Nov. 10, 2014 by The Ranger

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Volume 89 Issue 7 • Nov. 10, 2014

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Two trustees displease faculty, students Attempts to recall trustees must derive from district constituents. By Bleah B. Patterson

before the end of their term if a judge finds them guilty Two members of the of a felony. board of trustees of the The policy also states Alamo Colleges could be in “a public officer may be so danger of recall. removed from office upon Palo Alto College stuconviction by a jury of any dents are asking felony or upon a for student trustee jury finding” of Jacob Wong to be incompetency, replaced because official miscon“he isn’t representduct, intoxicaing students’ intertion or nonattenest.” dance of board That complaint meetings. came from Kristie Katz Katz could Tarin, a memalso be recalled if ber of the Student a petition signed Leadership Coalition by her constituat the South Side ents is presented college, in an email. to a judge and Faculty from Palo the judge rules in Alto and St. Philip’s favor of removal. colleges have also There is no initiated a petiWong specified numtion for the recall ber of signatures of District 7 trustee Yvonne necessary. Katz. None of the five Alamo Inside Higher Ed, an Colleges are in District 7. online national education There are no set policies publication, and the Alamo in place to remove a student Community College District trustee from their position. Faculty Legal Association However, according to say they have copies of an board policy B.11 a student email conversation between trustee must maintain a Chancellor Bruce Leslie and high grade-point average, Katz about the 2012 retireenrollment at an Alamo ment incentive. College and a commitment In the email, Katz allegto the district. edly called tenured faculty Wong said he doesn’t “old farts.” know why there is not According to ACCD a set policy, but to his board policy, trustees can understanding, he can be be removed from office removed the same way he bpatterson13@alamo.edu

Foul play Our Lady of the Lake foward LaVictor McKnight fouls Ranger Andrew Butler Nov. 5 in Candler. Butler made 1 of 2 free-throw shots to win the game 77-76. See story online. R.T. Gonzalez

was appointed. Wong was selected by the board as a nonvoting member in the spring semester after student governments received self-nomination letters and conducted an election. The finalists were presented to the board, which made the final decision. “Only the board voting me out, or if I don’t maintain six (credit) hours or a GPA of 2.5 could I be replaced before the end of my term,” he said. Nothing in the policy addresses student input into removing a student trustee, and students do not have the authority to recall or replace a student representative to the board. Wong’s term will end April 10, and the next student trustee is expected to be appointed May 8. The board faced a similar situation in February 2003 when District 3 trustee Vincent Lázaro stopped attending meetings. At that time, district policy did not address the situation so board members were helpless to do anything about removing him in favor of active representation. Lázaro eventually resigned, allowing the board to accept self-nominations before appointing someone to Lázaro’s unfinished term. In 2009 the board approved the updated policy allowing removal.

PAC SPC faculty petition demands District 7 trustee recall Faculty members circulate a petition saying Yvonne Katz is “anti-faculty.” By Bleah B. Patterson bpatterson13@alamo.edu

A petition has been circulating through the five Alamo Colleges for three weeks demanding the recall of District 7 trustee Yvonne Katz. Inside Higher Ed, a national education publication, cited an email from Katz to Chancellor Bruce Leslie that offended some faculty members. In the email, she wrote, “We truly need the early retirement plan to pass so we can get some of the old farts out and let the younger, excited, enthused ones take the new teaching and leadership positions.” The story can be found by visiting: www.insidehighered.com/ news/2014/09/25/faculty-membersalamo-colleges-say-theyre-not-consulted-curricular-decisions.

The Texas Workforce Commission will circulate for two more weeks. specifies, “The Age Discrimination “Around Thanksgiving, we’ll bring in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids them back in and count.” discrimination against people who According to the ACCD board are age 40 or older. of trustees policy The sections below “a public officer … We truly need the address related situmay be removed early retirement ations.” from office if a court “Since she’s pretty plan to pass so we agrees with a written aged herself, it’s kind petition for removcan get some of of ironic,” said Lang al filed in a district the old farts out ... Coleman of the St. Yvonne Katz, court of the county Philip’s College chapin which the officer District 7 trustee ter of the American resides.” in Inside Higher Ed Association of UniThis means for versity Professors, or Katz to be effectively AAUP. recalled, all signatures on the petition Coleman said the petitions have must come from her constituents, been distributed to all of the Alamo residents of District 7. Colleges though not everyone agrees. A trustee can also be recalled if Librarian Celita DeArmond, presi- convicted of a felony, found guilty of dent of this college’s chapter of AAUP, incompetency, misconduct or intoxisaid while she has seen the petition, cation. “I know I’m not circulating it here.” Another reason for the removal Coleman said the petitions of a trustee is for nonattendance at

board meetings. lected so far. Also joining the effort to recall “Once we collect the signaKatz is Communities Organized for tures, if there are enough, we’ll take Public Service Metro Alliance, a city them to the board. Specifically, community “orgawe’ll take them to nized for public Chairperson (Anna) We believe she is a service in schools, Bustamante,” he problem because it congregations and said. shows a cognitive unions on behalf of “But because families,” accordthe board has a inability to be ing to the website, history of not lisflexible and make copsmetro.wordimportant decisions tening, we’ll find a press.com. state representawithout bias. “We believe Lang Coleman tive to take this to,” she is a problem Coleman said. SPC AAUP because it shows a He said he’s not cognitive inability sure which repreto be flexible and make important sentative they will approach yet. decisions without bias,” Coleman The Ranger has asked Leslie and said. “I mean, gosh, this email was Katz for confirmation the email was cited by a national publication.” sent but has had no response. Katz is blatantly anti-faculty, he The Ranger has also requested said. from the ACCD public relations office Coleman said he does not know emails between trustees and Leslie but how many signatures have been colthey did not provide them by deadline.

’’ ’’

SAConnected

2 • Nov. 10, 2014

www.theranger.org/calendar

Memories

Above: Mortuary science sophomore Cynthia Sanchez paints a representation of a human skull, or calavera, out of papier-mâché Oct. 30 for Día de los Muertos. The purpose of the holiday is to keep the memories alive of people who have died. The observation lasted from Nov. 1-2. R.T. Gonzalez

Break it down

Left: Kinesiology sophomore Raul Riojas break dances to win a talent show sponsored by the office of student life and the campus activities board Nov. 5 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Riojas won an Amazon Kindle Fire. Nine acts performed for more than 60 people. E. David Guel

Veterans Day Service officer Paul Rodriguez and Post Quartermaster Robert Garza explain the benefits of joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars to nursing freshman Richard Cote Monday in the mall. Cote is a four-year veteran of the Navy and spent six years in the National Guard. VFW programs provide assistance during every stage of a military member’s career. Rey Ruiz

ISIS Government Professor Asslan Khaligh discusses the Islamic States of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Nov. 4 at a lecture in the Methodist Student Center. He covered the events leading to the ISIS surge in the Middle East, such as World War I, World War II and the rise of the Ba’ath Party. Read the story online. Ian Coleman

TODAY TUES WED THUR SAC Deadline: Final fall issue of The Ranger. Accepting news tips through Nov. 11. Call 210-486-1773 or email sac-ranger@ alamo.edu. SAC Deadline: Ron Lucke and Barbara Strain scholarship applications continues through Dec. 3. Visit www.alamo.edu/main. aspx?id=4977 or call 210-486-0496. SAC Event: Health session 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at empowerment center, 703 Howard. Call 210486-0455. Continues Mondays. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio 9 a.m-1 p.m. on third floor of Oppenheimer and 1-4 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues Thursday. Call 210486-0342. SPC Event: Study Abroad 101 session 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Sutton. Call 210-485-0084. SAC Meeting: Society of Physics Students 3-4 p.m. in Room 206 of Chance. Continues Mondays. Call 210486-0085.

SAC Event: Veterans Day celebration 8:30 -10 a.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin and procession 11 a.m.-1 p.m. starting in Gym 1 of Candler and ending in mall. Call 210-486-0133. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in transfer center; University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.noon in transfer center; Our Lady of the Lake University 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-4860342. SAC Event: Interview tips 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. at empowerment center, 703 Howard. Call 210-486-0455. PAC Event: Veterans Day ceremony 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in central courtyard. Call 210-486-3111.

SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues Thursday; University of the Incarnate Word 9 a.m.1 p.m. on first floor of Chance; Texas State University 9:30-11:30 a.m. on first floor of Moody. Call 210-4860342. SAC Event: Free HIV testing 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-4860158. SAC Event: Pingpong tournament 1:30-3:30 p.m. in game room of Loftin. Sign up with ID in office of student life. Continues Thursday 2-4 p.m. Call 210486-0125. SAC Meeting: Nontraditional Students Club 2 p.m. at empowerment center, 703 Howard. Call 210-4860455. SAC Basketball: Women’s vs. Southwest Texas Junior College 6 p.m.; Men’s vs. Southwest Texas Junior College 8 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler. Call 210-4860126.

PAC Play: “Luchadora!” directed by Alison Vásquez 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in black box of performing arts. General admission $5; students, staff and faculty $3; 18 and under free. Continues 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 14 and 20-21; 3 p.m. Nov. 16, 21 and 23; and 7 p.m. Nov. 15 and 22. Call 210-486-3125. SAC Event: Scholarship search workshop noon-1:30 p.m. at empowerment center, 703 Howard. Call 20-486-0455. PAC Concert: Conjunto Palo Alto, Mariachi Palomino and PAC Jazz Ensemble noon-1 p.m. in student center annex. Call 210-486-3125. SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 4-6 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-4860342. SAC Meeting: Photo Club with freelance photographer Mark Greenberg 6 p.m. in Room 100 of Loftin. Call 210-4861781.

FRI ACCD Deadline: Final drop date for all Alamo College students at 4 p.m. Drop in person with instructor. SAC Meeting: Onstage Drama Club noon in theater of McCreless. Continues Fridays. Call 210-4860491. Concert: Sonatas and Such Fanning Foyer Festival 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with donations accepted, 319 E. Mulberry. Call 210-738-7721. SPC Play: “Macbeth” directed by Vincent Hardy 8 p.m. in theater of Watson. General admission $10; Alamo Colleges students and employees, seniors and San Antonio Theater Commission $5; high school students free. Continues 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 23. Call 2 1 0 - 486-2205.

Illustrations by Ansley Lewis

SAT MON UPCOMING OLLU Event: Writing for Journalism 9 a.m.3 p.m. at Providence West Social Room. RSVP by Nov. 13 to amcasas@ollusa.edu or call 210-309-5722. SAC Event: America Recycles Day 9 a.m.4 p.m. at EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main. Call 210-486-0417. SAC Event: CORE4 STEM Family Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Scobee. Call 210-225-0462. SAC Tournament: Racquetball tournament 9 a.m. in racquetball court 109 of Candler with suggested donation of two canned goods or $5. Email rrodriguez34@alamo.edu.

SUN Concert: Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza noon-5 p.m. in Chiego Lecture Hall at McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels. Free with Alamo Colleges ID. Call 210-824-5368. Event: “Stop Violence Against Women” 2-4 p.m. at Milam Park, 343 W. Houston. Call 210-309-0739.

SAC Event: GED practice test 8 a.m. at empowerment center, 703 Howard. Offered to first 10 people to sign up. Continues Mondays. Call 210486-0455. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio 9 a.m-1 p.m. on third floor of Oppenheimer and 1-4 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues Thursday. Call 210486-0342. SAC Event: Cooking demonstration by Stefania Malacrida 9-10:15 a.m. at the atrium of Loftin and Japanese calligraphy with Yuko Kawabe 1-2 p.m. in lobby of Oppenheimer. Visit alamo.edu/sac/ InternationalEdWeek. Concer t: Swing Nite with The Texas Pianoman 7-8:30 p.m. at Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson. Admission $10. Call 210-223-2380.

Nov. 18 SAC Event: Student Publication Board 11a.m in Room 208 of Loftin. Call 210-4861776. SPC Event: Hunger banquet 9 a.m. in breezeway of center for learning resources. Call 210-486-2754. Nov. 19 SAC Event: The Ranger Source Awards 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Room 212 of Loftin. Call 210-486-1776. Nov. 20 SAC Event: Coed three-on-three volleyball 2-4 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler with signup in office of student life by Nov.19. Call 210-486-0125. Nov. 21 NVC Event: Drumming Circle 10:30-noon and 2-3:30 p.m. in Room 113 of Huisache with signup by Nov. 18. Call 210-486-4466 or email nvc-access@alamo.edu. SAC Film: “The Giver” 7:30 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. General admission $1, free to SAC students. Call 210-486-0126. Nov. 27 ACCD Holiday: Thanksgiving Day. Colleges closed until Dec. 1.

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

News

www.theranger.org/news

Nov. 10, 2014 • 3

No adjunct benefits could be a thing of the past By Pam Paz

ppaz2@student.alamo.edu

The adjunct to full-time faculty ratio at this college is roughly 50-50 percent of sections taught, said President Robert Vela. Amanda Martin, Adjunct Faculty Council chair and English adjunct, said she acts as a voice for other adjuncts. As chair, a position she has occupied for more than a year, Martin represents council, leads meetings, appoints others to provide representation at meetings in her absence and makes agendas. Some of the benefits of being an adjunct are the camaraderie with full-time faculty and professional development through the Murguia Institute, Martin said. The Murguia Institute was established at this college in 2005 to help faculty and staff learn and implement best practices and improve student support strategies, according to this college’s website. The lack of stability and lack of health and retirement benefits are the main disadvantages for adjuncts, Martin said. “Only under certain particular circumstances are adjuncts eligible for benefits,” she said. This was the first time in more than six years that adjuncts received a raise. The raise was a 0.9 percent increase, which is an average of $88 per year. Martin said anything is better than nothing, but the small increase was not encouraging for adjuncts. “While it was better than absolutely nothing, especially looking at it in comparison to what full-time got, 2.875 percent I believe, there really was a feeling of unhappiness,” Martin said. “Better than nothing, but not enough.” Martin said the population of adjuncts at this college is much more diverse than what the perception is.

“The perception is different than what the vast majority think adjuncts really are,” Martin said. “Certainly there are those people who either have another job or have retired from teaching who do it because they love teaching. Then there are others who, perhaps, this is something they want to do as a regular job, as a future position, and it’s a way to get started and hopefully have opportunities down the line for full-time employment.” Martin said although many adjuncts have full-time work at other institutions, this has been her only job for the last 10 years. She said it had been a number of years since an adjunct was promoted to full-time in the English department, and if the opportunity for full-time came her way, she would take it. The percentage of adjunct faculty should stay steady or rise slightly depending on enrollment numbers, Martin said. In her experience, the majority of adjuncts do many of the tasks full-time faculty is expected to do, such as planning and grading. “In terms of the grading, the preparation, and being there for students when they need us, all the ones I know do it just as much as fulltimers do,” Martin said. The biggest difference between full-time faculty and adjuncts is full-time have a required number of office hours per week, as well as committee work that adjuncts do not, Martin said. “At this point, there’s no absolute requirement for office hours, though many adjuncts I know do it anyway,” she said. Martin said there has been discussion of a minimal amount of office hours for a new adjunct job description coming out. A job posting for an adjunct position at this college requires a posted minimum of 10 office hours, which is in line with the new adjunct job description, Martin said. Although adjuncts do not collect the same

benefits as full-time faculty, over the years more opportunities to participate in shared governance have been presented. Martin and adjunct Jeanette Bunch attend monthly Faculty Senate meetings and also have two voting seats. Martin said former Adjunct Faculty Chair Gerald Townsend negotiated this. In addition to Faculty Senate, Martin has been invited to attend meetings of the president’s leadership, College Council and other organizations and committees on campus, such as the Strategic Quality Enhancement Team. Martin also said Vela has encouraged adjuncts to propose ideas for a reward system to ensure they are recognized for their

contributions. “It’s something that’s still in the works. We’re still researching and putting ideas together, so we may have more coming down the line,” Martin said. Vela said he asked Martin to develop a framework or comprehensive compensation system to take to the President and Vice Chancellors Committee exploring a way to compensate part-time adjuncts who go above and beyond what they are required to do. “Adjuncts are an integral part of faculty and we need to find a better way to compensate them,” Vela said. For more information about Adjunct Faculty Council meetings, email Martin at amartin@alamo.edu.

Pumping Iron Kinesiology freshman Trieu Le lifts kettle bells in front of the gym mirror Nov. 5 in Physical Conditioning in Room 117 of Candler. The room is open to students 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students should bring a school ID and proper workout clothing. Ian Coleman

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Prem

4 • www.theranger.org/premiere

SOURCE

Counselor Lisa Menard

Look out for yourself. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to a potential roommate.

Invite your friends over; have a potluck.

PURRRR

“See if you can cut any impulse buys, which are things that are nice to have but not needed,” Menard said.

Don’t underestimate local farmers markets.

Adopt from the local animal shelter.

PAY DAY

“Pets are very time consuming and a serious responsibility.” Menard said.

Know yourself before making big decisions.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Board games bring people together.

Alexandra Nelipa

DO YOUR RESEARCH Make sure the area is safe. Scout it out at night and on weekends. Reminder: strangers don’t always have the best candy.

Ian Coleman

READ ONLINE

That will be the last time you buy shoes instead of paying rent.

Credit score is financial foundation, chair says

Veggies are still important, and so are Mom and Dad.

Pets

LOSE A TURN

Go hungry so Spot can eat.

PIZZA PARTY

Look for socials in your apartment complex. They always have free food.

Stude tips fo “Try to cook your own meals. It is a lot cheaper than eating out,” Menard said.

By Mari

READ ONLINE

Saving and planning makes fiscal sense.

STAY HOME

MOVING OUT Finance Food

Recharge by curling up with a good book or catching up on your favorite sitcom.

DOUBLE CHECK

Fun

Know where your rent is coming from before you even start apartment hunting.

You own a plunger and don’t flood the bathroom. You rock.

Expect dust bunnies; don’t overlook signs of other critters.

Mo requi

THINK AHEAD

BONUS SPIN

All right, Fluffy. I think we need to talk about how you are not pulling your weight with rent.

WEIG A

LIVE IT UP!

Look for events and venues that don’t charge.

EVICTION NOTICE

E The GAM

Ramen quiche, Ramen brûlée, Ramen bisque, Ramen tacos … and the list goes on.

FREE FUN IS THE MOST FUN

BONUS SPIN

Check out a local food pantry and score free lunch for a week.

Lifestyle

Bu to

BONUS SPIN

LET THEM EAT CAKE

POKER NIGHT

WHO’S A GOOD BOY?

INFOGRAPHIC BY Mandy Derfler

sac-range

Whe agreeme “Wh ground the psyc depend Com in the re bathroo roomma “It de said. “It kinds of ing spac “We Di Blasi and two horror s nothing Di B better th

miere

EAD ONLINE

udget first step o moving out

GH THE PROS AND CONS

ost apartments ire a pet deposit.

Nov. 11, 2014 • 5

BONUS SPIN

Go for a walk; explore the neighborhood.

Thank your mom for those extra towels. You thought she was crazy. Menard said “living with Mom and Dad is sometimes totally OK.”

RUB THAT BELLY Pets reduce stress.

Couponing doesn’t make you crazy. Give it a try.

DOUBLE CHECK

“Make sure doors and windows have locks and that the plumbing and electricity works,” Menard said.

PAINT THE TOWN RED

Under one roof

ents, psychology professor share or roommate problems.

ina Garcia

er@alamo.edu

enever people live together, there will be disents about shared living space. hen you first come together, agree on certain rules,” said Dr. Thomas Billimek, chair of chology and sociology department. “It really ds on the roommates.” mmon arguments revolve around whose food is efrigerator, forgetting to put toilet paper in the om and entertaining late-night guests without ates’ consent. epends how serious the argument is,” Billimek t could be something silly, but those are the f things you run into when you’re sharing livce with someone.” argue it out and laugh about it after,” said Sara i, communications senior at Trinity University o-year Tobin Lofts resident. “I’ve read the stories (about living together), but thankfully, g has happened yet — knock on wood.” Blasi said living with her roommate has been he second year.

She and her roommate argue but laugh about it later, she said. Communication is the key when sharing living space and needing to set some boundaries. Evandaro Santos, business administration sophomore, said roommates should talk and establish ground rules to help prevent future problems. In Tobin Lofts, a public-private partnership that provides student housing, students can share a twoperson, two-bath apartment; four-person, four-bath apartment or a four-bedroom, two-bath apartment. “Now, instead of having two, you now have three or four that would have to agree on what’s mine versus what’s yours,” Billimek said. Billimek said the best way for students to choose roommates is to make sure they feel comfortable with the person first and have similar habits. Garrett Ihnen, marketing senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said roommate agreements should be based on trust and honesty. Ihnen lives in an apartment with three other people, and their harmony is based on unspoken mutual agreement. He has lived with two of his roommates for a year and a half and the third for three months. “If it gets real bad, we fight it out using boxing gloves,” Ihnen said.

6 • Nov. 10, 2014

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Editorial

Editor Bleah B. Patterson News Editor M.J. Callahan Sections Editor Adriana Ruiz Calendar Editor Pam Paz Staff Writers Jose Arredondo, Anthony B. Botello, Dorothy P. Braziel, Ana Victoria Cano, Kyle Cotton, R. Eguia, S.T. Fegins, Marina Garcia, Tim Hernandez, Cynthia M. Herrera, M. A. Horta, R.T. Gonzalez, Shawntell Johnson, Deven Malone, Richard Montemayor, Nathalie Mora, Landon Penn, Cassandra M. Rodriguez, Juan Anthony Rodriguez, Lily Teran, Amanda K. Tetens, Jennifer M. Ytuarte Photo Editor Daniel Carde Photographers Ian Coleman, E. David Guel, Neven Jones Photo Team Milena Arias, Manuel Bautista, Anthony Carrizales, Christopher Hernandez, Javier Hernandez, Ayesa Hinojosa, Reynaldo Ruiz, Taylor Tribbey Illustrators Ansley Lewis, Alexandra Nelipa Production Manager Mandy Derfler Promotions Manager Katherine Garcia ©2014 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger.org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (210-486-1765) or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, emailed to sac-ranger@alamo.edu or faxed to 210-486-9292. Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.

VIEWPOINTS ONLINE Vietnam-era training revealed my willpower Viewpoint by Tim Hernandez

LETTERS ONLINE Exploration, necessary to education Editor: It seems the ACCD administration and the State of Texas are going to a counseling module that will not allow incoming freshman to take various courses other than courses that will transfer into a university to satisfy a given degree. Many entering freshman do not have the slightest idea of a career choice. They need to shop around to discover their niche. We have successful photography graduates who discovered their love for photography by taking COMM 1318, Photography 1, on a whim. Within that first course, they realized they had an eye for composition and skills to succeed as a professional photographer. One of my daughters took a beginning American Sign Language course and simply fell in love with interpreting. She now teaches ASL in Katy. When she entered SAC, she had no idea what she wanted to do for a career. I encouraged her to take vari-

ous courses in different disciplines. Although she did have courses that did not transfer, she was allowed to discover what she enjoyed. It seems with the current philosophy, this would not be a success story because she took additional course work. Limiting students to only core classes and expecting them to guess their emphasis without trying various classes is ludicrous. I have had students in my photography class tell me that they did not enjoy the class. My response was, “Great! Now go try something else and discover what you will enjoy doing for the rest of your life.” It is not a waste of tax money or tuition to allow students a few classes that do not count for a bachelor’s degree versus students who become discouraged and drop out because they were never allowed to discover their vocation. The administration and the State of Texas should think twice about the direction they are going.

James P. “Buzz” McBride Photography Professor

Photo illustration by Ian Coleman

Don’t buy into false claims Administrators want conformity under FranklinCovey influence but don’t practice what they preach. Walking into the district offices at Killen Center yields several walls littered with posters, charts and other paraphernalia dedicated to FranklinCovey’s “Principle-Centered Leadership” and an eerie feeling there should be high priests in hooded robes carrying candles and chanting. The obsession with Covey shoved down the throats of students and faculty is disturbing. Between “4 Disciplines of Execution,” mandatory “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” faculty training and EDUC 1300, PrincipleCentered Leadership, which is still lurking in the background, it is no wonder administrators are not open about their decisions. Eventually — they must suppose — everyone will be brainwashed enough to go along with anything. Or retired. Like every successful cult, administrators are not buying into what they are selling. Be proactive: Take responsibility Chancellor Bruce Leslie blamed the Texas Legislature for implementation of transfer degrees. Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor of academic success, blamed the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In the Oct. 21 board meeting, it was revealed no one was twisting arms; administrators made the decision all on their own. Begin with the end in mind: Plan for the future

When administrators slipped “generic” degrees under the noses of everyone in April, they didn’t plan for the deception to be discovered and blow up in their faces six months later before they “made a declaration.” Put first things first: Prioritize We all know what administrators put first: Money. As a portion of funding is based on graduation rates, get students in and out quickly to collect as much as possible. Think win-win: Seek mutual benefits There are plenty of benefits in transfer degrees for the district and students who choose to follow that path. However, transfer degrees are nothing new. Eliminating other graduation options only benefits the district. Remember the previous habit? Seek first to understand, then to be understood: Communicate No one — not students, not faculty, not even trustees — was included in administrators’ discussion to implement transfer degrees. Synergize: Practice teamwork Good leaders find a way to include everyone’s ideas. If administrators had worked with the colleges in the open the entire time, maybe everyone could have come to a win-win solution. Instead, those left out felt deceived and betrayed. Sharpen the saw: Self-preservation and enhancement Well, at least this one our district administrators have got down pat. Beware, if at the next board meeting, where transfer degrees are likely to be discussed further, Leslie and Fabianke are passing out grape Kool-Aid.

Keep discussion open Fresh air and daylight will lead to healthy district growth. The leadership of the college district has been consistently called out for being secretive about decisions that directly impact students. The Student Success Committee meeting Oct. 21 was a step in the right direction for communication in the Alamo Colleges. For example, when the district made the decision to add EDUC 1300 to the core curriculum in place of a humanities requirement, and, more recently, the decision to remove concentrations from degrees, decisions were made behind closed doors without faculty or student input. Public outrage was the result. However, the last meeting showed improve-

ment is possible. Dr. Jo Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor of academic success, said it was wonderful that students were excited about what’s happening but they need the full story. If the district leadership practiced the transparency trustees have been so quick to tout, students, faculty and the public would have the full story. Public discussion of topics so critical to the entire community needs to be a regular practice and those discussions should occur long before the district leadership has seen fit in the past. We hope the new board leadership will continue to foster open discussion and the days of trustee executive sessions followed by votes and no discussion are gone.

www.theranger.org/pulse

Pulse

Nov. 10, 2014 • 7

Lob shot Left: Sports medicine freshman Donavan Merrill lobs a shot as St. Edward’s University center Ashley Lopez blocks Wednesday in Gym 1 of Candler. The Lady Rangers beat the Hilltoppers in their first win of the season 52-48. See story online. R.T. Gonzalez

Layup

Right: Biology sophomore Rey Esquivel lays up the ball to score against Our Lady of the Lake’s point guard LaVictor McKnight Wednesday in Candler. The Rangers defeated the OLLU Saints 77-76. See story online. R.T. Gonzalez

STUDY

Remember to feed your brain

Wellness expert recommends green tea and a good breakfast to fuel smart studying. By Amanda K. Tetens sac-ranger@alamo.edu

It’s the night before a huge midterm, and passing is a must. Then it hits you: You are hungry. But should you eat something sweet, salty, heavy or light? Web MD says different foods have various effects on us. But what’s going to keep you up through that all-nighter with a successful outcome? For a quick and easy caffeine boost, students often reach for a Red Bull or Monster energy drink. Chris Dillon, Alamo Colleges wellness coordinator, suggests otherwise. “Liquid crack,” Dillon said. Dillon suggested substitutions for energy

drinks that provide an energy boost and fewer side effects such as higher heart rate and the “caffeine crash.” He suggests green tea or black coffee with Stevia or another natural sugar substitute. When it’s late, don’t grab the ice cream or make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Try something high in protein, Dillon said. Snacks such as turkey jerky or mixed nuts will fulfill your hunger and keep you going through the study session. “Some fats are needed to function,” Dillon said, adding moderation is key. He discourages skipping breakfast Illustration by Ansley Lewis because that will only lead to a slow-motion day and overeating at other meals. Doing so results in being tired, maybe even too tired to concentrate on your studies, he said. Instead Dillon recommends, “Three meals a day with healthy snacks in between.”

LIVING

Turn off electronics

Independence from phone possible despite social media temptation, chair says. By Tim Hernandez

sac-ranger@alamo.edu

Panic. That’s the word most students used to describe the feeling of having misplaced or lost a cell phone. They panicked because the cell phone is their constant connection to the world via calls, email, text messaging, Internet, Twitter, Facebook and other social media web sites. Education sophomore Emma Sheehan said she was annoyed and angry that her phone was stolen multiple times. Professor Thomas E. Billimek, chair of psychology and sociology said students may have a hard time separating them-

selves from social media sites. “You’ve got the social networking, which probably would have the greatest impact for students,” Billimek said. Still, he said the more dependent an individual allows themselves to become on a cell phone, the stronger the reaction will be when the device is not available.

Illustration by Ansley Lewis

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO The University of Texas at San Antonio is your first choice for a top tier education. UTSA provides you a world of ideas, diversity and culture with more than 140 undergraduate and graduate degree options. Transferring to UTSA is easy. Go to applytexas.org and apply now.

Deadline: NOV. 15 - SPRING 2015 Learn more at

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SCHOLARSHIP

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MAY 1, 2015

8 • Nov. 10, 2014

Feature

www.theranger.org/news

First Responders Academy student Sierra Hudson shares a laugh with classmate Kevin Shelhamer during a break Oct. 31 at Texas Auto Salvage.

Jimmy Martinez cuts a car door using the Jaws of Life while classmates Matthew Klavon and Ricky Huizar hold it open.

Academy trains heroes Photos and story by Neven Jones njones4@student.alamo.edu

First Responders Academy students from this college spent Halloween at Texas Auto Salvage stabilizing overturned cars, cutting off car doors and ripping off broken windshields. Three cars, donated by the salvage yard, were crashed and placed in different positions, giving students the opportunity to explore different accident scenarios. One car was turned on its side, and another was flipped over onto its roof. The third car’s hood was smashed. Before the students headed to the salvage yard, they had auto extraction training in which they learned the science of how cars are put together. The students also learned where to cut the cars to better access accident victims, said Martin Davila, chair of protective services. The intense semester-long fire science certificate classes are taught 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the First Responders Academy in Atascosa. By the end of the program students will have completed 27 credits and earned a Basic Firefighter Certificate, level 1 through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Davila said. Students can then apply to any fire department and get a job, he said. Academy student Sierra Hudson said she knew at a young age she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her family and join the military or become a firefighter. Hudson, the only female in her class of 18 students, said watching the terrorist

attacks on 9/11 convinced her to pursue a career as a firefighter because she wanted to help people. To stay fit, students engage in one hour of physical training twice a week. They run and do lunges, burpees and other exercises to increase their stamina and upper body strength, Davila said. Of the program’s 20-25 students per semester, 10 to 15 percent drop, he said.

Davila said students usually drop out at the beginning of the semester. Students interested in enrolling in the program must apply to this college first, then attend a series of briefs where they learn what to expect from the program and what equipment they will use. All equipment is provided for students, but they must buy their own uniforms, Davila said. For more information call, 210-486-1692.

First Responders Academy instructor and Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department volunteer Cheryl McCall demonstrates how to safely pull a broken windshield off a car Oct. 31 at Texas Auto Salvage as fire science students Darius Hart and Ricky Huizar watch.

Program coordinator Michael Parsons explains to First Responders Academy students how to stabilize a flipped car so it will not teeter Oct. 31 at Texas Auto Salvage.