Vol. 85 Issue 17
Single copies free
March 28, 2011
THE RANGER A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Armed campus
LOOMS
SURPRISE DROP IN GPA 3 SERVICE LEARNING LIMBO 10 PLEDGE SUPPORT TO KSYM 13
2 • March 28, 2011
The Ranger
The Ranger
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
English Chair Alex Bernal finds floor space March 22 during the crowded all-college meeting in the nursing complex. See story online. Tyler K. Cleveland
This issue
Photo by Tyler K. Cleveland
to ‘The Science of Sound’
covers students
By J. Almendarez
Viewpoint by Hilda L. Solis
3 News
8 Admission offices
District combines GPA on single transcript
remain student contact
14 Calendar
21 Officials & Policies
By Joshua Fechter
By Joshua Fechter Photo by Chelsea V. Peacock
15 News
22 People
4 Blotter
9 Transfer fair chance
What to do if faced with a gunman
24 Student photographer
5 News Librarians hope the board keeps new hires faculty
to compare colleges
two-time winner
By Alma Linda Manzanares
By Daniel Perales Photo by Jennifer M. Ytuarte
Online
10 Service learning
16 Concealed handguns
By Zahra Farah Photo by Tyler K. Cleveland
continues on much smaller scale
not prohibited in vehicle
6 Essay contest
By Laura Garcia Photo by Alison Wadley
offers scholarships By Riley Stephens
11 Volunteerism
Budget sessions set this week
By Laura Garcia
By Zahra Farah Photo by Tyler K. Cleveland
7 Disaster delays adjunct’s visit home By Megan Mares
worth it, professor says
12 Theater to perform
By Julysa Sosa Online poll results
18 Editorials Trustees, don’t forget where the buck stops
19 ‘Hurry up and wait’ not college value
‘Godspell’ By Dana Traugott Photo by Jason B. Hogan
Pledge support to college radio
13 Pledge yourself
20 Affordable Care Act
Cover illustration of concerns that allowing guns on campus would lead to illegal gun use. Julysa Sosa
By Megan Mares
Faculty question cost-saving of consolidations By J. Almendarez
CSI catching up on transcript requests By Zahra Farah
Redistricting firm wins contract by slim margin By Zahra Farah
The Ranger
News
March 28, 2011 • 3
District combines GPA on single transcript Combined GPA will help students’ performance, vice president says. By Joshua Fechter In 2001, education sophomore Edwin Stephens was not doing well in classes at Northwest Vista College and decided to pursue a career in music. When he left Northwest Vista, his gradepoint average was 1.23. When he enrolled at this college in fall 2009, Stephens earned a GPA of 4.0 for the 2009-10 academic year. Before the start of the fall 2010 semester, he visited the reading and education department for degree plan advising. When asked for his GPA, he replied it was 4.0. The adviser stared back and told him his real GPA: 3.08. His GPA had plummeted because starting in summer 2010, the district began combining GPAs of students who have taken classes at more than one of the Alamo Colleges. The move to Banner and a centralized system resulted in the combined transcripts. Traditionally, institutions of higher education do not include grades from other institutions in calculating a student’s GPA. Stephens said the discovery upset him and discouraged him. “When you have momentum, it’s easy to keep up,” he said, “but after this, I’m really bummed, man.” Stephens is retaking classes he did not perform well in while he was at Northwest Vista. As of spring 2011, all coursework completed at Alamo Colleges will appear on one transcript. Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, associate vice chancellor for academic partnerships and initiatives, said as a result of this switch, students will not be penalized for a low GPA in terms of academic probation until fall 2011. “We don’t want to penalize students,” she said. “We firmly believe this is to the advantage of the student.” Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student
affairs, said the combined GPA is an advantage to students because it holds them accountable for their grades. “If the student knows the grade will follow them throughout their academic career, they will have more incentive to do better in class,” he said. Fabianke said the switch may affect a few students, but as with any change, there is a transition period during which it may affect people. Cynthia Mendiola-Perez, interim director of the center for student information, said the only differe n c e between the old and new systems is that instead of the transfer institution combining a s t u d e n t’s GPA from each college, the district does it at the center for student information. Mendiola-Perez said students will be notified by e-mail and on all the college websites. She will ask the vice presidents to notify students at a later date. Vela said students could retake courses if they are not happy with their performance. A replacement grade then must be requested. He said students may take higher credit courses of four hours if they want to improve more quickly. Vela said the switch to a cumulative GPA could affect financial aid. He also said it could affect some students’ scholarships, but it depends on the criteria for each scholarship. Rosalinda Encina, associate director of financial services, said the switch may affect students’ financial aid, but they can appeal lost financial aid from the financial aid office or Web page and turn the form in to the office. Encina said the office abides by federal regulations, which state students applying for financial assistance maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive aid. The standards for satisfactory academic progress include maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, successfully completing 67 percent of all course work attempted and completing the program of study within 99 hours of attempted course work.
During a discussion Tuesday, Vela strongly advised Stephens to consider an academic fresh start, a process established by Texas Senate Bill 1321, which allows students to apply for admission to a college without the institution considering academic work completed 10 years or more before enrollment. “I think you’re a good candidate,” Vela said to Stephens. Stephens said he thinks he is going to apply for the academic fresh start in fall 2011 or spring 2012. Vela said district personnel researched the action through Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the accrediting agency for Alamo Colleges, and found nothing that prohibits the district from consolidating GPAs. “Alamo Colleges is Alamo Colleges,” he said. “We are all under one system.” Dr. Claudette Williams, vice president of SACS, said because the colleges are under one district, the district has the right to combine GPAs on a single transcript. Vela said Alamo Colleges is not the first district to combine GPAs on a single transcript, naming Dallas Community College District as an example. Vickie Allen, transcript and enrollment verification coordinator at Richland College of the Dallas system, said each admissions office of the individual colleges in the district can print transcripts. Allen said those transcripts include all coursework completed in the Dallas system along with a cumulative GPA. The individual colleges in the Alamo Community College District no longer print transcripts for coursework completed after fall 1984. Transcripts for coursework completed before fall 1984 will still be printed at the individual colleges. Alexander Rodriguez, political science freshman at Northeast Lakeview College, said he thinks the move to a singular transcript for all the colleges makes sense, especially if a student wants to transfer to another college within the district. “If I move to an apartment on another side of town, I can easily transfer to the college closest to me,” he said. “The information does not have to transfer.” The center for student information, in Room 100 of 8300 Pat Booker Road, began processing consolidated transcripts the week of Jan. 25. For more information, contact the admissions office here at 210-486-0700.
4 • March 28, 2011
Blotter SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE
Did You Know?
Campus is off-limits for bike riding
Feb. 27 — Individual reported a man in the bushes by the tennis court. The man was located and was found to be looking for tennis balls. Feb. 28 — Individual reported damage to a district vehicle. March 1 — Individual reported having problems with her ex-boyfriend. March 2 — Individual reported being in a an argument with another student. Individual reported a suspicious man hanging out around the area. Individual reported someone had stolen items from her purse. March 4 — Individual reported a hitand-run vehicle accident.
Students who ride bikes to school are not allowed to ride on campus walkways. If spotted riding, campus police will issue a citation of $16. If the citation isn’t paid by 10 working days, the student must pay $22. For information about city ordinances and bike safety, visit www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/ BikeSafety.asp.
Individual reported an art display had been damaged. March 7 — Individual in a wheelchair requested assistance in going down stairs. SAFD assisted the man. Individual reported losing his iPad. March 8 — Individual reported a suspicious man who possibly had drugs. The man was located and all was found to be OK. March 9 — Individual reported a vehicle with a broken window Individual reported two men not wearing their shirts. The men were located and they put their shirts back on. March 10 — Individual was found to be in possession of marijuana.
Contact Info Emergency 210-222-0911 General DPS 210-485-0099 Weather Line 210-485-0189
Individual reported personal items had been taken from a gym locker. March 12 — Individual reported a hit -and-run vehicle accident. March 14 — Individual reported found property. Item was placed in the property locker.
The Ranger March 21 — Individual reported an active fire alarm in the elevators. The officer found smoke but no fire, and facilities was advised. NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW COLLEGE
Individual reported her vehicle had been burglarized. No suspects were located. Individual reported his vehicle had been burglarized. No suspects were located. PALO ALTO COLLEGE
Feb. 25 — Individual reported damage to a district electrical box. No suspects. March 1 — Individual reported damage to his personal vehicle. March 2 — Individual requested an officer to stand by in the area while they spoke to an employee. March 7 — Individual reported an elevator was malfunctioning. Facilities division was advised. March 9 — Officer found a vehicle had rolled out of a parking spot and struck another vehicle. Both owners advised. No damage was found. March 10 — Individual reported his vehicle had been damaged March 11 — Individual reported two broken windows. No suspects were found. NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE Feb. 24 — Individual reported a fire in the wooded area. SAFD arrived and extinguished the fire. March 1 — Individual reported damage to his motorcycle. Individual reported a fire in the wooded area. SAFD extinguished the fire. March 2 — Individual was found to be in possession of marijuana. Individual reported damage to his personal vehicle.
Feb. 24 — Individual reported a man stealing candy from the cafeteria. The man was found to be in possession of marijuana. March 3 — Individual reported someone had stolen money from her wallet. No suspects. March 12 — Individual reported his vehicle had been stolen. Vehicle was later recovered by SAPD. March 24 — Individual reported district costumes were missing. ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE Feb. 25 — Individual reported a laptop had been stolen. No suspects. Individual reported her backpack had been taken from her vehicle several days earlier. March 1 — Individual reported his cell phone had been stolen. No suspects. Individual reported damage to the ATM machine. Individual reported a vehicle striking a concrete pole. EMS was called to the scene and treated the driver. March 7 — Criminal trespass warning was issued to a non-Alamo Colleges affiliated individual. Individual reported a district computer had been stolen. SOUTHWEST CAMPUS
March 3 — Individual reported a fire has been set in the wooded area. SAFD extinguished the fire.
March 8 — Individual reported a woman was in labor. EMS responded.
The Ranger
News
March 28, 2011 • 5
Librarians hope the board keeps new hires faculty By Zahra Farah Renata Gibson, Northwest Vista College adjunct librarian, informed the board Tuesday night that adjunct librarians would take a 30 percent pay cut in salary by this summer when the status of librarians moves from faculty to staff. “I am being told that I may go from making $23,000 a year to just $15,000 a year,” Gibson said at Tuesday’s citizens-to-be-heard segment during the March regular board meeting. Four librarians from the five colleges gave testimony in hopes of repealing a decision to hire new librarians as professional staff. In the 25 strategic initiatives adopted by this district this academic year, it states this is a budget strategy expected to save the district $300,000 annually. Librarian Tom Kuykendall, who spoke for librarians across the district, was joined by 20 to 30 supporters from the libraries, Faculty Senate and colleges. In November, the five Faculty Senates wrote memorandums in support of new librarians having the opportunity to become faculty members. Dr. Robert Aguero, vice chancellor for academic success, responded to this in a memorandum Feb. 9 stating “fiscal realities” were the deciding factor. In the memo, he wrote Chancellor Bruce Leslie asked that he provide a response. Librarians sent a packet of information to Chancellor Bruce Leslie and trustees March 11, which outlined the reasons to leave librarians with faculty status. Kuykendall said they’ve already developed a plan that would “reduce personnel costs more rapidly and more substantially” then the district’s plan. In the packet, they explained that to save money, Alamo Colleges’ library faculty is willing
Librarians speak during the citizens-to-be-heard portion about the 30 percent paycut and downgraded status as nonfaculty. Tyler K. Cleveland to implement a 50-50 adjunct-to- a program from the Texas State faculty ratio and not fill vacancies Library that allows interlibrary created by seven librarians retiring loans across the state. from this college in the next two to Librarians worry a two-tiered five years. system will form between tenured Their plan is expected to save faculty librarians and professional the district $441,626.88 annu- staff because most librarians in the ally, while district’s plan projects Alamo Colleges plan to work anotha saving of only er 15 to 20 years. $300,000. “That’s 20 Ku y k e n d a l l years with facultold trustty librarians and ees, James staff librarians McLaughlin, working sidevice chancelby-side with the lor for finance same qualificaand administions and same tration from responsibilities,” September 2007 he said. “Just to December less pay, less Renata Gibson 2009, studied status and less NVC adjunct librarian a proposal to opportunity for phase out facadvancement ulty status for librarians and “con- for the professional staff.” cluded the phase out would not Gibson said she wanted to bring yield cost savings.” to the board’s attention that adjunct “He chose not to pursue the librarians being forced to take a proposal,” Kuykendall said. huge pay cut in less then a few It would only produce shortmonths while maintaining all of term saving. To achieve long-term the same job duties “is almost too savings, the district would have much to bear.” to pay professional staff librarians She said this change affects 16 considerably less per month than adjunct librarians across the collibrary faculty colleagues. leges. The libraries so far are also “I just had a baby a few months planning to save $1.26 million in ago, and I rely on this job to make the next two to five years by cancel- ends meet, and I am getting very ing print subscriptions and data- scared,” Gibson said. bases. They’ve saved money also As far as she knows, no one else by sharing databases throughout in the district is being told to take a all the colleges and using TexShare, demotion and a 30 percent pay cut.
“I rely on this job to make ends meet and I am getting very scared.”
Gibson urged the district to find better ways to cut costs than what is being proposed. The room broke into applause. Kuykendall said faculty status is important to librarians because librarians are required to have a master’s degree, they teach students and a lack of faculty status is detrimental not only to job performance, but also ultimately to student success. Librarian Celita DeArmond informed the board she left the University of Texas at San Antonio because her peers didn’t view her as a faculty member. Her first job was a professional staff librarian at UTSA where she “quickly began boring students with canned presentations.” She requested permission to attend faculty seminars on teaching and an international weeklong immersion program designed to create teacher librarians. She said her peers thought she was “moving too fast and rocked the boat.” The administration actively resisted the type of change needed to foster student success. In 2004, Northwest Vista librarians were finally recognized as faculty after working at the college for three years. DeArmond said she left UTSA to come to this college because here she could “fully realize my potential as a teacher librarian.” She said when she told President Robert Zeigler she received a bad performance evaluation from UTSA, which said, “Celita teaches like a faculty member, and that’s not what we want,” she said Zeigler responded, “Well, welcome to SAC. We’re glad to have you as faculty.” Librarians throughout the colleges teach one-on-one and classes, DeArmond and Kuykendall said. Districtwide librarians taught more than 1,200 classes for more than 30,000 students last year.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
News
6 • March 28, 2011
Essay contest offers scholarships By Riley Stephens The deadline for the Black History Month Essay Contest has been extended to Tuesday. Students can compete for three scholarships totaling $1,200. The contest coordinator, English Professor Janice Clayton, delayed the competition until she was sure scholarship funds would be available. Clayton said the submitted essays should be at least 900 words, contain five sources and follow the Modern Language Association style. Clayton said all applicants must be enrolled this semester at this college. Essays may be submitted to the English department office in Room 123 of Gonzales Hall. She said the essays could be on any topic that relates to Black History Month, and AfricanAmerican literature, art, history or music. Clayton said she was unsure the contest was going to happen this year because of funding. “I was afraid that we could not sponsor the competition this year because of budget cuts,” Clayton said. The essays must have a cover sheet with the name of the applicant’s current telephone number, last four digits of the Social Security number, address and Banner ID. President Robert Zeigler said funds for the scholarships were coming from a United Way giving campaign. “Every year through fundraising, donors raise money for scholarships,” Zeigler said. He said this semester, the scholarship amount was reduced, but he could not specify how much. For information, call Clayton at 210-4860661.
The Ranger
Budget sessions set this week By Zahra Farah
budget pressure the district will face is where to find $15.2 million to cover the district’s conTwo meetings this week are scheduled to tribution to employee health insurance and seek solutions to ongoing budget shortfalls. retirement. Snyder explained if the district A strategic planning and performance meetconsiders the $3.3 million unfunded growth ing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. today in the Rosenberg Sky the state is also neglecting to fund, the total Room at the International Conference Center cuts and unfunded growth from SB 1 $72.8 at the University of the Incarnate Word will million and HB 1 is $79.3 million. bring in 150 people invited by the Snyder explained after For more colleges to discuss improving develTuesday night’s meeting of the on strategic opmental education with declining board of trustees that for a long planning, visit resources. time the state has not been paywww.alamo. At a board retreat April 2 at ing the district the amount of edu/planning/ Alamo Colleges Floresville Center, appropriations they should be index.html. trustees will discuss how the disgetting, but instead giving whattrict’s colleges can accommodate increasing ever dollars they can to college districts. enrollment with less funding. A time has not Snyder said for fiscal year 2012 and fiscal been set yet. year 2013 Alamo Colleges will face cuts six Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance times greater than prior years with growth of and administration, Tuesday showed the board 16 percent. a 10-year comparison between funding in fisSnyder said with reduced funding from the cal year 2002 and fiscal year 2011. In 2002, 38.2 state, local tax rates and tuition probably will percent of funding came from state appropriago up and programs and services will be cut. tions and 27.5 percent from tuition and fees. She said the district has saved $30 million In 2011, however, state appropriation dollars over the last four years with cost efficiencies. decreased by 23.6 percent and tuition and fees They saved $10 million in fiscal year 2008 and made up 40 percent of funding. 2009. They will save $20 million from fiscal Property taxes made up 29.7 percent of year 2010 and by the end of fiscal year 2011. funding, but that number has increased to At the retreat, the administration will ask 33.3 percent for fiscal year 2011. trustees for their input on revenue strategies, The board will look for funding for health review where the district stands with its 25 insurance and retirement contributions if the strategic initiatives, and discuss “worst case” state Legislature decides to cut funding for plans colleges and departments have to face fiscal years 2012 and 2013. if the district has to figure out where to cut SB 1 is proposing a $12.3 million cut in $15 million. health insurance and a $9.6 million cut in To view Snyder’s presentation, visit retirement. HB 1 proposes a $20.8 million cut h t t p s : / / v 3 . b o a r d b o o k . o r g / P u b l i c / in health insurance and a $9.6 million cut in PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=31061641. retirement. Snyder said whatever the state To watch the board meeting, visit www. cannot cover, the district will have to. alamo.edu and click on Board of Trustees and She explained for fiscal year 2012, the then videos.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 DeArmond learned from teaching that only 5 percent of whatever she is saying is retained by students, but she can boost retention to about 20 percent if she uses a visual aid. She then slammed on the podium a threering binder containing her tenure dossier, which consists of documents from the classroom, reference desk teaching, student evaluations, presentations related to teaching and her services to Alamo Colleges. “My faculty peers rely on me to teach research skills and concepts for projects listed in their syllabus. I am the teacher for that part of the curriculum,” she said. Sandra Hood, 61, a retired Palo Alto librarian, said she received emeritus status for her service and teaching students to become critical thinkers. She urged the board to not rush to assume they will save with
this initiative and reminded them of how they thought merging the five colleges would, only to find out they would lose vital grant money. In 2009, Leslie and district administrators explored combining all of the colleges into one, but after public outcry and research, they realized St. Philip’s College would lose $7 million in Title 5 grant money. After the board meeting, Leslie said the decision on librarians was made last summer at a strategic meeting. He said these were recommendations from faculty and staff who attended the meetings and reiterated the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools does not require librarians to be hired as faculty. For more information, go to www.alamo.edu and click on Board of Trustees and then Agendas.
The Ranger
News
March 28, 2011 • 7
Disaster delays adjunct’s visit home Yuko Kawabe’s family was unharmed at home on northern island. By Megan Mares On March 11, Japanese Adjunct Yuko Kawabe awoke to catch a flight to Japan for spring break. When she arrived at the airport, she was informed that her flight was canceled because of a magnitude 8.9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, only the beginning of the devastation in her native country. Instead of spending the week with family and accompanying her mother to an oncologist, Kawabe was forced to view the unfolding disaster from the other side of the world. The earthquake was the start of multiple strong aftershocks, 50 in the first day alone. Then came word of possible nuclear meltdown, radiation release and evacuation. Kawabe’s family lives on Hokkaido Island, a northern Japanese island. None of her family was harmed, but she said that in Japan, 9,700 bodies have been collected and 16,501 have been listed as missing with numbers still increasing. With concern for her mother’s health, Kawabe left for Japan on the 12th and arrived on the 14th, less than a week after the quake. She spent three days among her suffering compatriots. While she didn’t see any of the damage herself, but while in Japan, Kawabe bought a copy of Hokkaido Shinbun. The newspaper headlines written in Japanese characters, large and small, described the havoc that the earthquake, tsunami and radiation have caused. Newspaper pictures told the story: a young child walking among collapsed buildings, carrying water bottles filled with clean water; a family eating dinner in
Kawabe points to a map of Japan showing the strength of earthquakes and aftershocks felt around the nation following the 9.0 magnitude quake and tsunami March 11.
“It actually altered the Earth’s axis, and Japan is sunk. ” Japanese Adjunct Yuko Kawabe shows a Japanese newspaper depicting the aftermath of the earthquake. Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland candlelight when electricity was lost; and a family with young children sleeping in a shelter. All represent what part of Japan’s population of 126 million people are experiencing, Kawabe said. “It’s just too sad,” Kawabe said. “But it will make Japan stronger.” International nursing sophomore Nicole Salazar, a member of the Japanese Club, said she was asleep when the earthquake happened, but early on March 11, friends who live in Japan were posting their despondency on Facebook. “It’s horrible; it’s really tragic,” she said. “It actually altered the
Earth’s axis, and Japan is sunk. I’ve been reading a lot online and watching videos.” Kawabe said she was planning a third annual study abroad trip to Japan during Maymester, but this year’s trip is now canceled. Eleven students were planning to visit Toyko and Kyoto. Each paid about $3,800, and all of them will get their money back. In an effort to help, the Japanese Club is planning a fundraiser. Japan America Society of San Antonio and Toyota are teaming up with the American Red Cross. Saturday, Kawabe attended Mizuumi-Con 4, an anime,
Yuko Kawabe Japanese adjunct
Japanese culture and gaming convention where she demonstrated calligraphy. Mizuumi-Con is donating $250 to Japanese relief. On the wall behind Kawabe’s desk is a large copy of Katsushika Hokusai’s well-known “The Great Wave of Kanagawa,” illiustrating a view from Mount Fuji. Large blue waves curl along the sides of the picture, almost swallowing a long boat at the center. Kawabe said initially, she couldn’t believe this happened, but she hopes it will unite Japan. For more information or to help in relief efforts, visit jas-sa. org or www.redcross.org.
8 • March 28, 2011
News
The Ranger
Admissions offices remain student contact Center for student information has no center of information. By Joshua Fechter The center for student information was established last spring to handle student applications, process transcripts, file state reports and keep academic and continuing education records for Alamo Colleges in a centralized location as part of the move to Banner. However, the center is inaccessible to students. A brief summary of the center’s responsibilities can be found on the Web page of Dr. Adelina Silva, vice chancellor for student success, under a tab titled “departments.” Unlike the other departments listed, the center has no Web page. ACES contains a broken link to a CSI service request form. Angie Guillen, associate director of the center and former coordinator of records and
reports at Northwest Vista, said the purpose of the center is to handle back-room processing of transcripts and drop requests, so admissions offices at the colleges can put more emphasis on helping students. “The vision is ‘we take care of records. Admissions takes care of students,’” she said. In addition, the center has no central phone number. Neither the office of the vice chancellor for student success or the district switchboard can provide a central number for the center. Guillen said CSI does not want to essentially become another admissions office and deal with the issues students might have dropping a class or transferring to another school. She said she is not the person to say whether a functional website is in the works, but she said there may have been talk about one in a meeting. Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs and former temporary director of the center, said talk of a central Web page did not come up in any meetings while he was there.
The center for student information offices in Room A100 of Alamo University Center does not offer students a contact for concerns such as transcript backlog. Chelsea V. Peacock Vela spent almost nine months from February 2010 to October 2010 overseeing the establishment of the new center for student information. Guillen said the center is still a young department and has room to grow. CSI is in Room 100 of 8300 Pat Booker Road. A keypad lock blocks access to the office.
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The Ranger
March 28, 2011 • 9
News
Transfer fair chance to compare colleges By Alma Linda Manzanares Students can shop for four-year institutions around the state from 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center. Transfer Coordinator Rosa Maria Gonzalez said she expects representatives from about 25 universities to attend. Students can ask about programs offered in their majors, admission deadlines, financial aid, scholarship opportunities and campus housing. The primary goal of the fair is to help students plan early for transferring and finding out what programs are available at each university, she said. Students who want to go to more selective colleges must plan in advance, checking the GPA the college requires and housing options, Gonzalez said. She said students also need to consider tuition costs and apply for any scholarship awards, loans, grants or financial aid early. Gonzalez said she expects about 400 students to drop by for information.
Criminal justice “Road to Success” career fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday in Room 218 of the nursing and allied health complex. Call 210-486-0989. Last semester, about 500 students attended. She said the spring semester doesn’t draw as many students because some transfer deadlines have already passed, but it’s still an opportunity for those students to gather information about applying for transfer the following semester. Gonzalez said all the local universities always attend as well as universities around the state, such as the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, which always get a lot of interest. She said it’s important that students recognize that not all majors are offered by all universities so they should “match the school with the program.” “You need to be able to choose your major, and then see what colleges or universities offer that major or offer sub-concentrations for that
major,” Gonzalez said. Texas Southern University, Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas at Dallas are some universities scheduled to attend this semester, but that do not regularly attend, Gonzalez said. She said many universities do not confirm until the last minute. She said the University of Texas at Dallas offers Comet Connection, a program specifically for students who begin at a community college, but know they would like to complete a degree at the university. The program guarantees students a tuition rate and opens access to the services on campus, she said. Universities are making options available that allow students to commit early by offering services like joint admissions that give special privileges to students such as the Comet Connection, Gonzalez said. For more information on the transfer fair, call 210-486-0864. For a list of colleges, visit www. theranger.org.
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10 • March 28, 2011
News
The Ranger
Service learning continues on much smaller scale Student life hires part-time employee to oversee program. By Laura Garcia The service learning program has been in disarray since August when its operations were reassigned to student life. Students and faculty participants are still wondering about its future. Before August, three full-time employees tended the program, but all the responsibilities are now assigned to a new part-time employee. Student life Director Jorge Posadas said his office is still in the process of integrating the program into its activities but with scaled-back services. Posadas hired Emily Kahanek Feb. 16 as a part-time temporary employee to oversee service learning 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Kahanek came to the college as a senior public relations coordinator from H-E-B Grocery Co. in February 2009. She resigned after seven months as Alumni Association coordinator in September to pursue a master’s degree in education at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jeff Jackson, associate director of student life, said Wednesday student life plans to eventually hire another employee to help Kahanek with service learning. On Tuesday, Posadas said he plans to fill a full-time assistant coordinator of student leadership and activities position left vacant when Tyler Archer left in January. She was assigned service learning at the start of fall in addition to organizing clubs and events. Posadas admitted Archer hadn’t done much with service learning, but student life has decided to drop some of the program’s activities, such as a volunteer fair and hunger banquet, which Audrey Grams established. He said the program would operate as a community clearinghouse. Grams was reassigned as a College Connections recruiter Aug. 13 after overseeing service learning for nine years. “I’m not in control of it anymore,” she said March 9. Grams directs students and faculty to student life. She said her predecessor, Trevor Alexander, was in the office for about a year before she was hired. Grams said when she took over, it was months before faculty stopped saying, “That’s not how Trevor used to do it.” Grams said she is willing to offer advice to student life and wrote in a follow-up e-mail, “Change is always hard, but we all learn as we go.”
Service learning operated on a series of Jackson said he is working on integrating grants, including a recent $5,000 Pepsi Refresh the database, which holds participants’ inforProject grant to the Phi Theta Kappa food pan- mation, including a time sheet with volunteer try and a three-year $85,310 Learn and Serve work hours with student life’s online program, America Higher Education grant, which ended Orgsync. He said student life will use Orgsync in September 2009. Grams, however, was paid to track hours online, rather than going through by the college budget. an individual, but will also maintain paper files Posadas said student life might not be able in their office. to apply for grants because of a limited budget. “It’s going to take us a little bit,” Posadas said. The program also promoted participation “It could be better.” He said one reason the proin the President’s Volunteer Service Award gram experienced a delay in services is because program, a national many of the service award given to parlearning program ticipants who work a files are paper rather minimum of 100 volthan electronic. Boxes unteer hours. of files, including six Kahanek said filing cabinets were Wednesday she would moved from a storlike to continue the age area in Fletcher program in the sumAdministration mer and fall because Center. The files are there are only a few now in storage in Nail more weeks in the Technical Center. Volunteer Carla Calderon and American Sign spring semester. Civil engineering Language sophomore Rebecca Dunn bag food Grams said about pantry groceries Wednesday. Alison Wadley sophomore Adam 25 students were Boehm is a student awarded each year with a $4.75 President’s who not only enjoyed volunteering for engiVolunteer Service Award certificate. The college neering Professor Dan Dimitriu’s class, creating participated for about five years. Last spring, toys for the San Antonio Children’s Museum, about 1,325 students were enrolled in courses that he wants to pursue the President’s Volunteer required projects, which resulted in about 10,029 Service Award. volunteer hours completed. Boehm has stopped by the student life office Grams’ secretary was reassigned to the crim- several times trying to get a copy of his voluninal justice department, and civic engagement teer hours with no avail. He said he talked to Coordinator Justin Storrs left the college. Storrs Archer last fall and she was never able to locate was paid by the AmeriCorps VISTA program. his paperwork in the storage area, and when he Because Grams worked with grants, she kept visited the office and told them of his situation, detailed reports for about 50 faculty mem- he never heard back from anyone. bers in more than 26 disciplines. She managed Boehm said if it’s so much of a hassle, then paperwork, including liability forms, and she he might have to start again from zero. said she helped match faculty with nonprofit Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student organizations that suited their course material. affairs, said he hadn’t heard of any complaints Economics Professor Susan Spencer, an during the service learning transition but isn’t adviser to honor society Phi Theta Kappa, man- surprised that some feel displaced because of a ages the society’s food pantry in the Catholic gap in service. Vela said he wants the program to Student Center. She echoes Grams’ sentiment. “get back on board and do what we need to do” Spencer is not participating in the service to offer a better service for students. learning program this year but was involved in He explained that service learning is not at the program for about eight years before the a level it once was and the transition to student switch. “A comparison is almost unfair,” she said life and Archer’s resignation hurt. “It’s not the March 9, explaining that she hopes others give best scenario, but it’s better than just closing it student life some empathy and support while down,” Vela said they get up to speed. For more information about service learn“I hope they have the opportunity to learn ing, call Kahanek at 210-486-0127 or e-mail at more of what is involved,” Spencer said. ekahanek@alamo.edu.
News
The Ranger
March 28, 2011 • 11
Volunteerism worth it, professors say By Laura Garcia The service learning program might not be what it used to be, but faculty defend the need for volunteer-based learning. Economics Professor Susan Spencer, an adviser to honor society Phi Theta Kappa who manages the society’s food pantry in the Catholic Student Center, said the pantry originated from a service learning project two years ago. Although she is not currently participating in service learning, previously her students took part in projects for Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable homes for needy families, and Junior Achievement, a hands-on organization that educates students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. She explained that taking on service learning for many faculty members means extra work, especially in filing paperwork. Kinesiology Professor Carol Johnson has integrated service learning into her classes for several years in KINE 1301, Foundations of
Kinesiology. Johnson said about 45 of her students participate including working in their field of expertise at physical therapy clinics, athletic training in high schools and adapted physical education. Last semester, her students received certificates for their volunteer hours. While Johnson said her experience with service learning has been significantly different this semester, she explained that volunteerism is important for the community. “Cutbacks are happening everywhere,” she said. Sociology Professor Terri Slonaker on March 9 said because she is teaching a course-load of seven classes this semester, she didn’t have enough time for it. She previously offered the opportunity to students in her SOCI 1370, Death and Dying, class in which students volunteered at a local hospice. Though many students weren’t thrilled about volunteering until they got to know the patients, Slonaker said, in the end, students told her, “It was a lot of work, but it was worth it.” Service learning Coordinator Emily Kahanek,
who was hired last month, said student life is seeking participation for summer and fall courses. She said she spent her first week researching the program. Kahanek detailed three ways to get involved, including enrolling in a service learning course, independently seeking volunteer opportunities and joining organizations and clubs who take on service learning projects. She said she is attending departmental meetings to let faculty know she is available to help with preparing a syllabus or contacting community organizations. Student life is working on making sure service learning courses are indicated on transcripts. “Starting fresh is kind of a great way to start,” she said Wednesday. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about how it was run, so I’m hoping to continue on that same path.” Kahanek said volunteerism in the classroom increases retention and participation. She added that students can also add their volunteer work to their résumé and make contacts in a field that they are passionate about.
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12 • The Ranger
Pledge y By J. Almendarez
Theater students rehearse the upcoming “Godspell,” rock opera directed by Paula Rodriguez, which debuted in 1971. It was inspired by the final days of
Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. The rock opera premieres Thursday and runs through April 10 in McAllister auditorium. Jason B. Hogan
Theater to perform ‘Godspell’ By Dana Traugott First produced on Broadway in 1971, this highly acclaimed rock opera set a new image for the onstage historical Jesus Christ. The musical includes dramatized well-known parables and it focuses on the last days of Jesus. The cast is portrayed as clowns and use various theatrical devices and varying musical styles to convey the message of Christ’s death. The theater and speech communication department will be showcasing “Godspell: A Muscial Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew” on March 31, April 2, 7-9 at 7:30 p.m. and on April 3 and 10 at 2:30 p.m. in
the auditorium of McAllister. She said the highlight of directing Admission is $2 for all Alamo is seeing the students’ natural talent Colleges students, faculty and staff, come to fruition and their progress and $10 for general from the beginning pracadmission. tices to the end perforThe musical is directmance. ed by Paula Rodriguez Set and light designer with music direction by Luke Gerhardt, a theater Mary Lou Russell. sophomore, said the set It was originally for “Godspell” was surwritten and directed by prisingly easy, but the John-Michael Tebelak challenge came in the and produced on the research for the design New York stage by Edgar concept. Iansbury, Stuart Duncan “The most diffiJohn Belcher and Joseph Beruh. cult part is “upgrading “I have everything ‘Godspell’ into the 2011 good to say about it,” Rodriguez said. time and making it relative to today,” “It’s going to be a great show.” Gerhardt said.
KSYM 90.1 FM, this college’s ra mercial stations. Throughout the day, listeners c of Beatles songs, metal, R&B or tal A local musician can mail in a a decent chance of getting it spun It offers students in the radio-t gram an opportunity to have han them for careers. A majority of the station’s lic are funded through donations rais drive. This year’s 17th pledge drive, w of Sound,” will begin at 7 a.m. M a.m. April 4. William Mossom, assistant p weeklong pledge drive is the on pulls together with resources thro munity to raise money and awaren college radio stations. The station’s annual goal is $60 goal. Last year, $40,000 was raised General Manager John Onder ally has 80 percent of their dono pledge. During the pledge drive, the DJs, speakers and musicians and and other prizes. Each DJ will have the option UStream during the week, and s television on Channel 98 from 5 until Sunday. In the past, Mossom said the concert tickets and autographed depending on the amount pledge However, he said donors rare
GUEST DJ S
Toda
7 a.m.- 9 a.m. Zahra Farah and Laur 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Eileen Teves of KEN 2 p.m.-3 p.m. KSAT 12 anchor Steve 9 p.m.-11p.m. Former KSYM DJ Miss
Tuesd
7 a.m.-9 a.m. Melissa Ludwig, San A 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Randy Beamer, News
miere
March 28, 2011 • 13
yourself to ‘The Science of Sound’
e station gave away artwork, d merchandise as premiums ed. ely pick up their winnings,
leaving the KSYM station cluttered with goods. While they can resell the goods the following year, they must house them until the next pledge drive. Although the station tries to limit prizes to gift certificates for the sake of space, the station will offer T-shirts, mugs, key chains, backpacks and mouse pads in exchange for minimum donations. Each item has a separate minimum. Their “Science of Sound” logoed T-shirts are their most popular premium and are given to people who donate at least $35. Restaurants and businesses donate gift certificates as premiums in exchange for on-air mentions of their contributions. This year, local restaurants such as Pho-Sure, The Filing Station, The Cove, The Foundry and franchises including Chili’s, Freebirds and Quiznos will provide breakfast or lunch for pledge drive volunteers and KSYM staff and are among some of this year’s gift certificate donors. Music Director Victoria Acevedo said volunteers are needed to take phone calls and insert donor information into Quickbooks, accounting software that allows information to be easily accessed when needed. Music business sophomore Juan Diaz said volunteers could also help stuff envelopes, file paperwork and do other clerical tasks for the station. People interested in volunteering should call KSYM at 210-
486-1373. Acevedo said she sees KSYM as an essential learning tool for RTF majors. “This station was established to help students get their feet wet in the industry,” she said. Program director Robert Medina said the last day of the pledge drive will be celebrated with a live performance at KSYM. A Beatles cover band, Apple Core, has volunteered to perform at 12:30 p.m. April 3 after Richard Turner’s Sunday morning show, “The Best of the Beatles,” which airs from 9 a.m. until noon. The pledge drive coincides with the 25th anniversary of Turner’s show. Medina was unsure exactly where the band will perform, but said it would probably be in one of the station’s adjacent parking lots. Turner, a former student at this college, said, “We encourage everybody to come down and see the show.” KSYM is arranging to have food and drink vendors available. The concert is also an opportunity for people to pick up premiums and pay pledges. A more formal pick-up and pay event is set to take place May 12 at KSYM. Donations can be made online at www.alamo.edu/sac/ ksym/ or by calling 210-486-5796.
SCHEDULE
2 p.m.-3 p.m. KISS personality Lauren Drullinger 7 p.m.-9 pm KTSA’s Joey Palacios, former KSYM program director
3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Third Coast musicians Johnny Bush and Ray Wylie Hubbard
adio station, is not like com-
can be treated to blues, hours lk. CD to be reviewed and have n on air. television-broadcasting pronds-on experience to prepare
censing fees and equipment sed during its annual pledge
with the theme “The Science March 28 and last through 1
program director, said the ne time of year when KSYM oughout the school and comness about the importance of
0,000, but it has never met the d. rdonk said the station usuors follow through with their
radio station features guest d gives away gift certificates
n to stream their shows on shows will be broadcast on p.m. to 7 p.m. from Friday
ay
ra Garcia of The Ranger NS 5 Great Day SA e Spriester s Ruby Jules
Friday Wednesday 7 a.m.-9 a.m. Dr. Bruce Leslie, Alamo Colleges chancellor 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Albert Flores, Diverse Media Inc. CEO 10 a.m.-11a.m. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff
Thursday
day
Antonio Express-News writer s 4 WOAI anchor
7 a.m. – 8 a.m. Dr. Robert Zeigler, San Antonio College president 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Greg Simmons, KSAT 12 sports anchor
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. Regan Arevalos, Comedia a Go-Go troupe
Saturday 9 a.m.-11a.m. Freelance videographer and former DJ Kaye Cruz, Joe Shortt of Los No. 3 Dinners 9 p.m.-10 p.m. Former RTF student Hondo Aguilera, Jacob Flores aka late-night KSYM DJ Cogswell, Elisa Rodriguez aka late-night KSYM DJ Serena
Calendar
14 • March 28, 2011 For coverage in Calendar, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
SAC Meeting: Criminal Justice Society at noon in Room 144 of Chance. Continues first and third Wednesdays. Call 210-486-0835. SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m. in Room 642 of Moody. Call 210-486-2887
Monday SAC Deadline: Application for graduation April 2. Visit www.alamo.edu/sac/ csd/grad/html/applying.htm or call 210486-0864. District Deadline: Last day to withdraw from spring classes April 18. Call 210486-0700. SAC Event: Graduation Fair 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Loftin. Continues Tuesday. Call 210-486-0950. SAC Meeting: Catholic Social Teachings 12:15 p.m. at Catholic Student Center. Call 210-736-3752. SAC Meeting: Society of MexicanAmerican Engineers and Scientists 3 p.m. in the MESA Center in Room 204 of Chance. Call 210-486-1300.
SAC Meeting: Gay and Lesbian Association 3 p.m.-4 p.m. in Room 644 of Moody. Call 210-486-0673.. Event: “A Call to Justice: the Three Theological Virtues” by the Rev. Norm Ermis and Will Rainford 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 2718 W. Woodlawn Ave. Continues March 31-April 1. Call 210-736-3752.
The Ranger April 7
SAC Event: “Cat Caring Initiative” noon1 p.m. Room 115 of Oppenheimer. Call 210-486-0938. PAC Event: Spring Dance Concert 7:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. in auditorium of performing arts center, $2 donation. Continues April 8. Call 210-4863211.
SAC Event: Cesar Chavez annual blood drive 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 101 of nursing complex. Continues Wednesday. lmenard@alamo.edu, fperez@alamo.edu. SAC Meeting: “Breaking Open the World” at 12:15 p.m. at Catholic Student Center. Call 210-736-3752.
April 15 Holiday: Colleges closed for Battle of Flowers. Weekend classes meet. Event: Battle of Flowers Parade 12:45 p.m.-4 p.m. Visit www. battleofflow-
April 8 SAC Meeting: President’s Round Table from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Meeting: Kinesiology Club 3 p.m. in Room 148 of Candler. Call 210-5881936.
Event: St. Mary’s University Fiesta Oyster Bake 5 p.m.–11 p.m. Visit www.oysterbake.com. Event: “Fiesta Del Rey: Crown the King!” at San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza 6:30 p.m. Call 210-389-9765.
Friday SAC Event: Mass and a Meal 12:15 p.m. Catholic Student Center. Call 210736-3752. Saturday SAC Sports: Racquetball tournament 9 a.m. in Room 109 of Candler. Donation of $5 for kinesiology scholarship fund. Call 210-486-1029.
SAC Hot Potato: “Concealed Weapons on Campus: Will We Be More Safe?” with Marshall Lloyd and Wayne Eresman 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. at Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 210733-1441.
SAC Event: “A Faith Day in Action” with Father Charlie 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mass at 4 p.m. at Haven for Hope. Call 210-7363752.
SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ 1:30 p.m. in Room 113 of chemistry and geology. Call 210-486-1233.
SAC Sports: Baseball vs. HustonTillotson University 10:30 a.m. at HustonTillotson in Austin. Continues at 1:30 p.m. Call 210-260-6348.
April 3
Wednesday April 6 SAC Event: Transfer Fair 9 a.m.-noon in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860864.
PAC Event: PACfest 11 a.m.-9 p.m. in central courtyard. Call 210-486-3125.
Thursday
April 9 Tuesday
SPC Event: 2011 CultureFest 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Wyoming and Walters. Call 210486-2241.
SAC Event: HealthFest 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in Candler. Call 210-588-8779.
ers.org. April 16 SAC Sports: Baseball vs. Rice University 10:30 a.m. at SAISD sports complex adjacent to Burbank High School. Continues at 1:30 p.m. April 16 and 10:30 a.m. April 17. Call 210-260-6348. April 18
SAC Sports: Baseball vs. Texas State University, San Marcos 10:30 a.m. at Texas State. Continues at 1:30 p.m. April 9 and 10:30 a.m. April 10. Call 210260-6348.
SAC Performance: Guitar Ensemble 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-486-0255.
April 11
April 19
SAC Performance: Honors recital 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210486-0255.
SAC Performance: Wind Ensemble 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-486-0255.
April 12
April 21
District Meeting: Committee meetings 5:30 p.m. in Room 101 of Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan. For more information, go to www.alamo.edu and click on Board of Trustees and then Agendas.
SAC Performance: Early Music Ensemble 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-486-0255.
Event: A Night in Old San Antonio 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. La Villita. Tickets $1.50$12. Continues through April 15. Visit www.niosa.org. April 14
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
March 28, 2011 • 15
What to do if faced with a gunman By Daniel Perales Thirty-three students were killed April 16, 2007, when a student with two handguns roamed the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for 2 1/2 half hours. The University of Texas at Austin was rocked by a similar event Sept. 28 as a student unloaded several rounds from an AK-47 assault rifle. There were no injuries. Both incidents ended when the gunman killed himself. “What would you do?” asked Cpl. Marisa Saccio, college campus coordinator with district police, during an active shooter training March 9 in the visual arts center. In the first of 10 “Surviving an Active Shooter” workshops presented by the Alamo Colleges
police department this semester. As a part of the workshop, the audience viewed a video packed with real-life scenarios explaining every thought and step in the process of surviving should an actual shooting situation occur on campus. “Will you choose to run, hide or take out the shooter?” Saccio said. “That is a personal decision, and none of them are wrong.” The video also provides useful and potentially life-saving tips on how to approach officers without being confused with the gunman, the difference between a hostage situation and a live shooter and how to react to either, and the likely reactions of a trained and untrained person. After the video, Saccio and Cervantes presented scenarios
Cpl. Marisa Saccio and Dep. Chief Joe Curiel speak to 26 students, faculty and staff about survival mindset March 22. Jennifer M. Ytuarte based on this college and took questions. The workshop ran just over an hour. While future workshops could last longer as the question-andanswer segment fluctuates with the size and interest of the audience, district police allot two hours for each presentation. Police said this workshop may see drastic changes because of House Bill 750 in this spring’s Legislature relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on
certain locations associated with schools or institutions of higher learning. “This is important to know because this can happen at any moment at any time … do not be fearful, but mindful,” Saccio said in concluding the workshop. Workshops are scheduled 1 p.m. April 2, May 11, June 15 and June 28; 11 a.m. April 27, May 24 and June 29; and 2 p.m. May 25. All workshops are in Room 120 of the visual arts center.
16 • March 28, 2011
News
The Ranger
Concealed handguns not prohibited in vehicle By Julysa Sosa Recent talk about handguns may have sparked confusion among students with concealed weapon licenses who find state law and district policy conflicting. Although it seems like a conflict, they are actually overlapping. Under Texas law, a person with a concealed handgun license is prohibited from taking a gun on the physical premises of a school or educational institution. Last month, President Robert Zeigler in an e-mail to employees of this college said handguns are prohibited on campus, in cars and on district property. Zeigler said the question of handguns being allowed on campus came up during a questionand-answer session at spring convocation Jan. 12. Chief Don Adams of district police said there is a distinction between students who bring a handgun on campus and into buildings and a student who leaves a handgun in a car.
According to the penal code’s Texas Concealed Handgun Law, a gun is prohibited on the physical premises of any grounds or buildings, but doesn’t include parking lots or sidewalks. Adams said if students were to bring a gun into a building, it would be a violation of Texas law that could result in an arrest and charges being filed. However, if a student were to leave a handgun in a vehicle, they are not breaking the law, but are in violation of the F.4.2.1 student code of conduct which is No. 8 on the list of 40 “expressly prohibited behaviors.” The code defines “weapon” as “a firearm, illegal knife, club, explosive weapon, firearm silencer, knuckles, ammunition or chemical dispensing device.” In the March 7 issue, The Ranger reported Adams confirming pepper spray is allowed. Because it is legal to carry a concealed handgun in a car without a permit, the student would
not be arrested or charged but could receive academic reprimands including suspension or even expulsion. Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs, explained students confuse the right to carry a handgun on campus and leaving a handgun in the car. “If you have any suspicions if it’s right or wrong to carry a gun, then you better check with campus police,” he said. Vela said academic consequences for bringing a handgun to school include suspension up to a year or expulsion. He said if a student is suspended, the student would not be allowed at any of the Alamo Colleges for that year and would be charged with criminal trespassing if they violate the suspension. After the year, a student would have to request readmission into the college, which would be directed to either Zeigler or Vela. Vela also said if a student is expelled, they would never be able to return to the Alamo Colleges.
News
The Ranger The consequences for violating the student code of conduct can be found under F.4.2.2 NonAcademic Misconduct Disciplinary Process. Vela also advises students to report to campus police if they see anyone carrying a handgun or any weapon on their person or in a car. “I highly encourage students to call the police and file a report because we don’t know that person’s intentions,” Vela said. Earlier this year, Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-Texas, filed SB 354, which states, “A license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder’s person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state.” The bill explains that the institution may direct how handguns are stored on campus. “An institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state may establish rules, regulations, or other provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dormitories or other residential buildings.” In addition to storage, the institution is allowed to decide where permit holders may carry handguns on campus.
“A private or independent institution of higher education in this state, after consulting with students, staff and faculty of the institution, may establish rules, regulations, or other provisions prohibiting license holders from carrying handguns on premises that are owned or operated by the institution and located on the campus of the institution.” However, institutions cannot decide to prohibit carrying a handgun on the entire campus. “An institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state may not adopt any rule, regulation, or other provision prohibiting permit holders from carrying handguns on the campus of the institution.” Until there is a change of law, Adams has a warning. “Don’t bring guns to school period,” he said. For more information on SB 354, visit www. capitol.state.tx.us and enter SB 354 into Search Legislation. For information on the student code of conduct or the nonacademic misconduct disciplinary process, visit www.alamo.edu, click on Board Policies and look under F.4.2.1 or F.4.2.2.
LIVE CLOSE LIVE COLLEGE
March 28, 2011 • 17
Should everyone be able to carry a concealed weapon at SAC?
103 said no, we have the campus police for protection.
69 said yes, faculty, staff and students should be able to carry a licensed concealed weapon.
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18 • March 28, 2011
Editorial
The Ranger
Juan Carlos Campos
Trustees, don’t forget where the buck stops Trustees, you need to remove the blinders and stop being so trusting. The decisions you make at every meeting affect thousands of students, faculty and staff. Every single time you decide to raise tuition, double fees, or invest unwisely, you are siphoning money out of the public’s pocket. Every time you flit quickly through meetings, approving fat consent agenda items or discouraging discussion, you are betraying the trust of the people who elected you. Voters want to believe trustees are representing them well by meticulously poring over documents and contracts, questioning expenditures and looking out for students’ best interest while practicing fiscal responsibility. You must sleep soundly, assured by your well-paid administrators that everything is rosy — except for a handful of disgruntled faculty who can’t be trusted. Instead, it is faculty, staff and students who see what’s really going on in this district and wonder why no one is looking out for them. You don’t ask questions, at least not many, in open meetings. Without discussion, there is little opportunity to learn your motivations. And one wonders: when is discussion conducted? Out of the view of the public unnecessarily? Inappropriately? People are waiting for you to take notice, do your jobs and prod for an explanation for all the changes your chosen chancellor has imposed. The sloppy implementation of the Banner system
should be proof enough that the changes certainly aren’t about efficiency. A distinct lack of communication between district personnel and college officials should be a red flag. Increasing district administration to keep up with the Dallas system is a lousy reason for adding an entire new layer of pricey positions that each require support staff and color printing. Don’t worry about stepping on toes. You need to remember that as trustees, you are the boss and move to protect your constituencies. Stop watching the clock and texting during meetings. Meetings are the job. Pay closer attention to what’s going on. Then you might notice when more than 90 percent of the faculty at the four accredited colleges in the district present a vote of no-confidence. You might recognize that this chancellor seems intent on destroying the excellence that abounded when he arrived in this district. While he engineers outsourcing, hiring freezes for college positions, loss of part-time and work-study positions, pay cuts for faculty, demotions for librarians and an extremely unbalanced distribution of resources, you sit beaming your approval. Or is that a front for your disinterest? That expression in the classroom usually signals inattention. It’s time to re-examine why you “serve” because yours is not good stewardship.
The Ranger
Editorial
March 28, 2011 • 19
‘Hurry up and wait’ not a college value For students who rushed to make the March 5 graduation deadline and missed, you can relax; it’s been pushed back to Saturday. Students who prepared and took time to meet with a department chair and counselor and who double-checked applications to dot I’s and cross T’s by the original deadline, we applaud your persistence and compliance. Those who missed it can still participate in the May 14 commencement decked out in regalia for proud family and friends. Among the most important things you can do for yourself after slogging through the first half of your college career is to pause to take a bow and collect a diploma. It’s rewarding to feel that sense of achievement; for many students, it comes as a surprise because they didn’t even know they could graduate from community college. We know the March 5 deadline was confusing because it was on a Saturday
and some students didn’t understand direct notification of students who have earned the appropriate number how to submit the application. As pressure is put on the colleges of hours. Students can pick up a packet from to increase graduation rates, constant the major department communication is or in counseling. required to ensure Completed applistudents are getcations must be subting the word. mitted with a degree The college audit, signed by a will have to do counselor or faculty more than have adviser. administrators Department chairs traipse about the must submit the campus in full applications to admisregalia. It’s attensions and records by tion grabbing and 1 p.m. April 2, so do it increases awaretoday. ness, but more 2010 graduate Vanessa Parra sings the The college is not detailed informa- college alma mater during commencelikely to extend the tion needs to get ment. File Photo deadline any further, out sooner. For students to turn in applica- and you can’t wait until Saturday and tions on time, they need the informa- then expect to meet the deadline. For more information, visit www. tion put in front of them repeatedly through a coordinated effort of Web alamo.edu/sac/csd/grad/html/applybanners, e-mails, campus signs and ing.htm.
Pledge support to college radio Students here get hands-on experience preparing them teners to support the station with cash donations. for their dream jobs whether it’s on stage as an actor or KSYM’s pledge drive kicked off Sunday. It is the only time musician, fighting flames as a fire science major, meeting of the year that the station interrupts regular programming deadlines in the newsroom or being broadcast live as a DJ to ask listeners, businesses and the community for support. or talk show host. In the midst of cuts by state and federal government and Unfortunately, funding is the deciding factor in reaching growing enrollment, KSYM needs our help more than ever. these dreams. Equipment and software have Reach deep into your pockets to make sure to remain current, broken equipment must be students who give so much to the community For information about donating, repaired or replaced, and faculty and staff have by making KSYM a great radio station are able visit www.alamo. to be in place to oversee and support student to continue getting the experience they are edu/sac/ksym/ work. going to need to find jobs. pledge.htm or call Students on KSYM 90.1 FM dedicate time to This college has a long history of providing a 210-486-5796. broadcast a diverse collection of music and inforwell-trained workforce for the media industry mation to the entire city, while getting hands-on in this city. To continue that legacy, students experience necessary to succeed in careers they love. will need the best education we can provide. But, of course, running a radio station requires more than Remember, not only do student hosts provide an alternastudent volunteers; it costs money to function. The money tive radio source to the entire city 24/7; with a donation durpays for equipment, license fees and improvements. ing the pledge drive, you can score T-shirts, gift cards, hats, For student radio hosts at KSYM 90.1 FM, that means mugs and mouse pads. taking their case to the airwaves annually to persuade lisSupport our local station. It’s really “your only alternative.” Correction: The March 11 article “Students ask president about impact of budget cuts” should have read $500
worth of Faulkner’s Pub Pizza was donated to Student Government Association.
20 • March 28, 2011
Viewpoint
The Ranger
Affordable Care Act covers students
A Friday, april 1
Keith Bowden and OLLU Choir 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Thiry Auditorium
Carmen Tafolla 12 p.m.-12:45 p.m. UWAC Gym
Sandra Cisneros 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Thiry Auditorium
Tuesday, april 5
Gabriela Garcia Medina
7 p.m. Thiry Auditorium Sponsor: University Programming Council
Wednesday, april 6
Andrew Porter and Grace Dane Mazur 7 p.m. Thiry Auditorium
Thursday, april 7
Chitra Divakaruni 7 p.m. Thiry Auditorium
For the full schedule, please visit www.ollusa.edu/LitFest The Literary Festival is Sponsored by The Richard and Joyce Harris Sapience Foundation
year ago this week, part time. You may choose to conPresident Obama signed tinue your education and go to the Affordable Care Act. graduate school, or take time off The law enacts significant health to travel and pursue volunteer insurance reforms that will take opportunities. effect over the next several years. It allows you to remain on your But one very important piece of parents’ plan, or rejoin it until age that law is already in place. And it 26, even if you no longer live with may directly benefit you. your parents, are not a dependent The Affordable on their tax return or Care Act ensures that are no longer a stucollege students and dent. The new flexyoung adults can ibility even applies if stay on their parents’ you are married. You employer-provided are guaranteed the health care plans until same benefits and at age 26. Before, many the same price that health plans and issuis available to other ers dropped young dependents. More Guest Viewpoint Hilda L. Solis adults from their parhealth care improveents’ policies because ments are on the way of their age. That left countless — and many may also directly college students, recent colbenefit you. Already, coverage lege graduates and other young cannot be denied for those under people with little recourse, and age 19 because of a pre-existing worse: no health insurance. condition. Historically, some 30 percent By 2014, denying coverage to of young adults have been uninanyone based on a pre-existing sured, a rate far higher than that condition will be banned. Annual of any other age group. dollar caps on care, which are But young people don’t need already limited, will be prohibhealth insurance, right? The statisited; and state-based health tics say otherwise: One in six young insurance exchanges will creadults today is faced with a chronic ate a new marketplace, giving illness, such as cancer, diabetes or more employers and millions of asthma. And nearly half of uninAmericans the ability to purchase sured young adults report probaffordable coverage. lems paying medical bills. The Affordable Care Act is The new law ensures you have based on the simple belief that an option when it comes to your every American — and that health care. This is important as includes college students — you continue through school, deserves access to high-quality, and as you transition into the affordable health care. One year job market, since you may find after it has become law, that belief that health care coverage is not is becoming reality. immediately available through Hilda L. Solis is the U.S. secreyour employer. Or you may work tary of labor. How do you manage to have no idea that you have graduated? This was a question I asked myself March 1 while standing shocked at the admissions and records office turning in my second application for graduation. See online Viewpoint by Alison Wadley.
March 28, 2011 • 21
The Ranger
Officials Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio TX 78204-1429 Work: 210-485-0020 Fax: 210-485-0021 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu 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: 210-882-1609 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 Fax: 210-520-9185 E-mail: sprague1@alamo.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 755 E. Mulberry, Suite 200, San Antonio TX 78212 Work: 210-244-8879 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu, bfernandez@trpsalaw.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: 210-9828-4630 Work: 210-375-2555 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Presidents 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
The Ranger Editor Zahra Farah Managing Editor Melody Mendoza Sections Editor Megan Mares Photographers Tyler K. Cleveland, Alison Wadley Photo Team Carla Aranguren, Adrian Fernandez, Victor A. Garcia, Marisa N. Montaño Garza, Jason B. Hogan, Julia Novikova, Chelsea V. Peacock, Abiel Rodriguez, JungKeun Song, Ingrid Wilgen Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos, Alexandra Nelipa Staff Writers J. Almendarez, Ximena Alvarez, Krystal Barcenez, Jacob Beltran, David Espinoza, Joshua Fechter, Alma Linda Manzanares, Daniel Perales, James Anthony Salamé, Julysa Sosa, Riley Stephens, Dana Lynn Traugott, Valdemar Tejada, Jennifer M. Ytuarte 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. 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 (210-486-1789), by e-mail (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, e-mailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu or faxed to 210-486-1789. 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 • March 28, 2011
People
The Ranger
The Coyote, San Antonio Spurs mascot, poses with liberal arts freshman Thomas Villarreal as criminal justice freshman Donovan Cavazos takes a photo Wednesday east of Loftin. The Coyote was on campus promoting the SpursU program that offers a $5 fan zone and $30 lowerlevel tickets to college students two hours prior to home games. For more information on SpursU, visit www.spurs/spursu. Alison Wadley
Kinesiology freshman Beatriz Leija jumps over education sophomore Makenna Maloy during the 300 workout in physical education class in Room 117 of Candler. The team of two helps encourage each other to push physical limits with pull ups, dead weight lifts of 145 pounds and plank jumps. Leija exercises to relieve stress. She is also enrolled in a weight training class this semester. Jennifer M. Ytuarte
Digital design sophomore Samantha Wiblitzhouser and engineering sophomore Tim Hayes share a midmorning hug Tuesday southeast of Loftin.Their friendship started with an embrace two years ago at SAC. Ingrid Wilgen
w e n
The Ranger
March 28, 2011 • 23
STUDENT TOWNHOMES
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News
24 • March 28, 2011
The Ranger
Student photographer two-time winner By Megan Mares Photography sophomore Noel Cabo Bracy, 22, said photography allows her to create something out of nothing. Bracy is a two-time winner in competitions sponsored by the Professional Photographers of San Antonio. The Professional Photographers of San Antonio is an organization that hosts monthly award ceremonies and judges photographers according to five major categories: impact/creativity, composition/style, lighting/color balance, center of interest and technique. In the November competition, Bracy won first place in the print category for her photo “Ringside Fighter,” a picture of her husband, Harley Bracy, posing as a boxer. In February, Bracy won first place again in the print category for “Da Vinci’s Masterpiece,” a photo of carpenter Michael Koehn posing as painter Leonardo Da Vinci as he painted the Mona Lisa. “You know when they ask you if there is one person you could sit down with for dinner, past or present, who would it be? It would be Da Vinci for me,” Bracy said. For “Da Vinci’s Masterpiece,” Bracy used a program called Painting to make the photograph look like a painting. “I actually did paint over the image in the program,” she said, laughing. “I thought it would be kind of ironic, like a painting within a painting.” Bracy is inspired by things she runs across on a day-to-day basis. “Ringside Fighter” was inspired by a boxing match Bracy saw last semester on campus. Bracy has taken four photography classes at this college, COMM 1316, COMM 1318, Photography 1; COMM 1319, Photography 2; and PHOT 1372, Portrait Photography, with photography Coordinator James P. “Buzz” McBride.
Noel Cabo Bracy photographs a model in San Pedro Springs Park. Photos by Megan Mares
Bracy uses a light meter for a portrait of kinesiology sophomore Jenna Dansby March 9 in San Pedro Springs Park.
“Da Vinci’s Masterpiece,” by Noel Cabo Bracy
She also took COMM 1316, News Photography 1, with Dr. Edmund Lo. “She is an excellent, highly motivated student,” McBride said. Bracy’s love for photography started when she was a child. Originally from Rosario, Argentina, Bracy moved with her mother to the United States when she was 13 years old. “The little family that I do have, that is not in Argentina, is here in San Antonio,” she said. She said her mother, a professional photographer, has a passion for photography, which sparked
her own interest. “My mom was always following me around with the camera,” Bracy said. “I figured the only way I could keep from being in the photograph was to take the photograph, so that really pushed me into photography.” With accessibility to Photoshop, digital photo-editing software, and different cameras, Bracy said a lot of what she first learned about photography was self-taught. “What I love most about fine arts photography is how much creativity I can have,” Bracy said. She said her dream as a photog-
rapher has always been to pursue fashion in New York City, but “that it is just a dream.” Bracy, who is now three months pregnant, said it would be hard for her dream to become a reality because she wants as much time as possible with her new baby. This is Bracy’s last semester at this college. She plans to take two semesters off to spend time with the baby before returning to school at the University of Texas at San Antonio in fall 2012. Bracy wants to work on a bachelor of arts and then a master’s degree in fine arts photography. For now, Bracy works at Dos Kiwis, a photography studio specializing in weddings and high school senior portraits.