked the streets of Mexico City, rode the Metro bus, hailed taxicabs and, went to clubs and parties at night, but like any other place in this world, kept in mind the dangers we face anywhere on Earth. I felt safer there than in San Antonio.

I am honored to have these “parents,” for the United States is like my father who protects me and Mexico is my mother who nurtures me.

We are as responsible for our world image as our government is because we select our leaders.

As in the Mexican proverb my mom always reminds me of, “No hay mal que dure cien años ni enfermo que los aguante,” or in English, “There is not enough evil that can last a hundred years, nor is there an ill person who will stand for it.”

Book Review: ‘The Lovely Bones’ a beautiful family saga Alice Sebold, who was raped while she attended Syracuse University, uses her experience to tell the story of 14-year-old Susie Salmon, who is raped and murdered on Dec. 6, 1973, in Norristown, Pa., in her first novel, “The Lovely Bones.”

After her death, Susie watches the effects of the tragedy on her family and friends from heaven.

In the wake of Susie’s death, her father, Jack, becomes determined to find her killer.

He and his daughter, Lindsey, begin to suspect their neighbor George Harvey is the murderer.

However, Detective Len Fenerman investigates this lead and finds no reason to suspect Harvey beyond his strange fascination with building dollhouses.

Not satisfied with this conclusion, Lindsey breaks into Harvey’s house in search of evidence.

Susie’s mother, Abigail, unable to cope with the death, begins a brief affair with Fenerman

and runs off to work at a winery in California.

Susie’s grandmother, Lynn, moves in to take care of Lindsey and her brother Buckley for a depressed Jack.

Meanwhile, Susie watches her friends Ruth Connors and Ray Singh grow up, finish high school and attend college. She watches Lindsey fall in love, effectively watching the life stolen from her play out for before her eyes.

“The Lovely Bones” is less about Susie’s journey than it is about the people she left behind and how they deal with loss, drift apart, bond and eventually move on.

The book is relatively light on plot. Sebold prefers to focus on characters rather than events, which lets the reader sink into these people’s lives and follow them over a span of 10 years.

Sebold handles this large cast of characters extremely well, providing just enough balance and giving each character just as much time as they need. What results is a beautiful family saga.

The book is 328 pages, which go quickly even for slow readers, but the story lingers past the last page.

Despite its horrifying premise, this 2002 story is uplifting as the reader watches the characters grow.

The mystery of Susie’s death and the investigation are not the crux of the story.

The author could have made this an episode of “Law and Order,” but Sebold brushes by that idea.

There is a strange sense of humor lurking underneath Susie’s narration: During a flashback, Susie rescues Buckley from choking.

Lynn foresees Susie will live a long life for saving her brother to which Susie reflects, “as usual, Grandma Lynn was wrong.”

Sebold’s writing is a bit too straightforward, often saying things that would serve the story better if they were left unsaid, but the strength of the narrative allows readers to look past that and lose themselves in this wonderful story.

Joshua Fechter

23 • Feb. 7, 2011

Officials Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio TX 78204-1429 Work: 485-0020 Fax: 208-8149 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu District 1: Joe Alderete Jr. 1602 Hillcrest Drive, San Antonio TX 78228 Cell: 863-9500 E-mail: jvajr711@aol.com District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 882-1603 Fax: 927-4557 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio TX 78211 Home: 922-6815 Fax: 923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio TX 78251 E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way, Helotes TX 78023 Work: 567-5544 Fax: 520-9185 E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 755 E. Mulberry, Suite 200, San Antonio TX 78212 Work: 244-8879 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu District 8: Gary Beitzel 15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio TX 78232 Home: 496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@alamo.edu District 9: James A. Rindfuss 109 Laburnum, San Antonio TX 78209 Home: 828-4630 Work: 375-2555 Home Fax: 832-8292 Office Fax: 375-0301 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu

Presidents San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 486-0959, rzeigler@alamo.edu Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 486-5484, ereno@alamo.edu Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 486-4900, jclaunch@alamo.edu Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 486-3960, aguzman@alamo.edu St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 486-2900, aloston@alamo.edu

The Ranger

The Ranger Editor Zahra Farah

Managing Editor Melody Mendoza Sections Editor Megan Mares Photographers Tyler K. Cleveland, Alison Wadley Photo Team Felisia Almaraz, Carla Aranguren, Jake Ceballos, Adrian Fernandez, Victor A. Garcia, Marisa N. Montaño Garza, Jason B. Hogan, Julia Novikova, Chelsea Von Peacock, Abiel Rodriguez, JungKeun Song, Ingrid Wilgen Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos, Alexandra Nelipa Staff Writers J. Almendarez, Ximena Alvarez, Jacob Beltran, David Espinoza, Joshua Fechter, Mandy Kosub, Alma Linda Manzanares, Daniel Perales, James Anthony Salamé, Julysa Sosa, Riley Stephens, Dana Lynn Traugott, Valdemar Tejada, Jennifer M. Ytuarte Production Assistant Krystal Barcenez Web Editor Laura Garcia ©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.

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24 • Feb. 7, 2011

News

The Ranger

A read-in will go right here and will let the reader know

Natural science sophomore Elizabeth Morelock discusses graduation plans with President Robert Zeigler, Vice President David Mrizek, Dean Vernell Walker and astronomy Professor David Wood Tuesday in chemistry and geology. Marisa N. Montano Garza

Spreading the gospel of graduation Administrators dress up to promote participation in spring commencement.

By Krystal Barcenez Walls are covered with graduation fliers and banners while campus is dotted with eager sophomores wearing ‘Don’t just transfer, graduate!’ buttons pinned to cap and gowns.

“Can I wear that one day?” international law sophomore Kiara Mayros asked Monday as she caught sight of the college president, vice president and a student dressed in full commencement regalia pass through the Fiesta Room in Loftin Student Center during Graduation Push Week.

“Why, of course,” President Robert Zeigler said. Graduation Push Week, promoted by the Graduation Team and Graduation Project, features students on track to graduating this May

modeling the benefits of graduating with an associate degree from this college.

They talk with students, answering questions about information students need to decided to participate in commencement before continuing with transfer plans. They also distributed promotional bookmarks and buttons.

Zeigler, along with Dr. Jessica Howard, vice president of academic affairs, and volunteers walked the campus dressed in gowns, ready to cross the stage at commencement.

“By dressing up graduating students in a cap and gown, students can see what they can become. They are getting a visual image of graduating, and it makes it more real,” Howard said.

Throughout the week, graduating sophomores walked around campus dressed in red cap and gown sharing personal experiences about the importance of completing an associate degree and participating in commencement.

“It feels great to walk around in the gown and to talk to other students in my position. It’s like a taste of what’s to come,” President Tammy Kothe-Ramsey of the Student Government Association said.

Kothe-Ramsey is a psychology sophomore anticipating graduation this May. “It was a hard road, but I came with a plan and stuck to it,” she said. “There were a lot of professors who pushed me to graduate so that’s what I’m doing,” KotheRamsey said.

“I came here because the school came highly recommended and the campus layout felt like a university,” she said.

Staff Council President Geraldo Guerra walked with Kothe-Ramsey Monday also encouraging students to push to graduate.

“Regardless of anything you can still

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