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Volume 89 Issue 5 • Oct. 20, 2014
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
Dirty laundry
Dental assisting sophomore Stephanie Contreras leads a chant of “speak up!” with students, staff and faculty from this college in a march against domestic abuse Oct. 15 that began in the
By Bleah B. Patterson
bpatterson13@student.alamo.edu
District officials aim to clarify incorrectly dubbed “generic degrees,” insisting they are still associate degrees but can now be classified as “transfer degrees.” Student trustee Jacob Wong met with Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor for academic success, Wednesday to lobby on students’ behalf, and said he was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. “We’ve been using the wrong terminology all along,” he said. “This isn’t a generic degree. She told me if students understand that it’s a transfer degree, like a pathway to their bachelor’s degree, it makes a lot more sense.” Fabianke said the issue is a waste of money and time. “We feel it’s to (the students’) advantage to get the most of your classes to transfer,” and that currently isn’t the case, Fabianke said. Administrators at the district and college level have consistently expressed concern about students who take classes for degree programs at one of the five Alamo
Illustration by Ansley Lewis Colleges and have to retake similar classes at a four-year university. “Students once had to choose whether (just to) transfer, taking only the classes that they would actually be able to transfer, or getting a degree. Now they can do both,” Fabianke said. Wong said students of community colleges should be responsible about their education because they are the community’s investment. “Students don’t pay for all of their tuition. Bexar County residents pay a portion of that,” Wong said. “Students should be responsible with that money and not waste time taking courses that aren’t
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women’s empowerment center and ended in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Volunteers and staff from the women’s empowerment center held a clothesline with decorated T-shirts attached. Read the story online. E. David Guel
Transfer degrees benefit students The community invests in students’ education.
@therangerSAC
transferrable. They should get their degrees and then get into the workforce, giving back to the community.” The state also contributes to the cost of students’ education at community colleges. Fabianke said Alamo Institutes are the next step, allowing broad areas of study in business, technology, health services and other districtdubbed “pathways,” where students can move around within that field “getting their feet wet” and still transfer with all their credit hours. The Alamo Institutes are scheduled to launch officially in 2017. Students who enrolled before this semester will not be affected by the degree change for now. Students who enrolled this fall will not see a concentration printed on their diplomas. Dr. Robert Vela, president of this college, said in a College Council meeting Oct. 14 he hopes to find compromise, possibly printing “transfer degree” and an area of study on diplomas. Fabianke said the Presidents and Vice Chancellors Committee, known as the PVC, has nothing on its agenda to change that yet.
College seeks two vice presidents Three committees review two candidate pools before sending recommendations. By M.J. Callahan
mcallahan7@student.alamo.edu
Two vice presidential searches have a combined 256 applicants for the vice president of academic success and vice president of student success positions. Members filtered the applications to ensure all of the criteria for the position were met. To apply for the vice president of student success position, applicants need a master’s degree or equivalent, however, a doctorate is preferred. Applicants also need at least five years of experience in college administration with a focus in student services. Among the vice president of student success committee members are Emma Mendiola, chair of student development; Chaye Peña, senior coordinator for student success; Martin Ortega, director of admission and records; Richard Farias, director of student life; and Mona AldanaRamirez, director of student success.
The committee reviewed 138 applicants and narrowed them to 15. For the vice president for academic success, the criteria included knowledge of academics in a multicampus district. A master’s degree and five years of experience in higher education administration are required. Criminal justice Professor Tiffany Cox; mortuary science Professor Mary Mena; Said Fariabi, chair of math and computer science; and Lauri Metcalf, chair of American Sign Language and interpreter training, are working to narrow 118 applicants to 15-20. Members had time to review candidates individually, and they compared notes Oct. 17 to narrow applicants before forwarding to the overarching committee, Cox said. Dr. Robert Vela, president of this college, and foreign language Professor Tammy Perez assembled an overarching committee. Perez will serve as chair. The committee will gather applications after the two search committees narrow the pools based on fulfillment of the positions’ requirements.
See SEARCH, Page 7
SAConnected
2 • Oct. 20, 2014
www.theranger.org/calendar
PAC protest Simon Sanchez, computer science sophomore and Student Leadership Coalition member (dressed in black at center), leads a protest Oct. 13 in the courtyard at Palo Alto about the distance to the board meeting in which the trustees will discuss a decision to remove concentrations from associate degrees. Trustees meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Killen Center. Read the story online. Tim Hernandez
Loose ball Criminal justice sophomore Alan Del Valle, right, reaches for a tip-in attempt over players from both teams in the first half of Wednesday’s game against the Rangers in Gym 1 of Candler. Northwest Vista came out on top 66-58. Del Valle led the Wildcats with 15 points. The Rangers will face-off against the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals 6 p.m. Oct. 22 in Gym 1 of Candler. Read the story online. E. David Guel
Safe sex
Tyler Major, help prevention specialist for Beat AIDS, advocates practicing safe sex to English freshman Sean Brandin, general science freshman Elijah Thomas and nursing freshman Kimberly Carlson during Coming Out Week Oct. 13 in the mall. E. David Guel
TODAY TUES WED THUR SAC Event: Blood drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in mall. Continues Tuesday. Call 210-486-0128. SAC Transfer: Troy University 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on first floor of Chance; Texas A&M University San Antonio 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on third floor of Oppenheimer; Texas Tech University 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486- 0342. PAC Workshop: Indigenous medicine and healing with Dr. Elizabeth de Portilla noon-1 p.m. in student center annex. Call 210486-3125. SAC Event: Talent show tryouts 2-4 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Continues Tuesday. Call 210-486-0128. PAC Film: Screening and discussion “Habla Men” 6-8 p.m. in performing arts center. Call 210-486-3125. SAC Event: Guitar studio recital 7:308:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210486-0259.
SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance, continues Wednesday; Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in transfer center, continues Wednesday; 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. in Loftin; Schreiner’s University 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0342. PAC Event: The Indigeneity of the Chicano” with Dr. Mario Garza noon-1 p.m. in student center annex. Call 210-486-3125. SAC Deadline: The President’s Holiday Card Design Scholarship 4 p.m. in the President’s Office, Room 313 of Fletcher. Entry forms available in Fletcher Welcome Center. Grand prize $500. Call 210486-0956. UIW Event: Diwali Festival of Lights 6-8 p.m. in hall of International Conference Center. Admission $5. Call 210-8055705.
SAC Transfer: University of Incarnate Word 3:30-5 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0342.
NLC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in mall of student commons. Call 210-486-5404.
SAC Event: Octoberfest 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in mall. Food, fun and giveaways. Costumes encouraged. Call 210486-0126.
PAC Event: Homecoming royalty coronation and kick-off 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in courtyard. Call 210-4863880 or visit http:// alamo.edu/eventDetail.aspx?id=42387.
PAC Lecture: “Colloquium: The Importance of Our Indigenous Identity” by Dr. Antonia Castañeda with reception to follow noon-3 p.m. in performing arts center. Call 210-486-3125.
PAC Event: Book discussion and indigenous dishes with author Adán Medrano noon1:15 p.m. in student annex center. Call 210486-3125.
UIW Event: Asian Tea and Coffee Culture 3-4:30 p.m. in Marian Hall ballroom. Call 210-294-2419. SAC Basketball: Men at NLC 8 p.m. in NLC wellness gym; women vs. Incarnate Word 6 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler. Call 210-4860126.
SAC Event: Mass and meal 12:15 p.m. at Catholic Student Center, 312 W. Courtland. Continues Thursdays. Call 210-736-3752. Lecture: “Celestial Sleuth: Astronomical dating of paintings” 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Chiego Lecture Hall at McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels. Call 210-824-5368. UIW Event: Arts & music festival 5-8 p.m. Poetry slam, improvisation, face painting and dance lessons. Call 210-832-3211.
FRI PAC Film: Free Friday film series 9 a.m.-5 p.m., discussion at 4:30 p.m. with local actor Jesse Borrego in theater of performing arts center. For movie list, visit http://www.alamo. edu/pac/NAHHM/ or call 210-486-3125. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in transfer center. Call 210-486-0342. PAC Event: Palomino Spirit Day and BBQ 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in central courtyard. Call 210486-3880. PAC Reading: “Our Sacred Maíz is our Mother: Indigeneity and Belonging in the Americas” by Dr. Robert Cintli Rodríguez noon-1 p.m. with reception in Room 190 of performing arts. Call 210-486-3125. SAC Workshop: “Using Social Media for Job Search” 2 p.m. at empowerment center, 703 Howard. Call 210486-0455.
Illustrations by Ansley Lewis
SAT MON UPCOMING 5K Run: The Purple Run benefiting the Kristine Meza Foundation 8:30 a.m.-noon at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood. Registration $20 and up. Register at www.athleteguild.com. Concert: Mariachi Corazón de San Antonio with Las Tesoros de San Antonio 3-9 p.m. at Main Plaza Conservancy, 111 Soledad. Call 210-2280201.
SUN Event: Barktoberfest 2014 noon-4 p.m. at Perrin-410 Animal Hospital, 8365 Perrin Beitel. Food, fun and dog costume contest. Proceeds donated to Animal Defense League. Call 210-650-3141. Concert: “Let Them Eat Cake” by San Antonio Baroque Ensemble 3 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1 3 0 0 Wiltshire. Call 2108 2 4 2481.
NVC Seminar: “7 Habits of Highly Effective College Students” 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 101A of Mountain Laurel. To register, visit www.alamo.edu/nvc/ current-students/wellness-center/learning/ or call 210-486-4007. SAC Transfer: University of Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on first floor of Chance; Our Lady of the Lake University 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on third floor of Oppenheimer. Call 210-486-0342. SAC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0128. NVC Event: Student activity fee panel discussions for NVC students 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Room 121/122 of Cypress Campus Center. Continues Nov. 6. Call 210-486-4009. PAC Reading: “Lavando La Dirty Laundry” by Natalia Treviño with book signing noon-1 p.m. in Room 130 of student center. Call 210-486-3125.
Oct. 28 Transfer: University of Texas at Austin 4-5 p.m. at San Antonio Prospective Student Center, 30 NE Loop 410, Suite 605. Call 210212-7016. Oct. 29 SAC Event: Employee development day. Day classes canceled; classes at 5 p.m. and later meet as usual. Oct. 30 NLC Event: Fall 2014 Student Forum 9-11 a.m. in performing arts. Submit questions to www.alamo.edu/nlc/studentforum2014. Call 210-486-5470. Nov. 2 Time Change: Fall back; set clocks back one hour. Nov. 5 PAC Event: Poetry/ rap slam hosted by Anthony “The Poet” and Amanda Flores noon-1:30 p.m. in student center annex. Call 210-486-3125. Nov. 12 Transfer: Texas A&M-College Station 8:30 a.m. at San Antonio Prospective Student Center, 30 NE Loop 410, Suite 605. Call 210212-7016.
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For coverage in SAConnected, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
News
www.theranger.org/news
Oct. 20, 2014 • 3
Getting flu more likely than Ebola, epidemiologist says The virus is in Texas, but contracting it is unlikely. By Cynthia M. Herrera sac-ranger@alamo.edu
A local health expert, who has seen Ebola cases firsthand in Africa, said the virus will eventually hit San Antonio, but residents should not panic because they are far more vulnerable to the flu. Dr. Anil T. Mangla, assistant director of health at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, said the flu is more contagious. However, the health district has kept Ebola on its radar since August, when officials began meeting once a week about the virus. This month the district stepped up those meetings to twice weekly, he said. The virus will arrive in San Antonio sooner or later, Mangla said. Three Ebola cases were identified in Dallas – an infected Liberian man died Oct. 8 at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, and two of the nurses who attended him were diagnosed last week, according to the Associated Press. There are three important things to know about Ebola, said Mangla, who oversees the district’s communicable diseases division and has worked in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. The first thing to remember is it’s not airborne. Second, it is only infectious when a person has become symptomatic. Those infected with the
virus don’t start to show symptoms until anywhere from two to 21 days. The average, however, is 10 days, Mangla said. Symptoms include fever above 101.5 degrees, severe headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most important, to contract Ebola, one has to have direct contact with bodily fluid — including blood, saliva, mucus, vomit, feces or semen — through an open wound or mucous membrane. The virus can survive outside the body, such as on doorknobs or countertops, for several hours, according to the CDC. Mangla said guidelines on Ebola have been developed and distributed among local health care systems, the San Antonio Fire Department and EMS. The second Dallas nurse was recently transferred to Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital, which has treated other patients with Ebola, according to CNN. Mangla, who has worked in Atlanta, said that’s “a great idea.” “We need to do whatever is best to save this patient,” he said. For now, San Antonians don’t need to take special precautions unless they have visited Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone or Nigeria in the past three weeks and feel ill, the health district’s website said.
Photo illustration by Daniel Carde
Don’t let flu season catch you Get vaccinated to avoid missing classes. By Cynthia M. Herrera sac-ranger@alamo.edu
First, there’s a sneeze. Next comes the sniffling, but it’s no big deal because it feels like the common cold. Then, fever kicks in, along with a dry cough, sore throat and body aches. A common cold turns out to be the flu. Prevention should be everyone’s top priority, the city’s top health official said. Flu season starts between late September and early October.
To avoid getting the flu starts with basic hygiene, said Dr. Anil T. Mangla, assistant director of health at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. Use soap and water when washing hands and avoid handshakes, he said. If necessary, use an alcoholbased sanitizer after. Stay away from crowds, as the flu can pass from person to person through coughing, sneezing and other airborne means. There are three types of influenzas: human influenza A, B and C. ...Human influenza A and B arise during the winter in the U.S,
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Go online for a tutorial on hand washing to prevent the flu.
according to the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type C influenza occurs less frequently than type A and B, according to the website for the World Health Organization. However, Type C can cause respiratory illness, according to the CDC. Receiving a flu shot is recommended to help pre-
vent the flu. The shot causes antibodies to develop in the body for two weeks after the vaccination, according to the CDC. The Frank Garrett Center, at 12268 N.W. 18th St., offers flu vaccines for $25 and the flu mist for $30. Costco Pharmacy also offers flu shots for $14.99. Recipients must first complete a vaccine consent form on Costco’s website: http://www.costco.com/ Pharmacy/adult-immunization-program.html. For more information on local flu shots, visit www. dshs.state.tx.us/region8/ default.shtm.
ACCD - Faculty Legal Action Association
Annual membership meeting
Monday, November 3, 3 PM San Antonio College McCreless Hall room 215
Open to all Alamo Colleges’ Faculty. Formed as a non-profit corporation in 1986 to monitor the official conduct of the Board of Trustees, District Administration and the Administration of the various colleges of the Alamo Colleges. Have on retainer an attorney with experience in higher ed issues. Will represent individuals as well as the whole in legal matters. Anyone interested in joining should contact: Gerald Busald at (210) 269-3669 or (830) 438-5593 or gbusald@aol.com
If you are concerned about the legality of some recent and proposed actions by the Alamo Colleges, the membership of the ACCD-FLAA encourages you to join us in protecting our legal interests.
Your FLAA needs you - and you need your FLAA
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nter riting ce Transfer and career center guides id the w follow these steps: a licas p n p e a s an ity , s Focht-H s with univers y a s s students to four-year universities. • Create a transfer checklist. e ip lp h e rs h schola ses not only • Select a career and major. but also lications, the s y a s s app tion e Anthony B. Botello oleman school • Meet with a counselor or faculty adviser. emte By Ian C alamo.edu a m u y d if it sac-ranger@alamo.edu d n gra in a er@ ons. ommu sac-rang essay rs) are issertati ff and c • Submit a transfer/admissions application a d e n to ta a d ’v s tu e , n g a w e ts n n , ti (all th Stude on cation elp wri “Since pplicati eir edu The recent merger of the transfer center and necessary fees. riety a need h a th v y o it h a in w rs t g poin bers unive Room writin g ferent nce in ur-year advising center means exciting things for all stu• Apply for financial aid and scholarships. ly brin enter in experie chtnot on for a fo the writing c o d F e a h e w n ce,” ll o n Ja a S e . ri it id s e a is n p s v o x r dents. Students who want information about “A lot of students start the opposite way, by , ti e ll a te a c o n li H may e ls p c a s p of a e, but Gonzale of the writing expertis . which college they want to attend should visit ing a school they like first, but you should be s 201 of g r n t to ti o c n ri e w aid , dir r does ansen s Hansen h professor. ally a g cente f Room 100 of Moody Learning Center for help university has your major first,” Gonzalez said. Focht-H le; it’s re ith e writin lty and staff o glis ib th n rr E o id d h a n s w t a u e o c h re n d fa e S n , h is a ts i g with transfer degree plans, sending transcripts She said students should consider cost and q e n n n e m ti m d o ri c lu tu a W s s u “ ly lso n yo it’s les tutor on Colleges, but a . n. Whe nyway, and priority deadlines. ity of the university; they should y o . it y m n lot of fu o like to do it a Just Monda ommu the Ala wh nity. … of the c ys The transfer and career not limit their options. sen said u a n s rs s a people m e e b H m ’t o tn m n me Transfer fair does our c licatio ” Foch painful, ansfers e serve ege app specific procenter, called TRAC, also helps “Don’t limit your view ll tr W ,” o “ c y m d e id o 9 a.m.-noon the help th is She sa someb do with h one cause orstudents navigate changes in based on what you think a illing to e ic w to w b h t t o w o lo to n t Nov. 9 in the e are re no have a ersity to mean w sen said. “We a e just their major so they do not lose school costs; most expennd univ n here. W rita w gram a H re Fiesta Room e ta h m c u o Fo g. see s hy yo riting.” core classes when they transsive universities have w w t to t u a g o r applyin sions want to b in e of Loftin with ried a et bett o help are look “Admis ple to g fer. Students should start by more financial aid than ubtors als o s … They e tu . e p g t th id n in s a a k w door prizes and thin nsen s proache “(Fouring and finding the right college, you might think,” ocht-Ha f writing. riter ap F in . w e t id a a m s o th more than 45 ry ansen type o folks c see how ith any nus; major and requirements. Gonzalez said. Focht-H t to hear a sto inds of w e k ,” m ll a a d re e a a v universities ject roofre s) wan in well “We ha times p papers. It’s the will fit Sometimes students find Gonzalez said iversitie e t n n m u a o r c s a li e e y app . emistry here. W hy the sen said r out they’re taking the students should start s, it’s ch n fo e a g H m about w ti tin e e h k tak loo som ,” Foc ities are intrigued want to ust bit here wrong course, or their GPA needs help, the process a year before they actuthere.” univers le who r m full gam p e id o d r a e s a te p e re n l h e e S il and TRAC can steer them back on track. ally transfer by consulting degree She said the writing c cant w keep th li t p a p a th ge of essays y. at the ent. .m-5 advanta Rosa Maria Gonzalez, transfer coorplans and knowing which courses are a niversit lay wh tm u p 8 in is d o n d n p , e a e p na and gram a pag r is op 7 make a the pro g cente icate on 8 a.m.dinator and adviser, has been working transferable. n , ti y n a ri o d w ti rs bring to can’t commun n The d Thu ir atte nd 9 day an sday a rab the “If you re in transfer counseling for 25 years. She Gonzalez suggests students visit e n g a o n , u d e M o e n y . o W n p.m some ou, the y and impress said the transfer center provides updatwww.alamo.edu/sac/transfer for events, Tuesda in the admit y . ts y to n it .m . e n m y p d e u a d th ort ce, stu p.m. Fri and get the opp n said. assistan ed information about universities, and information and transfer plans. a.m. a.m.- 2 bracing t-Hanse ediate h and 9 y m c a . o s im s F not em e .m ” r a t, o d p F 8 o ons m o n o g e ro assists students with joint admission “We want students to understand univere rn p a e ) tw ft g ’s e a y in b a ts y s a a it (es compo eir Thursd ubject m may vis agreements. sity websites show what classes are needed, but ow for th ys and She said ght into the s a h s d t k o e e n on w le do . rethou ny peop ing sen said She said TRAC works with counour website shows what courses SAC offers th takes fo mpt. hen ma ht-Han rt think c ro w ep an ta o p e s F k e , t to th ts o n g e ter of o cann selors and faculty to help students actually transfer,” Gonzalez said. e h ointme re goin ou hav a p y w m p ti u k a le o o p in y s peo “I th ead to t is it She said should call ah elf: Wha you transfer in learn which courses are transferable. She said GPA requirements are calculated rs u o y . t t tmen abou ble if others tribute appoin to the ta w do you con Gonzalez said the new generic ently from university to university, so it is im pened to , call 210-486 g o n e ri lb b te y o a to ?H ation your in slots m titution re inform degrees “shouldn’t make a differto check with TRAC. Students would not want w does this ins some ne? Ho For mo te li a ip tr c s is n r ence.” a nonrefundable admissions fee if their GPA r y Derfle to the d pability demo ochtd F . n 3 a ” 3 ? M 4 g y 1 ca on b restin lectual Illustrati nd inte “If you complete the core curriculum, it ments are not fulfilled. a h s e thing fr id. is guaranteed to transfer to universities by state manGonzalez recommends students view a uni a s n e s Han date,” Gonzalez said. open house/information sessions to see if it is a g
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Oct. 20, 2014 • 5
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increase in cost from community college to fouryear universities, she said. Gonzalez said she wants “students to get on track to get to whatever university and degree they want, and reach their goal – a smooth transition.” For more information, call 210-4860342 or visit www.alamo.edu/sac/trac.
Failed classes are not erased from the transcript. By Nathalie Mora
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“If something is not correct on their transcript, the student should come by the admissions and records office and we will help fix any errors,” Ortega said. This Alamo Colleges policy aims to help students graduate with their associate degrees. However, this may not be the policy at four-year institutions students plan to transfer to. Ortega stresses students should contact that institution and ask what the policy is on repeating courses. “Pick up the phone, call the institution and tell them your situation,” Ortega said.
Stressful and difficult periods in students’ lives can impact their courses and grades, but they can retake failed classes to obtain a better grade. The higher grade earned from both attempts is the one calculated in the student’s grade-point average, said J. Martin Ortega, director of enrollment. The failed course and grade will never come off the student’s academic record, even though it will not be calculated in the student’s GPA, Ortega said. The student’s transcripts will show the grade earned and an “E” for exemption. At the end of the semester, the Center for Student Information will look at students’ transcripts to make sure only the higher grade is calculated in the GPA, Ortega said. If a student has attempted the same course three or more times, the three-peat rule will apply and the student will be charged out-of-state tuition. Students can view their GPA by logging Illust ratio n by into ACES and checking their Alexa ndra unofficial transcripts. Neli
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6 • Oct. 20, 2014
www.theranger.org/editorial
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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, Casey Levane Coggins, Ian Coleman, Kyle Cotton, R. Eguia, S.T. Fegins, Marina Garcia, Sarah Garrett, 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 E. David Guel, Neven Jones Photo Team Milena Arias, Manuel Bautista, Anthony Carrizales, Christopher Hernandez, Javier Hernandez, Ayesa Hinojosa, Charis Kempen, Reynaldo Ruiz, Amy Staggs, Taylor Tribbey Illustrators Ansley Lewis, Alexandra Nelipa Production Manager Mandy Derfler Promotions Manager Katherine Garcia Ansley Lewis
©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 Seven ways to effect change Guest viewpoint by trustee Clint Kingsbery
LETTERS
Generic degrees prompt enrollment regret Editor: Reading the article “Generic degrees awarded in lieu of specified major” on Sept. 22 made me feel cheated. I chose this campus to earn an Associate of Arts in radiotelevision-broadcasting, not to get a “general degree” or to use an advising guide. Dr. Robert Vela states that the term “advising guide” is more appropriate “because it was simply a set of courses that could help you when you transfer to the transfer institution.” Well, what about students like me who have no plans to transfer? Are you just going to ignore us? There also was a colossal failure of communication in regards to this new degree structure. Using the beginning of the semester to hide
this change is appalling. Tell me, as a veteran using my GI Bill benefits, how does this affect that program. Veteran affairs had no communication yet when I went to ask questions. Just like us, they have been kept in the dark. If I knew this would happen before the semester, I never would have enrolled at this institution.
Lance Motal RTVB Freshman
Letters Policy: The Ranger encourages readers to voice opinions. Email letters to sac-ranger@alamo.edu or visit v, click “contact us,” then click “submit a letter.” They must include a printed name and telephone number, a student’s major, classification, campus and Banner ID or employee title. Letters should not exceed two pages.
Adjuncts deserve more Adjunct instructors play a significant role in the higher education system nationwide but are not rewarded with the same wages, hours or benefits as full-time professors. With recent retirement incentives and a 2-to-1 adjunct to professor ratio, it is clear the district is relying more and more on adjuncts. Adjuncts at all five Alamo Colleges are receiving a 0.9 percent pay raise, or an increase averaging $88 a year. It’s about time, but what a pittance. It is sad to see how little they receive, which leads to the question: how highly does this district regard these teachers? Adjuncts don’t have the same responsibilities as tenured professors — no committee work and fewer office hours — but few are stingy with their time when students line up for help. And they still have to keep up with grading papers, advising and mentoring students, and filing early alerts and, now, midterm grades despite usually working full time elsewhere.
Who could survive on the pocket change adjuncts are paid? A measly 0.9 percent increase a year is not enough, in fact, it could be viewed as downright insulting. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “more than 1.3 million people, or 75.5 percent of the instruction workforce” in degree-granting two- and four-year institutions of higher education are part-time or adjunct faculty; full-time, non-tenure-track faculty; or graduate student assistants. If adjuncts are not invested in their jobs, and they make up at least 75 percent of the national instruction workforce, this spells bad news for America. How are students supposed to succeed with a part-time faculty? Priorities show up in the bottom line, not fancy words quickly spoken and more quickly ignored. It is not fair to expect much in return for so little compensation. If the district is planning raises for adjunct instructors, at least make it worth the time and paperwork a raise requires.
Read backstory, move forward Breaking news is published in print and online as it becomes available, which means not all information will be presented to the public at once. Then, as more sources are interviewed and more information becomes available, updated stories will be posted online to keep readers apprised. These stories follow the inverted pyramid formula, which means the newest information will be at the top of the story and a recap of the situation will be deeper in the story to provide context. Each news story should be as complete as possible, but new information takes precedence over the background. Readers need to be aware of this when they read news. Fortunately, those who have questions and want a deeper understanding of a story can look up previous stories online to find the nuances of each development. Readers are asked to seek a better understanding of the whole known story before they dismiss any one story as incomplete or inaccurate. Reporters can’t wait until they have all the facts, all the responses, reactions and plot twists at once. For example, take last semester’s reports on adding EDUC 1300, Learning Framework, to the core curriculum.
Twenty-seven stories were written on the topic, the last of which was published April 11 in the last print issue of the spring semester. The last story’s topic was the chancellor backing down from implementing the course as a requirement. If the reporter working on the story had waited for every last detail of developments until the final spring issue to publish the whole story from start to finish, the information would have gotten to the readers months after the fact. And the outcome would have been a lot different if readers didn’t have information as the story developed and protests from faculty and students arose. The news creates awareness that can create an opportunity for dialogue and possibly change. Each story may not contain the entire story immediately, but breaking news is published as it becomes available to keep readers current. The paper seeks to inform its readers — one story at a time — of what Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward called the “best obtainable version of the truth.” We know the story will change tomorrow so stay online with us.
News
www.theranger.org/news SEARCH from Page 1 Overarching committee members are Dawn Elmore, president of Faculty Senate; Lauri Metcalf, chair of American Sign Language and interpreter training; Martin Ortega, director of enrollment; Karen Elliot, Student Government Association president; Analise Garza-Sengele, Staff Council president; Charles Hunt, coordinator of the management program in the business department; English Professor Patricia Portales; Lisa Alcorta, dean of student success; and Amanda Martin,
STUDY
Adjunct Faculty Council president. Vela said the group may seem large but he wanted to ensure the college was being represented in all areas. Perez said the group met for the first time Oct. 15. Several of the committee members have never been a part of a committee like this, one on such a tight deadline, therefore the members have the weekend to review the applicants and bring their recommendations to the committee today. The committee will recon-
vene at 1:30 p.m. for training with human resources before narrowing the applicant pool to a maximum of six for each position, Perez said. After narrowing the candidate pool, the committee will send recommendations to Vela by Nov. 7 for review before setting up on-campus interviews with Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Student Affairs Council, the college executive team and an open forum for student questions. Vela said he would like to have a decision by mid to late November to make it on the
Electronics more than games
By Deven Malone
personal account. A student email is also linked to their Do you check your ACES email every Canvas account and can be used to receive day? The ACES student email is a great updates easily. If a professor adds assignway to stay informed with up-to-date ments or grades, it will send an update to campus information. that email. Students receive campus alerts, If a student is having trouble accessing including weather and crime, through their ACES account or they forget to check the student email. Alamo Colleges uses the student email, it can student emails to send information about be forwarded to a perscholarships, campus events and imporsonal email. A student tant dates to rememcan set up an auto forber. ACES also sends ward address in ACES updates from finanby following these cial aid and informasteps, according to the tion about a student’s website’s help center tab: account. • Click on the options ACES makes it easier to tab in the student email. connect with faculty and Illustration by Ansley Lewis • Click auto forward. other students. Business • Type a personal email administration major Charlotte Watkins in the auto forward window. said, “I mainly use ACES for emailing my • Click save to complete changes. classmates and professors.” It is imporStudents can download the Outlook tant to know a professor can only contact app on to their phone, enter an ACES a student through this email and not a email address to synch. sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Oct. 20, 2014 • 7
board’s agenda for December, making the new vice presidents active in their respective positions for the spring. While this college is awaiting two new vice presidents, Dr. Kris Clark serves as interim vice president of student and academic success. Clark served as executive vice president at this college from 2006-2008 before transferring to the district for a year as vice chancellor of academic success. Clark retired from the Alamo Colleges in 2010. “SAC is one of those places,” Clark said. “You can take the
LIVING
person out of SAC but you can’t take SAC out of the person.” Clark was an educator in New Mexico for 25 years before coming to this college. “I will assist to identify the best candidates for each of those positions, but more then anything, my primary goal is to be able to pick up as much of the operational oversight for academic and student success areas as possible while I am here to free Vela to really move into all the responsibilities that are unique to the presidency,” Clark said. “My goals would be to help
Prime shopping for students
Online stores help college students with school needs.
tively priced and sales revenues go back into the system for scholarships, donations and clubs, said Melvin Johnson, bookstore manager at this college. By Kyle R. Cotton “We have clubs help us with our drop bags in sac-ranger@alamo.edu the spring and the fall,” he said. “The last couple of Thanks to the Internet, students have more years we had the Black Student Alliance help, who options then ever when it comes to we paid $500, which came from online purchaswhere to get textbooks. es – thus feeding back into the system.” Amazon Prime, a benefits proThe online store also sells camgram launched in 2005, is a source pus-themed clothing and accessoused by students. ries. Orders are processed within Nursing sophomore Flora 24 to 48 hours. Palanca, uses a student version As for Chegg, it operates almost of the program offered free for the as a student resource site – with first six months. internship information, career “The Prime program has been Illustration by Alexandra Nelipa resources and 24/7 tutors – on a great value to me,” she said. “It top of its textbook sales. It offers helps to find great deals on $300 textbooks.” up to 90 percent off physical textbooks as well as a “As a student, it does give me great deals on bevy of student help services for paid subscribers. textbooks, both as rental and buying outright,” David Gonzalez, theater sophomore at she said. Northeast Lakeview College, said, “I’ve saved a Other sources, such as Chegg and the Alamo couple hundred (on Chegg). Typically it’s cheapColleges network of online bookstores, offer er to buy books online.” benefits that go beyond shipping. “My experience has been a good one – can’t The Alamo Colleges’ online store is competireally complain thus far,” he added.
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identify what the first priorities will be for the two incoming vice presidents,” she said. This college has a second vice president: David Mrizek, vice president of college services, who over sees construction and contracts. The vice president of academic success will oversee requirements and improvements for education programs offered at this college. The vice president of student success will oversee students’ overall well-being and student services, such as student life and the library.
Applications accepted annually August 1st—March 1st
8 • Oct. 20, 2014
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