The RangeR
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Vol. 84 Issue 15
KSYM
Pledge Drive CAMPUS GROWTH PLANS 10 MORE SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS 13 ANIME CONVENTION 16
Single copies free
Feb. 19, 2010
The Ranger
2 • Feb. 12, 2010
Officials Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio, TX 78204-1429 Work: 485-0020 Fax: 208-8149 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu District 1: Dr. Bernard Weiner 929 Manor Drive, Ste. 7, San Antonio, TX 78228 Work: 735-9151 E-mail: bweinermd@satx.rr.com District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com
The Ranger Editor Laura Garcia Managing Editor Zahra Farah News Editor Vanessa M. Sanchez Calendar Editor Sharon Hensley
District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 882-1603 Fax: 927-4557 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu
Photographers Tyler K. Cleveland, Rennie Murrell, Alison Wadley
District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio, TX 78211 Home: 922-6815 Fax: 923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu
Photo Team Scott Aranda, Scott J. Bajeck, Jennifer Charo, Sarah Janes, James Lazo, Marisa N. Montano, Julysa Sosa, Robert Stofa
District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio, TX 78251 E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way, Helotes, TX 78023 Work: 567-5544 Fax: 520-9185 E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 755 E. Mulberry, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78212 Phone: 244-8879 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu District 8: Gary Beitzel 15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio, TX 78232 Home: 496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@alamo.edu District 9: James A. Rindfuss 109 Laburnum, San Antonio, TX 78209 Home: 828-4630 Work: 375-2555 Home Fax: 832-8292 Office Fax: 375-0301 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Presidents San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 486-0959, rzeigler@alamo.edu Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 486-5484, ereno@alamo.edu Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 486-4900, jclaunch@alamo.edu Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 486-3960, aguzman@alamo.edu St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 486-2900, aloston@alamo.edu
Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Staff Writers Ximena Victoria Alvarez, Jacob Beltran, Michelle E. Gaitan, Natasha Gregory, Joshua Sanchez Guerrero, Steffany Gutierrez, John P. Kline, Mary Lerma, Alexandria Maxwell, Robert Medina, Melody Mendoza, Celeste J. Nentwig, Victoria G. Ortiz, Amanda M. Rios, Brandy A. Santos, Tamara Sayles, Riley Stephens, Michelle L. Tymrak, Reagan White Production Manager Jason B. Hogan Web Editor D.A. James Circulation Destiny Mata ©2010 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, the student newspaper at San Antonio College, is a laboratory project of the journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications, published Fridays except during summer, holidays and examinations. News contributions accepted by telephone (486-1773), by fax (486-1789), by e-mail (sacranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (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, the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Associated Press.
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 486-1789. Letters must be signed and must include the writer’s printed name, classification, major, Social Security number and telephone number. For more information, call 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.
The Ranger • Vol. 84 • Issue 15
Feb. 19, 2010 • 3
The RangeR
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
2 Policies and officials 4 Blotter 6 News
Math program helps students skip courses By Laura Garcia
Reserve desk use is up By Melody Mendoza Photo by Alison Wadley
8 People
10 Public-private partnerships possible By Laura Garcia Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
11 College’s dream master plan By Laura Garcia
12 Former VP joins election race By Laura Garcia
13 Cameras increase By Vanessa M. Sanchez
21 Women’s engineering society flexes muscles By Jacob Beltran
22 Spanish professors
land published book By Reagan White
High school students compete for scholarships By Jacob Beltran
26 Loftin set for new gameroom By Riley Stephens
27 Engineers week By Jacob Beltran
By Laura Garcia Photo by Tyler K. Cleveland
19 Convergent media
degree reflects technology changes By John P. Kline
20 Secrets of college success By Joshua Sanchez Guerrero
People slideshow HS leadership conference Journalist Friedman discusses global warning at Trinity Fitness professional advocates holistic student nutrition Complete Blotter
Photos Rennie Murrell
28 Adjuncts miss payday By Laura Garcia Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
32 Transfer fair
Wednesday By Amanda M. Rios
16 Premiere
OLLU anime convention 15 Rental textbooks come up Tuesday during committee meeting
Online @ theranger.org
By Reagan White
ASL talent show tomorrow By Michelle L. Tymrak
23 KSYM pledge drive By John P. Kline
30 Pulse 24 Editorials
Parking problems, Premature boxing event, Textbook laws Cartoon
www.theranger.org
Go to www.theranger.org for news and information.
Blotter
4 • Feb. 19, 2010
The Ranger Rennie Murrell
San Antonio College Feb. 8 – An individual reported that a vending machine was broken in to. No suspects. An individual reported theft of vehicle. Theft occurred off campus. Incident handled by SAPD. Feb. 10- An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. An individual reported burglary of vehicle. No suspects. An individual reported a suspicious person. Suspect located. Everything found to be OK. An individual on crutches reported falling while exiting Gonzales Hall. No further injury sustained during fall. EMS not required. Feb. 11- An individual reported theft of personal property. Suspect identified. An individual reported a suspicious person. Suspect located, everything found to be OK. Feb.12- An individual reported a suspicious person. Suspect located. Everything found to be OK.
Electrician Chris Wilkerson of Ted Breihan Electric Co. of San Marcos works Feb. 15 on the north side of portables on Main. a report of a fire in a trash can. Burning smell caused by a bag of burnt popcorn thrown into trash can.
An individual staff member reported being injured while working in facilities building Room 200. EMS not required.
Northwest Vista College
An individual reported a burglary of vehicle. No suspects.
An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
An individual reported a traffic accident in Lot 10. Other party involved departed.
An officer observed a vehicle disregard a stop sign.
Feb. 9- An individual reported lost/missing property.
Feb. 12- An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
An individual reported receiving threatening text messages from a former friend.
Feb. 10- An individual reported being upset about driving home in inclement weather (rain). Family members contacted and arranged to pick up individual.
Northeast Lakeview College Feb. 9- An officer responded to
An individual reported theft of personal property. No suspects.
Feb. 8- An individual reported burglary of vehicle. No suspects.
Meet Cary Clack, San Antonio Express-News columnist and author of “Clowns and Rats Scare Me” 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, Longwith RTF, Room 101 All welcome -- FREE
Sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists, San Antonio College Chapter
Call 486-1765 for info
The Ranger
Blotter
Feb. 19, 2010 • 5 Alison Wadley
Criminal justice sophomore Tim Kaufhold and computer forensics sophomore George Gonzalez practice use of force during class Tuesday on the lawn of the law enforcement annex.
www.theranger.org Go online for a full version of the blotter
An individual reported a suspicious person. No one located. Feb. 10- An individual reported feeling ill. EMS not required. Family member contacted and arranged pick up of individual. An individual reported theft of personal property. No suspects. Palo Alto College Feb. 8- An individual reported graffiti in the men’s restroom. No witnesses. An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. An individual reported found property.
An individual reported a suspicious person. No one located.
An individual reported a disturbance in Portable 3.
An individual reported burglary of vehicle. No suspects.
ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE
individual informed that no access could be gained without a faculty member present.
Feb. 4- An individual reported that someone struck her vehicle.
Feb. 7- An individual reported theft of a personal property. Suspect identified.
An individual reported suspicious activity in Lot 8.
Feb. 5- An individual reported a suspicious person. No one located.
Feb. 8- An individual reported a suspicious person. Suspect located.
Feb. 10 – An individual reported a personal vehicle being burglarized. No suspects.
An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
An individual reported burglary of a vehicle. No suspects.
An individual reported a suspicious person. Suspect located, everything found to be OK.
An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
An individual reported a person breaking the glass on the rear door of Turbon center. A check of the area resulted in negative contact with suspect.
Feb. 9- An individual reported missing district property.
An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. Feb. 11- An individual reported a motor vehicle accident. Other party involved fled the scene without leaving any information.
An individual reported a hit-andrun vehicle accident. Feb. 6- An individual reported wanting to retrieve a backpack, which was left in a locker room. Building was found to be locked,
An individual reported burglary of vehicle. Witness present. An individual reported lost personal property. Property was recovered by unknown person and turned in to campus police. Property returned to owner.
CONTACT INFO Emergency 222-0911 General DPS 485-0099 Weather Line 485-0189
The Ranger
6 • Feb. 19, 2010
Program helps students skip developmental levels in math New program is funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The program is free to students and the community and includes all materials, access to the software and an instructor on-site in the lab. “I think it’s a really good opportunity,” Dr. By Laura Garcia Conrad Krueger, dean of arts and sciences, said Wednesday. “The most exciting part is that it’s Does math make you cringe? Have you been free.” putting off taking developmental math for a He said more sections could be offered if couple of semesters already or haven’t attemptthose sections fill up. ed it for a few years now? The sessions target individuals who would Then PASS, prep for like to accelerate the compleAccuplacer student success, may tion of remedial math requirebe for you. This grant-funded ments. For more information, 15-hour math tutor program was This tutoring opportunity call Mona Aldana-Ramirez at set up to help students prep for is funded by the Texas Higher 486-0405. the Accuplacer placement tests. Education Coordinating Board, Three sections March 1-5 can the state’s oversight agency. accommodate 20 students each. Krueger said PASS is modTwo sections run from 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. eled after a pilot program at the college last and another from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Similar summer. programs will be offered at the other colleges Those students pre-tested to determine skill in the district. levels and then were asked to re-test at the
“I think it’s a really good opportunity. The most exciting part is that it’s free.” Dr. Conrad Krueger dean of arts and sciences
completion of the program. He said about 50 of the students who took the second test were able to skip one or two developmental math courses. Krueger recommended the program to students who want a refresher in math before taking the Accuplacer. He said taking the 15-hour course is worth it if they can skip a course or two, and the later section at 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. could be convenient for those who have earlier classes during the day or work all morning.
Textbooks at reserve desk relieves high cost Alison Wadley
By MeLody Mendoza Borrowing textbooks from the reserve desk on the library’s fourth floor has brought a new life to student wallets. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for books each semester, students are turning to other resources. The reserve desk has class textbooks reserved by instructors and department chairs so students can read assigned chapters and complete assignments without actually buying the books. “I use the reserve desk almost everyday,” Radio-Television-Film major Edgar Garcia, 22, said. “Most of my classes require books that are kind of expensive.” He saved $200 this semester. “I save money, and it’s peaceful,” Garcia said. “I strongly encourage students to give it a try.” At the library’s fourth floor reserve desk, ask if the needed book is available. The library’s reserve desk is open 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Learning resource specialist Lettie Alvarado said, “Students come in throughout the day.” Students having difficulty getting their text-
Liberal arts freshman Yasmine Charles checks out books for an English assignment from learning resource Specialist Aivars Norenbergs Feb. 12 in the reserve library on the fourth floor of Moody. Charles’ paper is on child behavior for an English 1301 class. books because of expense or unavailability have been increasing the traffic to get reserved books, she said. An online feature is also available on the library’s Web site where students can see if a book is on reserve and if it is available at that time. Students can check out a book for up to two hours giving them time to do their class work.
Not only can instructors reserve textbooks, they can also request items such as tests, notes, DVDs, CDs, VHS movies and library books for the students’ benefit, Alvarado said. Instructors and department chairs turn in a request form with their desired materials for reserve to Aivars Norenbergs, reserve learning resources specialist. To check out reserve items, show a current San Antonio College, Palo Alto College, St. Philip’s College, Northwest Vista College, or Alamo Community College District ID card or a San Antonio College library courtesy card. Members of the public may check out reserve items for two-hour library use with a current ID card from an area college or high school or a current driver’s license or Texas Department of Public Safety ID card. To check for your textbooks, log onto to http://library.alamo.edu/search/r to search by course or instructor. You can also find reserve textbooks by clicking on Course Reserves under the Use It column on the library’s home page at www.alamo.edu/sac/library/. For more information, call the reserve desk at 486-0570 or log on to www.alamo.edu/sac/ library/faculty/domas/RESERVE.HTM.
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 7 Alison Wadley
Business sophomore Woneui Lee receives his backpack from a sales associate Tuesday in the San Antonio College Bookstore in the basement of Loftin. The bookstore now provides numbered cubbies behind the cashiers for students to use for backpack storage while they are shopping. Shoppers buying Scantrons or snacks are not required to check bags.
Recent theft leads to changes in bookstore policies District manager for Follett Higher Education Group hopes thefts decline with policy change. By Zahra Farah After international business freshman Alejandra Chavez had her backpack stolen from cubbies in the college bookstore, owned by Follett Higher Education Group, Jan. 25, the store’s management team re-evaluated its theft policy and put its cubby stations out of reach of the general public. District manager Elizabeth Gray said Tuesday that in response to the news coverage Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 in The Ranger, the managers realized that their previous bag drop was not the best place for students to leave their bags because thieves could walk out with students’ belongings. In the Jan. 25 theft, Chavez also lost her keys, two notebooks and two textbooks. On Feb. 4, store manager Amy Turpin and Gray decided that the place to move cubbies would be right behind the cashiers on the
north side of the store in the basement of Loftin Student Center. When students walk in, they can drop off their backpack with the first cashier, who will give them a number and place their bag in the storage space matching the number they were given. “We re-evaluated the location and decided to put the cubbies behind the cashier, so associates can monitor it at all times,” Gray said. “If they are going to buy a book, students have to check in backpacks, but if they are just going to buy a Scantron or a drink, they don’t have to check in their bag because they are just going to be in and out,” she said. Items such as Scantrons, drinks and candy are in full view of cashiers. When asked if cashiers could handle customers and checking in backpacks, Gray said it’s a way to offer better customer service for students. If students are determined to steal from other students, Gray said the cubbies’ new location would be a deterrent. The bookstore managers were sched-
uled to present the policy to the Bookstore Advisory Committee at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in the president’s conference room in Fletcher Administration Center. It is unlikely the Bookstore Advisory Committee will object because “anything that is in the students’ best interest will receive approval,” Gray said. The bookstore has not had any thefts since they moved the cubbies behind the cashier. Gray said she hopes theft declines because of the change in policy. Gray also said if a student does report a theft of property in the bookstore, the first action the store will take is check the surveillance tape and work with the campus police to increase the likelihood of recovering the stolen property. The bookstore will consider replacing stolen books on a case-by-case basis, Gray said. “We’ll continue to work and see them taken care of.” Gray said Turpin replaced Chavez’s books and supplies. “Her experience made us change our policies,” Gray said. “She raised a problem we could correct.”
8 • Feb. 19, 2010
Black History Month
The Ranger Alison Wadley
Money: Wynette Keller, director of student support services and representing the Black History Month Committee, introduces guest speaker Rett Anderton during the Money Management 101 event Tuesday in the craft room of Loftin. Anderton is a default aversion consultant with Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corp. Tyler K. Cleveland
Upcoming Today SPC Concert: San Antonio Symphony-in-Residence Finale 8 p.m. in Watson auditorium. Call 486-2704. Tuesday SAC Oratory: African-American Read-In 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. in the Craft Room of Loftin. Call 486-0661. SPC Event: Soul Food Fest noon-1 p.m. in Heritage Room in campus center. Call 486-2EAT (486-2328). SAC Lecture: Columinst Cary Clack, to speak on his new book, “Clowns and Rats Scare Me,” sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists at 12:15 p.m. in Room 101 of Longwith. Feb. 26 SPC Event: African-American Mother and Daughter Conference. $10 admission. Call 486-2508 or 486-2430. Feb. 28 SPC Event: Gospel Fest and Closing Ceremony 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 1310 Pecan Valley. Call 486-2887.
Fat Tuesday music: Cornet player David Jellema and drummer Michael Waskiewicz of the ragtime band Second Line perform during Fat Tuesday in Loftin Monday.
The Ranger
People
Feb. 19, 2010 • 9
Alison Wadley
Sarah Janes
NYT columnist speaks: Calligraphy: Elva Adams with the Chinese Culture Performance Association of San Antonio teaches criminal justice freshman Rosie Martinez and psychology freshman Wes Carrera the art of Chinese calligraphy Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin in celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Thomas Friedman lectures on his book “Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution and How It Can Renew America” Tuesday in of Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University.
Tyler K. Cleveland
Annointing ashes: Radio-televisionfilm sophomore Michael Contreras prays Wednesday during the Ash Wednesday service sponsored by the Catholic Student Association and the United Methodist Student Movement in Loftin.
Rennie Murrell
Heart strings:
The San Antonio Symphony Quartet performs for students, faculty and staff Monday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Beth Girko, first violin; Allyson Dawkins, viola; Renia Shterenberg, second violin; and Joshua Boulton, cello,;make up the quartet. You can see the San Antonio Symphony-in-residency today and Saturday free of charge at the Watson Fine Arts Center. For the schedule, log in to www.alamo.edu/ spc or call 486-2704.
The Ranger
10 • Feb. 19, 2010
College explores public-private partnerships Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
By Laura Garcia The possibility of San Antonio College pursuing a private-public partnership with the Tobin Hills neighborhood was proposed Tuesday at a meeting of the Building, Grounds and Sites Selection Committee. The committee unanimously recommended the request to survey the surrounding neighborhoods for interest in possible land partnerships. Recommendations of committees must be passed on to the full board of the Alamo Community College District. President Robert Zeigler and John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities, presented this item to the committee with additional support from Tobin Hills representatives and Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration. Snyder introduced this option to the board by recommending mixed-use development without the sale of bonds. She said the college has additional needs, and bond money is running out from the last bond approved in 2005. She explained that a public-private partnership would be a contractual arrangement between the college, which is a public agency, and a private sector that would meet part of the college’s needs and part of the neighborhood’s needs. Zeigler said City Councilwoman Mary Alice Cisneros, who represents District 1, expressed interest in creating another parking garage on Lot 26 at Evergreen Street and North Main Avenue. He said the garage could house at least 1,000 parking spots, offices, classrooms, bookstore and coffee shop. Zeigler said this would be a nice student gathering area and transition into the neighborhood. He said this would be an additional
Dr. Robert Zeigler tells the Building, Grounds and Sites Selection Committee Tuesday about a potential partnership with Tobin Hill.
entryway into the college. “Instead of being an island in the middle of the neighborhood, we would be part of it,” he said. Caroline Kelley, president of the Tobin Hill Community Association, explained to committee members that she approached Zeigler about six months ago with a series of “what if’s.” Kelley informed the committee that they had grants from the city to pay for part of potential projects, especially ones that would revitalize the area. She said the college needs more parking during the day, and nightclubs need additional parking in the evening. The college already has this sort of arrangement for parking, which Zeigler reported as successful. The nightclubs along North Main Avenue, such as The Saint, PJ’s and Heat, allow students to park in their lots during the day. At night, their patrons park in college lots.
A mixed-use partnership is possible for the Park Place lot at East Laurel and Main.
Strybos added that this is just a request to gauge whether there is additional community interest a partnership. District officials would then reach out to the other neighborhoods nearby and open the topic for input from the community. District 9 James Rindfuss questioned whether the college could afford to give up land to the community if there were not any other properties to acquire that would add parking. Kelley said there are still empty lots in Tobin Hills, and this option was possible. This recommendation was approved but not before District 7
trustee Blakely Latham Fernandez asked a question about the legality of a private-public partnership. Erik T. Dahler, district director of legal affairs, said the district has the authority to pursue this type of partnership but admittedly it would be complicated and there would be so many variables. Committee Chair Gene Sprague, District 6 trustee, said this is more like a request for ideas to see what comes from the community and that how the district approaches this partnership depends on what is proposed. District 5 trustee Roberto Zarate said, “This type of collaborative effort is excellent.”
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 11
(not shown)
College master plan envisions Harvard setting By Laura Garcia Dreams can come true, but the future seems uncertain. President Robert Zeigler, along with some deans and administrators and faculty leadership, has formulated a tentative master plan for the future of the college. During a telephone interview Tuesday, Zeigler said the college hired architecture firm Marmon Mok to create visual designs for a wish list of needs that were compiled by the administration. The full-color book, printed on April 23 by Marmon Mok, features possible layouts of the college’s long-range vision. A page from the master plan was featured during Tuesday’s Buildings, Grounds and Sites Selection committee meeting. It was included in a presentation by John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities, and Zeigler when asking for permission to pursue requests for public-private partnerships with neighboring communities. Tobin Hills community representatives were present and explained the need for creating additional parking and informed trustees that
they had grants from the city to pay for part of potential projects. The board recommended this item and gave the go-ahead for the college to gauge community interest. Strybos said the district plans to ask if other communities are interested in public-private partnerships. Zeigler said initial planning of the master plan began years ago and was just a way to assess college needs in five, seven or 10 years into the future. The plan includes an additional entry into the college from North Main Avenue. Currently, the only visual entry is the one located on San Pedro Avenue. Another parking garage is featured at Evergreen Street and North Main, across the street from Luther’s restaurant. This may be the targeted location for a Tobin Hills public-private partnership. David Mrizek, vice president of college services, explained some of the conceptual ideas of the master plan, such as a one-stop center for student services and a consolidation of the continuing education department. Currently, continuing education is spread among several campus locations, including portable buildings on West Dewey Place and the Oppenheimer Education and Training Center.
Eventually, officials would like to open that lot to create a sort of boardwalk that would extend from Koehler Cultural Center on the north to the academic instruction center on the south. People would be able to see all the way across the campus. The design also features a new, separate science building that would pull science classes from Chance Academic Center. This could give architecture more space in Chance and would address the growing department’s need for space. Also included in the design book is a visual comparison with this college’s current campus and Harvard and Rice University’s student quad areas and entrances. Adding another physical plant would help address the energy needs of a larger campus. The master plan has not been approved by the board for construction of buildings but serves as a pictorial resource for administration. Mrizek and Zeigler stressed that the designs could change based on the needs of the college. The document is public after being presented in a public meeting, but administrators at this college do not plan to distribute it widely at this stage of development.
The Ranger
12 • Feb. 19, 2010
Former vice president joins two in District 1 race Candidates can file for four positions through March 8 to be on May 8 ballot. By Laura Garcia A former vice president of this college, Dr. Thomas Hoy, submitted an application Tuesday to run for the District 1 seat on the Alamo Community College District board of trustees. Incumbent Dr. Bernard Weiner is not seeking re-election. Hoy worked at this college from 1973-2005. He served as interim executive vice president from 2002 until he retired. Tyler Christopher Ingraham filed for District 1 Wednesday, and has gained attention for openly opposing single accreditation during the Jan. 12 public forum. Ingraham was a former student here before transferring to St. Mary’s University. Another candidate in the District 1 race is
former San Antonio City Councilman Joe V. Alderete Jr. The other three incumbents up for election have filed to maintain their positions, and so far are unopposed. Board Chair Denver McClendon is seeking re-election in District 2. He is a retired civil service employee and served in the U.S. Air Force. District 3 trustee Anna Bustamante is seeking re-election. She is an elementary school music teacher in the Southside Independent School District. Newly appointed District 7 trustee, Blakely Latham Fernandez, a local attorney, is running for an unexpired term. She was appointed to the position in November when Charles Conner, former District 7 trustee, retired and moved out of the city. Filing for the May 8 election began Feb. 6 and continues through March 8.
The trustee positions for District 1, 2 and 3 are for six-year terms, and District 7 is for two years to fill the unexpired term. People interested in submitting applications should file with the election administrator, Erik T. Dahler of legal services, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday in Room 8 of Building C at 201 W. Sheridan. Early voting is from April 26-May 4 with voting locations to be determined. A run-off election, if necessary, will be June 12. To find out what district you are in, check the Bexar County Elections Web site at http:// apps.bexar.org/webapps/html/elstrinq02.asp. The district’s Web site for trustee elections is at www.alamo.edu/district/board/election/ default.htm. Documents on fair campaign practices and political advertising are available. For questions on filing, call Dahler at 4850050 or e-mail at edahler@alamo.edu.
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 13
Cameras increase; impact on crime not known Robert Stofa
By Vanessa M. sanchez Everywhere you walk, sit or drive at this and every other college in this district, you are being watched by surveillance cameras, but the number of crimes the cameras have helped solve is unknown. Sgt. Ben Peña of the district police department said Tuesday that he needed to do caseby-case research to find the number of cases that were solved. Peña said he was unsure when the first camera in the district was installed but guessed it was three to four years ago. “We have utilized cameras to solve cases,” Peña said. “Can I tell you an exact number?” Not at the moment, at least. He referred The Ranger to Joe Curiel, the district’s deputy chief of police, and noted he does not know how to go about getting that information, or if the department even keeps that information. Curiel was unavailable for comment. Though the cameras are not constantly being monitored, the department uses them to inform officers of where they need to be stationed. He also said the number of cameras installed from Jan. 1 was unknown, but he would have that information soon. In 2009, there were no additional cameras installed at the district level; however, 56 were installed at Palo Alto College; 55 at St. Philip’s College’s Southwest Center; 76 at Northwest Vista College; 187 at St. Philip’s; and 140 at this college. Northeast Lakeview, on the other hand, is
A surveillance camera monitors campus activities about noon Wednesday south of Loftin. not handled through the police department’s where there is a lot of equipment that could be budget but is instead paid under bond money stolen or damaged, in stairwells and in buildof the capital improvements proings that are highly populated by gram. females. John Strybos, associate vice Peña said he has to check on chancellor of facilities, said in an how many were added but would interview Thursday, cameras are not have that information until added to new buildings as they are after The Ranger deadline. added. The cameras are controlled by www.theranger.org He said Peña meets with archia Web-based system to give authoGo online to read the full version. tects to decide where to place camrized users, which is everyone in eras, then the architects plan for the police department, access to support and electricity for them. view districtwide activity daily. Stybos said there is no set ratio of cameras “The cameras are designed for us to be able to square footage because cameras are placed to access from wherever we are,” he said.
The Ranger
14 • Feb. 19, 2010
Vice president reassigned to CSI for two years By Zahra Farah Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs, will move to the district’s new center for student information in the old Albertsons building on Pat Booker Road for up to two years to supervise the consolidated operations there. Vela reportedly will return to this campus about one day a week, and college officials do not know yet who will perform Vela’s duties here in his absence. Staff Council President Geraldo R. Guerra announced the move Tuesday at a Staff Council meeting and college President Dr. Robert Zeigler confirmed it that afternoon. “Dr. Vela was asked to be the lead person to monitor the new facility,” Guerra said. Many college admissions and records and financial aid services will be combined in one location with the implementation of the Banner student services program. Employees from these departments at the
colleges have been reassigned to the center, which has been described as providing a “back office” for information services, such as processing applications for admissions and transcripts. Zeigler said in a Tuesday interview that the idea of Vela moving to Pat Booker Road had been mentioned previously, but Dr. Lina Silva, vice chancellor for student success, put the request to Vela two weeks ago. Chancellor Bruce Leslie also discussed the proposed move with Zeigler and Vela. Zeigler said they all thought Vela could make a contribution to the center and benefit the district. “We are confident that everything will get planned,” Zeigler said. “Vela is confident and capable of getting the center up and running.” Zeigler does not know yet who will perform Vela’s duties at this college. “We’re still figuring out how we are going to manage it,” he said. Zeigler said he did not know how many days of the week Vela would be at this college, but he
said Vela may be here one day a week. “He’s not entirely leaving, but most of his work will be at the center,” Zeigler said. “He’s not that far away. He can help us as much as we need him while we transition.” He said Vela would be able to be reached by phone or e-mail. Vela became the dean of student affairs in the fall of 2008 and was promoted to vice president of student affairs in spring 2009 to approximate parallel positions at the other area institutions. Vela oversees assessment center, admissions and records, disability support service, enrollment management, counseling, student life, and the empowerment center. He also deals with student discipline. “We are not going to have students or staff suffer because he is leaving,” he said. “We will make sure everything is taken care of during his absence.” Repeated attempts to reach Vela by phone and in person were unsuccessful.
Staff question long lines at payroll Tyler K. Cleveland
Council questions status of soft-money employees.
Bealer are figuring out a better system for distributing paychecks. In an interview with Zeigler Wednesday, he said Bealer has By Zahra Farah some ideas on how to get things to run more smoothly, but nothing Staff Council members voiced has been decided yet. concern Tuesday over long lines Zeigler also said, “I don’t know unit assistants had to wait in to the exact time when checks will pick up checks for adjuncts and be picked up. Ms. Bealer will work work-study students at the busion that.” ness office Feb. 12. Council members said they President Geraldo R. Guerra would appreciate an e-mail said that at a deans and direc- explaining what is going to happen tors meeting Monday, the directors before the next payday. were hoping to encourage more Bealer was too busy to respond employees to use direct deposit as to questions from The Ranger a way of reducing Wednesday, but long lines. she said through Dr. Adena Williams Loston, president of St. District sent a spokesperson, Philip’s College, will discuss checks at 1 p.m. Diana Muñoz, Title 3 grant issues at 1:30 Feb. 12 rather than accounts receivp.m. Wednesday in the at 8 a.m. When the able assistant, that Heritage Room. checks did arrive, suggestions have they were not sortbeen made for the ed by departments, so business next payroll Feb. 26, but the office office employees had to sort them. does not have a plan yet. Guerra said that at the deans In other business, Guerra and directors meeting, President said some St. Philip’s employees Robert Zeigler and bursar Helen are worried their jobs, which are
Staff Council President Geraldo R. Guerra talks about St. Philip’s College’s Title 3 Grant during the Staff Council meeting Feb. 16 in the visual arts center. funded by Title 3 grant money, will become budgeted positions and that the Title 3-funded employees would not be eligible to apply for the budgeted positions because the positions would be opened internally and Title 3 employees are not considered to be included. Linda Boyer-Owen, assistant vice chancellor of human resources, said Wednesday she was not aware of this situation but that she does not think this would be some-
thing the district would do. Denice Braziel, adviser-in-residence for the mathematics department at St. Philip’s who is paid with Title 3 funds, said Wednesday that Title 3 employees are worried their jobs are in jeopardy. “A lot of people are afraid to say anything. They feel as if they are going to lose their jobs, but they should fight for the jobs they are going to lose,” Braziel said. She said nobody has answers.
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 15
Textbooks a hot topic during Tuesday committee meeting Tyler K. Cleveland
By Laura Garcia Trustees discussed whether departments could avoid adopting frequent adoptions of new textbook editions, if the district could run its own college bookstores, and if officials could require students to spend federal financial aid money on textbooks as a priority after tuition payment. The answer, in short, is no. Tuesday, four board committees met, trustees discussed textbooks at great length. During an Academic Accountability and Student Success Committee meeting, The item was for discussion of the possible extension and amendment to Follett Higher Education Group’s contract with the district. Follett runs the district bookstores including the one on campus, San Antonio College Bookstore, in the basement of Loftin Student Center. Snyder proposed extending the bookstore’s contract two years with the contractual agreement that Follet would provide the option of rental books and e-books. Many departments cannot avoid adopting newer editions of textbooks because if they hold on to a book for four to five years, as District 1 trustee Dr. Bernard Weiner suggested during the meeting, they would make it harder for students to find the book. During the meeting, Follet district manager, Elizabeth Gray, said some publishers put out a new edition every 18 months. She said usually there is a lot of communication between the college departments and the publishers of a textbook. This relationship has been in the news lately with federal and state laws in place to ensure that publishers inform colleges of exactly the type of revisions that go into each edition of a textbook and if the book is also available in other formats such as softcover or digital. Dr. Robert Zeigler, president of this college, said, “We have more power over the publishers than we take advantage of.” Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, associate vice chancellor for academic partnerships and initiatives, said the district is in the process of complying with laws that ensure the colleges are communicating with students. Students have already received a PALS e-mail letting them know that they are not obligated to buy textbooks through the college bookstore. This sentiment was shared by several board
Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration, speaks to the Alamo Board of Trustees Feb. 16 as District 5 Trustee Roberto Zarate and District 2 Trustee Denver McClendon listen during the committee meetings at Killen. members. Dr. Gene Sprague, District 6 trustee, said the district gives up too much to the bookstore and was concerned with the math involved in the contract extension statistics provided by Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration, and Fabianke for the textbook presentation. The district’s contract with Follett requires a percentage of profits be returned to the district. District 4 Marcelo Casillas questioned why the district didn’t get a larger portion of profits from Follett and asked why the district couldn’t run its own bookstores. Snyder said, in her experience, “It is very uncommon to run it, operationally.” Board Chair Denver McClendon, District 2, trustee, said he would like to see some “real numbers” and that it all seems hypothetical. He questioned whether the district could move to a credit card for financial aid funds and insist that students buy their textbooks with the money, whether from the college or any independent retailer. Dr. Tom Cleary, vice chancellor of planning performance and information systems, said technically it is possible, but, legally, students
have a choice to purchase textbooks or not with their financial aid award. Dr. Lina S. Silva, vice chancellor for student success, said it would be difficult to enforce and the distict cannot require students to use the money on textbooks. For instance, she said, what if a student needs to spend that money on gas and can’t otherwise get to the bookstore. McClendon still wanted to approve the item for recommendation to the full board, but with the caveat that Snyder and Fabianke report back with more in-depth statistics. Casillas was the only committee member to vote against the recommendation. In other news, the board recommended pushing back the start of the academic calendar for spring 2011 to begin classes after Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Jan. 18, which would separate Flex 1 and 2 by spring break avoid interruptions in class time. Silva offered a report on the new center for student information, which will support the single data system for students. She explained the integrated model will include all of the college’s admissions and records, state reporting, international transcripts and e-catalog and e-schedules. She said the district is working to load an automated, self-serve system for all of the district college’s records. That same evening, during the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee meeting, the board discussed external auditing. Snyder said officials are trying to find a really strong external auditor who would be able to meet the district’s specific needs and work with the district’s internal auditors. Trustees discussed the need for a separate internal and external audit from Northeast Lakeview College and not only for accreditation reports. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools requires a separate audit for the college to become accredited. During a Building Grounds and Sites Selection Committee meeting, Cleary gave a report about emergency notification system for all students, faculty and staff. He said on March 26, a test will be done to check to make sure it is working properly. On Thursday, in a telephone interview, Cleary said this was one of two tests simulated each year, and district officials want to be confident it works.
Prem
16 • The Ranger
Meet the KSYM DJs What is your DJ and real name? Marcus C. DeLeon; the C is for Carcus. What’s the name of your show and what time does it air? First, I was on the Wednesday Night Metal Show, and now I’m on the infamous Thursday Night Metal Show, established 15 years ago. It starts at 11 p.m. and ends at 4 a.m. What kind of music is played on your show? Death, grind, gore, speed, thrash, tech, spaz, black, doom, more death, local brutes and a drip of hardcore. What is the funniest thing that has happened while on air? Doing a two-hour metal show with no pants! What got you interested in radio? I returned to school to get a teacher’s certification but saw the radio/ music production/music business classes and thought, “I must invest my education in my passions in music — Marcus C. DeLeon before I start teaching the wretched little products of an undeserving society.” What underground or local band do you enjoy listening to? Extent, an ambient-post Floydian-rock band. What would people be surprised to know about you? I need help! I’m trying to do everything I’m involved in by multitasking and I’m failing. What is your favorite thing about being on air? Being in control and playing the absolutely heaviest music you will ever hear on radio. What has been your favorite moment so far from your show? 2009, I got to DJ metal on Thanksgiving, Jesus-mas and New Year’s Eve. What new CD will listeners hear on your show and what’s so good about it? “Are You Yelling at Me?” by Gorgoroth, a satanic black metal band. Their representation of cold and gloom are inhibited by demons that play instruments.
Japanese club to volunteer at OLLU anime convention By Reagan White The third annual Mizuumi-Con is a gathering of all things anime on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University from noon to 2 a.m. Feb. 27, featuring music, Japanese food, local anime artwork and two special guests from the anime industry. The event is sponsored by the OLLU M i z u u m i Anime Club. Japanese club members from this college will be volunteering at the convention. Japanese club members will help set up booths and act as security guards for special guests, said club president education sophomore Robert Vidal. The biggest security concern in previous years has been preventing clomping, Vidal said. “Clomping is an aggressive hug. It’s pretty much a running start hug with the goal of taking someone down. It’s pretty big at these events,” he said. Kyle Hebert, the voice of “Dragonball Z”’s Gohan, will be a special guest. Hebert has lent his voice to more than 30 anime cartoons, but he is best known for voicing the adult Gohan in the “Dragonball Z” series and movie. Video game players also might recognize his voice from World of Warcraft, Everquest II, Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter IV. Hebert will be available
to share his knowledge of voice acting with anime lovers. Fans wanting to learn more about the production side of anime will want to talk to Samantha Inoue-Harte, another special guest at Mizuumi-Con. Inoue-Harte is president of a Texas-based animation studio, Saiko Studios, where she directs and produces anime. Inoue-Harte’s own 2-D animation can be seen in “Clerks: The Lost Episode” and “Lilo and Stitch: Stitch Has a Glitch.” The rapper Random also will be performing. His music is known for connecting hip-hop to video games. Random is best known for his album “Mega Ran,” which is a tribute to the Mega Man video games. The Japanese Club vice president, international studies sophomore Sarah Pichardo, said she hopes guests will learn more about Japanese culture. “Usually people relate Japanese culture, to anime or electronics. It’s not just anime,” she said. Tickets for Mizuumi-Con are $12 at the door and $10 if ordered online in advance. Mizuumi-Con guests who volunteer at the event will be admitted for free. Volunteers can sign up online to work either four or six hours. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund future Mizuumi-Cons, said OLLU Mizuumi Anime Club President Sarah Cisernos. For more information, visit mizuumicon.org.
miere
Feb. 19, 2010 • 17 Courtesy
Participants in the 2009 American Sign Language Talent Show sign to the “The Mickey Mouse Show” theme song. Admission to Saturday’s show is $10. Courtesy
Talent show, silent auction spells fun By Michelle L. Tymrak The interpreter training/American Sign Language department presents its fourth annual Talent Show and Silent Auction Saturday in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. The scholarship fundraiser is open to the public. A silent auction begins at 6 p.m., and the talent show begins at 7 p.m. The ticket price is a $10 donation, and all proceeds from the ticket sales as well as the silent auction items will go to the Rea and Barbara Hinrichs Scholarship Fund. Chair Lauri Metcalf said this event is a way to highlight student and faculty talent. Last year, the fundraiser attracted
about 500 guests and raised about $1,500 for the scholarship fund, Metcalf said. Auction items are expected to include jewelry and artwork donated by students, faculty and graduates. This isn’t any old talent show, Metcalf said, noting these acts must be “accessible to hearing and deaf” members of the audience. She said she expects about 20 acts in this year’s talent show, including skits, signed music and possibly juggling. For those who can’t make the show, don’t worry. The department will be selling DVDs for $15 about three weeks after the show. For more information, call department secretary Ray Rodriguez at 4861119.
File photo
The 2009 ASL Talent Show raised $1,500 for scholarships. This year’s event is at 6 p.m. Saturday in McAllister.
Calendar
The Ranger For coverage Call 486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
Monday SAC Event: Blood drive 9 a.m.–4 p.m. in the mall. Continues through Thursday. Call 486-0125.
Today SAC Deadline: Last day to withdraw for Flex 1. NLC Volunteers: Opportunity sored by Project La Cena noon-4 p.m. at the San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Old Highway 90 W. Call 486-5381. SAC Event: Virtual Reality Gaming 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in the Cyber Cafe. Continues Fridays. Call 486-0125.
spon-
SAC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0128. SPC Event: Belly dancing lessons sponsored by Community Service Training Center noon–1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, and 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Tuesdays Call 486-2747.
www.theranger.org Complete calendar online.
SAC Event: Coffee Night 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in the round in Loftin. Call 486-0125. Performance: “Blood Wedding” 8 p.m. in Ruth Taylor Theater Building, Trinity University at $8 general admission; $6 Trinity faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens; $5 students. Continues 8 p.m. Feb. 19-20 and Feb. 26-27 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and 7 p.m. Feb. 24-25. To RSVP call 999-8515.
SAC Event: Magic the Gathering Tourney 1 p.m.4 p.m. in the Craft Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Mexican-American Engineers and Scientists 4 p.m.–5 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. NLC Lecture: Discussion of the benefits of nutrition degrees at 6 p.m. in Room 208 of the wellness center sponsored by Project La Cena. Call 486-5381.
Feb. 19, 2010 • 18
Wednesday SAC Transfer: Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0864.
Oscura)” 6:30 p.m. in Chiego at McNay Art Museum. $5 nonmembers. Call 8245368.
SAC Workshop: Accuplacer Math Workshop sponsored by basic skills 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in Room 726 of Moody. Continues 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Thursday. Call 486-0218.
SAC Sports: Women’s volleyball at Northwest Vista 7 p.m. Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Criminal Justice Students Association at noon in Room 220 of Chance. Continues March 24 and April 21. Call 486-0835. SAC Concert: Wind and brass ensemble 2 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255. SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 127 of Gonzales Hall. Continues Wednesdays. SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m.3 p.m. in Room 606 of Moody. Continues Wednesdays.
Feb. 26 SAC Concert: Choral Concert 1 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 4860255. Feb. 27 SAC Event: Racquetball tourney benefiting kinesiology scholarships 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the racquetball courts, $5. Call 486-1029. SAC Field Trip: Astronomy Club star party and potluck dinner 5 p.m. at Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31. Call 486-0063. Feb. 28 SAC Event: Irish Heritage Day noon–5 p.m. in Loftin. Call 946-0294.
Tuesday
SAC Meeting: Gay and Lesbian Association 2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. in Room 612-613 of Moody. Continues Wednesdays. Call 486-0125.
SAC Transfer: University of Incarnate Word 9 a.m.–1 p.m. in Chance. Call 4860869.
SAC Meeting: SACNAS 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 204 of Chance. Continues Wednesdays. Call 486-0060.
SAC Concert: Latin Jazz Combo 12:30 p.m. in McAllister. Call 486-0255.
SAC Meeting: Architecture Club from 4 p.m.–5 p.m. in Room 251 of Chance. Continues first and third Wednesdays. Call 486-1300.
SAC Event: Tennis tourney-singles 1 p.m.–2 p.m. in Candler. Call 486-0125.
SAC Spor ts: Men’s basketball at Victoria College 8 p.m. Call 486-0125.
SAC Women’s History: “Night to His Day: The Construction of the Feminine in the Work of 20th Century Feminists” 9:25 a.m.-10:40 a.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Events continue through the week. Call 486-0577.
March 1 SAC WHW Event: Women in Leadership with state Sen. Letitia Van de Putte 10 a.m.-10:50 a.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Call 486-0577.
Saturday SAC Workshop: Women4Women Workshop sponsored by the women’s center 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. in Room 105 of the empowerment center, 703 Howard. Free for female SAC students 18 and older. Continues Feb. 27. E-mail cdominguez11@alamo.edu. Call 486-0455. Event: Asian Festival — Year of the Tiger 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Call 458-2300. Event: Third Annual On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour sponsored by Bihl Haus Arts 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at various locations in the Deco District. Continues noon-6 p.m. Feb. 21. For maps visit www.onandofffred. org or the San Antonio Visitor’s Bureau. Call 383-9723.
SAC Meeting: Astronomy Club 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. in Room 142 of Chance. Continues Tuesdays. Call 4860063. ACCD Meeting: Alamo Community College District board 6 p.m. in Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan. Continues March 16, April 20. Call 485-0030. SAC Concert: Chopin and Company 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Call 486-0255.
SAC Spor ts: Women’s basketball at Victoria College. Call 486-0125. Thursday SAC Concert: Jazz Ensemble 2 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. 486-0255. Event: “Camera Obscura (La Cámara
March 2
Calendar Legend SAC: San Antonio College NVC: Northwest Vista College SPC: St. Philip’s College SWC: South West Campus PAC: Palo Alto College NLC: Northeast Lakeview College
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 19 Jason B. Hogan
Taking the stage: President Robert Zeigler, Vice President Jessica Howard and members of this college’s administration recognize students awarded membership to the Beta Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Wednesday evening in McAllister. This induction included dual credit students from Travis Early College High School. The chapter was established at this college in 1932.
Convergence degree crosses disciplines Program aims to prepare bilingual professionals with multimedia skills. By John P. Kline Recent trends and technology prompted the media communications department at this college to create a media convergence degree last fall. “Media convergence means the traditional forms of media and the newer forms of media are merging, forming a new hybrid media,” said Markene Bennett, coordinator of radio-television-broadcasting in the media communications department. “President Robert Zeigler and Dr. Jessica Howard, vice president of academic affairs, encouraged us to develop a new degree option in order to better meet the needs of the industry,” Bennett said. “This program is more interdisciplinary, offering courses not only from radio-televisionvideo-broadcasting but also journalism, photography, digital design, computer information systems, theater and speech,” she said. The idea for this degree option was conceived when an advisory committee of Mark Landis, Jeff T. Hinson and other local media experts met
with Zeigler, Howard and Bennett Jan. 29, 2009, of new courses, she said. “The discussion grew to discuss the changing field of media. Landis about radio and how employees in the media is vice president of English language programneed to know so much more than just radio and ming for Border Media, where Hinson is CEO audio,” Bennett said. and president. Border Media is a Texas-based Howard said during an interview Feb. 5 that company that owns nearly 30 radio stations in Border Media Partners “let us know what they are the Waco, Austin, San Antonio, Laredo and Rio looking for in prospective employees.” Grande Valley markets. “People proficient in online social media netJack-FM 102.7 (KJXK) is one of seven Border works, one-person production, as well as actMedia stations in San Antonio. ing, speaking and camera skills are in Landis and Hinson introneed,” Howard said. duced their concept for a comThe media convergence degree prehensive mixed-media Web option offers additional electives as site during the meeting last year well as a larger variety of required and asked if this college had courses than the traditional RTF prostudents capable of producing a gram. Aaron Nielsen, media converwww.theranger.org variety of media work. gence freshman and transfer student See video of Jeff T. Hinton “Their idea was to develop from McMaster University in Ontario, talking about media convergence. a cross between a regular radio Canada, commented Feb. 2 on the relastation Web site and YouTube,” tively small class sizes of this program, Bennett said. “They wanted bilingual people saying it “can be more nerve-wracking but more who can write, speak, produce audio and design focused than classes at a large university.” “The Web pages.” eclectic, jigsaw-puzzle approach to this program The degree plan, which leads to an associate at first seemed scattered and without focus, but I of applied science in media convergence and think it has the potential to prepare students for production, was approved July 2009. The pro- the rapidly changing field of electronic media,” gram has fewer than 30 students currently, and Nielsen said. For more information, call Bennett the committee is working on the development at 486-1363.
The Ranger
20 • Feb. 19, 2010
Course gives students Strategies for Success Counselor recommends the course even for those not required to enroll. By Joshua sanchez Guerrero Completing college successfully comes down to how much you put into it. To succeed, you need strategies, and a course on campus can help you achieve just that. Students who are on academic probation for behavior such as failing to maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or greater will be notified through electronic means such as PALS and will have to see a counselor. “These students are required to take this class, and even students who aren’t quite there yet are
encouraged to enroll,” Counselor Irene Alvarado said. Alvarado said she enjoys teaching this course. “It works, or else I wouldn’t be teaching it.” According to its Web site, “Strategies for Success is a onehour course and counseling intervention, offered in a seven-week flex session. “The course is designed to help students improve their skills for academic achievement. Strategies for Success covers the following topics: study techniques, time management skills, research skills, critical thinking skills, learning styles, technology skills, managing personal issues, and career exploration and planning.” Alvarado see this course as
more than just teaching. “I look at it like they’re getting a motivational coach,” she said. The course, which has been filled for this semester, has been offered here since 1999, and even received a Texas Education Star award in 2003 from the Texas Education Agency. Typically, the students who are enrolled in this class are those who have been on campus for four or five semesters. The class sometimes features students who have been out of school for a while or are advised to enroll by their counselors. “The purpose of the class is to intervene early and help manage stressors that some students may encounter once they enroll here,” she said.
Some stressors students may be faced with are family problems, monetary issues, increasing workloads at their jobs and lack of focus. “There are some students who do come back to let the other counselors know of their progress once they’ve completed the course,” she said. Alvarado said that students coming back to inform the counselors of their progress is rewarding. The course is listed as SDEV 0171, Strategies for Success, and enrollment requires a recommendation from a counselor, department adviser or dean. Other courses offered by student development are SDEV 0170, College Success, and SDEV 0370, Foundations for College Learning.
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 21
Women engineers not waiting for someone to hold door Regional engineering competition brings enlightenment and broadens horizon for society. By JacoB Beltran Some members of the Society of Women Engineers learned new skills after competing at the Texas A&M Regional Engineering Conference on Jan. 29-30 in College Station. It was the first time society members had attended the annual competition after the president, biomedical engineering sophomore Rachel Post, found out about it by word of mouth with only a week’s notice. “Because of the late registration, we were only allowed one team, so we picked the first six out of 12 who signed up for the event,” Post said Wednesday. The team competed against 28 other teams from universities such as Texas A&M, Rice, University of Texas at San Antonio and Baylor. Each team received a box that contained
Courtesy
various objects such as wooden craft sticks, magnets and paper clips. Teams had four hours for designing and four hours for building, Post said. “We were very pressed for time, especially since we didn’t get the rules or know what we were going to build on until 8 p.m. the night before,” Post said. The goal of this year’s design competition was to design and build a robot capable of running an obstacle course. Teams received points based on how much and what parts of the obstacle course they could complete. Texas A&M won first place with 26 points out of a possible 70, with UTSA in second with 25 points. “Our team lost in the end, but it was a very enriching experience. We were the only community college there, but we were very welcomed by A&M,” Post said. For more information on the Society of Women Engineers, call 387-0409.
Rachel Post, biomedical engineering sophomore and president of the Society of Women Engineers, builds a robot with Gary Popov, electrical engineering sophomore. The robot was made hours before a robotics competition from a box of supplies that contained wooden craft sticks, magnets, paper clips, and other odds and ends.
The Ranger
22 • Feb. 19, 2010
Spanish faculty write textbook to reflect culture Tyler K. Cleveland
By Reagan White Two Spanish teachers at this college have co-authored a textbook they hope will help fund future study abroad programs. Professor Marino de Leon and Instructor Marta Montemayor spent three years researching and writing “during the evening, Christmas, spring break and summer vacations” before finally publishing their book in January, de Leon said Feb. 8. “Para siempre: A Conversational Approach to Spanish” was published by Heinle Cengage Learning, “the largest publisher of foreign language books,” de Leon said. “Para Siempre” has been reviewed by 200 professors and is available nationally. “We decided to call the book “Para Siempre” because it means forever, and we have the conception that foreign language is a skill, and it’s a skill that you learn forever,” Montemayor said. The book costs $146.75 at the San Antonio College Bookstore, but for dedicated Spanish students, it could be a deal. “Para Siempre” is designed to last through three semesters of Spanish, which brings the cost to only $48.91 per semester. Students planning to use the book for that third semester may run into problems, though, as intermediate conversational Spanish currently is not offered at this college. “We have yet to have the third semester approved for it, but we’re working on that,” de Leon said.
The book features a CD with grammar and pronunciation exercises and a lab manual to follow the CD. The authors worked with computer experts to incorporate online components. The book will be used for blended or hybrid classes in the fall, Montemayor said. Montemayor and de Leon decided to write their own book because they were dissatisfied with other Spanish texts. “There isn’t one out there like this one,” de Leon said. The authors agreed the book needed to be different. “In our philosophy, the main objective is not the grammar, per se. For us, the grammar is only the tool to build communication — but the main objective is to be able to speak the language,” Montemayor said. They also were dissatisfied with the way culture and language are presented in other texts. “They are talking about some grammar problem or the past tense or whatever, and suddenly they come to (the culture of ) Spain, or Argentina,” Montemayor said. “Learning a language is more than learning words. It’s learning to see the world from a different perspective. Language and culture are inseparable; they need to work together to serve each other. Culture is always involved in the subject.” Royalties from the San Antonio College Bookstore sales go to a scholarship fund that will help finance future study abroad programs, like the trip to Japan this summer. Japanese Lecturer Yuko Kawabe will be accompanying a small group of students to Japan to earn college
Spanish Professor Marino de Leon and Instructor Marta Montemayor show the conversational Spanish textbook they wrote. The book is used in Beginning Conversational Spanish at this college. credit. The students will visit Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. In the future, though, the money could be used to take students anywhere. A scholarship committee is being assembled to decide how to divide the funds fairly. “If we can use the money to help 20 students, instead of just one, we want to do that,” Montemayor said.
High school students to compete for $150,000 in scholarships Highlight of this year’s competition is a super quiz focusing on the French Revolution. By JacoB BeltRan Up to 360 contestants from seven area high schools are expected to participate in the Texas Academic Decathlon beginning at 3 p.m. Feb. 26 at this college. The decathlon is an annual statewide competition measuring students’ skills through tests, quizzes, speeches and interviews. Small and medium division high schools such as Boerne Champion, Edison and Randolph will compete at this college. Large division schools will compete at San Jacinto College, North Campus on
the same date. Fine Arts Center, has a topic that changes each The decathlon divides contestants into cat- year. This year, it’s the French Revolution. egories based on grades, such as A against A conThe awards ceremony will be held at 7:45 testants, B against B contestants, and C against C a.m. Feb. 28 for small-division schools and 11 contestants. a.m. for medium-division schools. The competition at this Both ceremonies will be at the Omni For more information college is being hosted by Hotel, 9821 Colonnade Blvd. call 486-0550, court reporting instructor A total of $150,000 in scholaror e-mail Rick Hopkins, who has been ships, provided by the University rhopkins@alamo.edu. hosting since 1997, the year Interscholastic League, will be dividafter the event first was on campus. ed among the winners of the Texas Academic The decathlon begins Feb. 26 with speeches Decathlon. Scholarships may be used toward and interviews, and continues Feb. 27 with quizany college or university in Texas. zes, including a super quiz to round out the Hopkins also is looking for volunteers to help competition. staff the decathlon. As of Feb. 15, there were 246 The super-quiz portion, which will begin at volunteers signed up. Anyone from the college 3:45 p.m. Feb. 27 in the auditorium of McAllister and community may volunteer.
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 23
KSYM ready to rock, roll into annual pledge drive Student radio station to note Sweet 16th of fundraising. By John P. Kline KSYM 90.1 FM, this college’s alternative radio station, begins its 16th annual pledge drive March 1, nearly a month earlier than previous drives. The event is occurring earlier this year to allow adequate planning time because of Easter, spring break and income tax time. The pledge drive is a one-week opportunity for the public to make financial donations to the station in return for premiums such as CDs, shirts and gift certificates donated by legions of local businesses. For their donations, the businesses will receive on-air mention. With help from 40-50 local guest disc jockeys representing a myriad of media, the station expects to raise at least $40,000 to cover licensing fees, news feeds, equipment repairs and broadcasttower maintenance, Joey Palacios, KSYM program director, said Monday. In 2008, the station received about $40,000 in pledges, and despite the recession, $45,000 was raised last year. Adapted from the motto printed on U.S. currency, “In Music We Trust” is the slogan for this year’s drive, adorning the newly designed Web site www.ksym.org, as well as the baseball-style T-shirts given to donors in exchange for pledges. There are three additional shirts being offered this year designed for KSYM shows: The Lush Life, The Casbah and Mainstream 120. DJs Crystal Stone of Magic 105.3 FM and Quinn of KISS 99.5 FM, along with San Antonio ExpressNews reporter Melissa Ludwig and “Uncle Matt,” a columnist at the San Antonio Current, will be
donating their time on air as guest DJs. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Stone will be participating in her second KSYM pledge drive. She said Monday that her experience last year was “exciting and more fun than expected.” Palacios said the pledge drive “is what we put the most planning into, and though it’s one week of organized chaos, everything is now coming together, and I feel confident about this year’s pledge drive.” Ideas for this year’s drive developed in early January, and fervent planning followed. About 14 general office staffers and 36 DJs and faculty members participated in the planning and execution of the pledge drive. DJs are expected to seek local businesses willing to donate premiums such as gift certificates for goods or services. Restaurants are asked to donate food for staff and guest DJs during the pledge drive and will receive on-air mention for their participation. KSYM has been broadcasting since 1966, and began holding pledge drives in 1994. The station receives minimal funding from the college, and when new equipment and repairs were necessary, the pledge drive was launched, John Onderdonk, radio-television-film professor, said Wednesday. Pledges allow the station to survive, giving students handson media education, as well as providing the city an alternative to commercial radio. KSYM has been awarded “Best Music Radio Station” by the Current every year since 2004. Donations currently are being accepted at www.ksym.org, and at the KSYM office on the second floor of the Longwith Radio, Television and Film building. For more information, call the station at 486-KSYM (5796).
Guest DJs from previous years
24 • Feb. 19, 2010
Editorial
The Ranger Juan Carlos Campos
Ditch consultants, pave campus lots The district’s parking situation is under scrutiny by newly contracted consultants — yes, more consultants — who are collecting taxpayer money to decide whether to recommend a centralized district parking and traffic department. Wouldn’t that $60,000 be better spent paving Park Place? And now raising parking permit fees is being floated. Administrators here are snug in a garage with reserved parking spaces under the constant surveillance of 156 cameras, while students are expected to slog through the mud field provided for their use. Even the campus recycling containers sit on an asphalt pad on Evergreen Street. A brick wall and gated entrance protect the containers from having to compete with students or employees trying to find a spot to park. We appreciate the addition of motorcycle parking in the garage and next to the academic instruction center. Also, thanks for enforcing ticketing of cars illegally parking on ramps.
But the college can do better. The carpool lot is really just open parking. Most students are unaware that carpooling spaces are available, and many are unable to take advantage of carpooling. The district stopped offering carpool permits two years ago yet leaves up carpool signs. Many complain there aren’t enough handicapped spaces. Why not convert those carpool spots into handicapped spaces conveniently located near the disability support services office? We would rather you didn’t raise our parking fee, but if that has to be, can we count on improved parking conditions? College administrators need to figure this out. Once the district gets involved, it usually means the students end up paying more. We know we can’t all have doorstep parking and we know other universities charge many times more than we pay here, but they also provide paved lots on campus, not blocks away where cars are probably more vulnerable to break-ins and theft.
Correction The article “Wild West Rodeo Round-up” published in The Ranger Jan. 29 incorrectly identified the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum.
Clarification The Feb. 5 article in The Ranger, “Geometric sculpture artist’s thank you,” should have stated that polyhedrons are geometric solids having multiple plane faces, or sides. Artist Dan Suttin said his next work will contain 26,000 pieces of painted cardboard and will take another year and half to complete. He would like to lead a workshop on campus in constructing an octa-tetra model.
The Ranger
Editorial
Feb. 19, 2010 • 25
Save money on books
Signup premature
The Ranger commends the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress for noticing the increase in textbook prices and taking into consideration the students who pay for them. The Texas Legislature, through House Bill 1096, now requires colleges to notify students that they do not have to purchase textbooks at their affiliated bookstore. Congress also passed the Higher Education Opportunity Act that requires publishers to provide college bookstores with specific information on what has been added to new editions so students can consider if older, and, of course, cheaper, editions would suffice. Also, International Standard Book Numbers, or ISBNs, and book prices must be communicated to prospective students early so they have time to shop around for the best textbook prices. The goal is to help students get the
The student life office is planning a boxing event in April, which is still pending approval from this college’s president, Robert Zeigler. Even though the event still needs approval from the college, student life has taken the initiative to print out fliers promoting amateur boxing and signing up students to participate. Why has student life deemed it necessary to sign up students and promote an event that might not happen? If a boxing match is going to take place, participants must be trained and coached at least 30 days at a local gym before they can be eligible to fight. The South Texas Amateur Boxing Association said they would provide coaches for students willing to participate, and they were still working out safety concerns. All of these components are still in the works so it does not make sense that student life has started to promote the event and sign up students. Also, student life wants participants signed up by Monday. Why the rush? If everything is still up in the air, they should not sign up people so early in the first place. If the event ends up not being approved, will student life apologize to students and let them know they made a mistake?
best deal on textbooks, which can cost almost as much as tuition. Students can now search the many online booksellers for the best prices and deals. Now all we need are more options closer to home. Students should have the option of renting a book at a much lower cost. And they should be able to do so not only online but at each college’s bookstore. This college bookstore’s district manager, Elizabeth Gray, said at the November Faculty Senate meeting the campus store operated by Follett Higher Education Group would begin renting books by fall. This is a great step forward to help students save money, particularly in this economy. Because of the legislative mandates, students will have many options to save money on textbooks.
The Ranger
26 • Feb. 19, 2010
Alison Wadley
An unfinished area on the south side of the first floor of Loftin will be transformed into an aerobics and exercise room for student use.
Loftin fitness room set for planned gameroom Student life director aims for a 12-hour access daily for students. By Riley StephenS Loftin Student Center, which has been under renovation for almost three years, is getting an aerobics and fitness room after spring break. “We want something that students can use to stay fit and relieve stress at their own time,” student life Director Jorge Posadas said Feb. 8. “This is their haven; this is their home, the one place that they can express themselves.” The fitness room will be open to students attending this college with a school ID. Staff will be hired to manage the area during the hours that room is operational.
The only concern Posadas has is keeping Loftin open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., he said. “The goal is to have (the fitness room) open the entire time the student center is open,” he said. Posadas said the fitness room will have stationary strengthbuilding machines, treadmills, dumbbells and stretching mats. “The selection of machines was determined to be aerobic because the level of risk is almost diminished to zero,” Posadas said. “It will all be open, and televisions will be on the wall, and mirrors,” he said. Posadas said the reason for putting a fitness room in the student center was because student life gets complaints that kinesiology classes fill up quickly and there are only a few people who can take the
classes at one time. “The classes fill up, but it’s not like we’re not meeting the demand; we do have free time,” kinesiology Chair Bill Richardson said Tuesday. A student workout room in Candler is open 3:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 2-4 p.m. Friday. “There is a variety of equipment available for students to use, such as elliptical bikes, weight machines, treadmills and dumbbells,” Richardson said Wednesday. “Work-study students staff the exercise room the entire time that it is open.” Prices for the Loftin fitness room’s equipment still are under discussion. Posadas said the highest quote he has received for the machines is $106,000, but he
said he still is looking for better quotes. “We’re the appropriate place for something like this,” Posadas said, referring to Loftin Student Center. A conference room in the southeast corner of Loftin is planned specifically for use by the Student Government Association so students may ask questions of SGA representatives, he said. Posadas said student life plans to open the fitness center and SGA conference room after spring break, March 15-19. Student center renovations cost $352,000 for the total project. Funds were spent on specialty furniture, an information desk, building curved walls with bar-height laptop seating and a new paint job, according to an article published Nov. 13, 2009, in The Ranger.
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 27 Rennie Murrell
Students take advantage of the new MESA study center Monday in Room 204 of Chance, which is open to students taking science, technology, engineering and math courses.
National Engineers Week builds to signing By JacoB Beltran
bachelor’s degree at Texas State. Walch said if students go by this transfer Capping the observance of National plan, they also will receive an associate of sciEngineers Week Feb. 15–19 will be the grand ence at this college. The program is a Title 4 opening of the new joint grant with this MESA study center and college and Texas the signing of the new State. The grant, academic articulation titled the Puentes “It’s the most fun you get with agreements between Grant, is a two-year your clothes on.” this college and Texas program funded Kim Shrewsbury State University-San by the Department mechanical and chemical engineering Marcos. of Education and sophomore The signing and totals $2.4 million grand opening will be at and divides the 9:45 a.m. Wednesday in amount for $1.2 milthe rotunda of Chance lion for the first year Academic Center. and $1.19 million for the second. Terry Walch, articulation and transfer offiIn other celebrations of National Engineers cer, and President Robert Zeigler will sign the Week, Torrey Sledge, mechanical and aerospace agreements with Perry Moore, provost and vice engineering sophomore and president of the president for academic affairs at Texas State Society of Mexican-American Engineers and University, and Dr. Robert Habingreither, assoScientists, and mechanical engineering sophociate dean of academic affairs at Texas State. more Manuel Lechuga represented this college’s The articulation agreements, which will outengineering opportunities at the Proclamation line transfer plans, are for three majors, physics, Breakfast and Engineer-for-a-Day event chemistry and biochemistry, to work toward a Tuesday at La Villita Assembly Hall, which was
held by the Society of Professional Engineers. The MESA study center, located in Room 204 of Chance Academic Center, is a multipurpose space for workshops, supplemental instruction and advising. MESA stands for Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement. Some students at this college shared their experiences and reasons for majoring in engineering Wednesday. Jonathon Lopez, electrical engineering sophomore, said, “I want to help urban development.” “It’s the most fun you get with your clothes on, but mainly because of job security since there’s always a need for engineers,” Kim Shrewsbury, mechanical and chemical engineering sophomore, said. “I want to help improve and progress technology and get us farther into space,” Gilbert Rodriguez, astronomical engineering sophomore, said. The Puentes Grant also supported the MESA center, the math student center and a portion of the greenhouse. For more information on the grant, visit accd.edu/sac/media/puentes/index.html.
The Ranger
28 • Feb. 19, 2010
Tyler K. Cleveland
Communications supervisor Wendy Meyer-Jacobs, right, was caught in the wait for checks Feb. 12 in the wake of the first run of adjunct checks using the new Banner HR system.
Some adjunct faculty still awaiting first paycheck Human resources director says the payroll problems originated in the colleges. By Laura Garcia At least 14 adjunct faculty members at this college did not receive a paycheck on payday. District officials don’t have any idea how many others were affected. Reportedly, problems include adjunct faculty at this college not receiving checks, being underpaid, overpaid or unable to locate a check at all. Feb. 12 was supposed to be the issue date of the first adjunct faculty paycheck of the semester. This is also the first adjunct faculty check run produced solely through the new Banner HR system that is supposed to consolidate all payroll and human resource functions. Wednesday, President Robert Zeigler confirmed that 14 people didn’t get paid on Feb. 12
and that the college needed to re-evaluate its current payroll system and see what they need to do to make sure faculty gets paid on time. Some of it, he said, was because paperwork was not processed yet. At this point, Zeigler said he is trying not to look at who to blame but how to fix this problem. Part of the problems came from a change in how adjunct instructors are paid. Checks previously were sent to the office of Dean Ruben Flores in Room 230 of Fletcher Administration Center. Flores, dean of evening, weekend and distance education, oversees employment of adjunct faculty. Now checks are being sent to the business office in Room 201 of Fletcher and can be picked up only by unit assistants or a designated faculty representative from each department. The business office is not releasing checks to individual adjuncts. New evolving procedures require the individual departments to deliver adjunct faculty checks picked up from the business office to
Flores’ office for distribution. The reason checks have been sent to his office was because it is open on Saturdays and later in the evening, making it convenient for lecturers who may work elsewhere during normal business hours. Luis Sevilla, administrative secretary in Flores’ office, sent an e-mail Monday describing the adjuncts’ first payday as a “headache for everyone.” Sevilla said there was also an instance of a professor’s check being sent to the wrong college. One lecturer teaching digital design at Northwest Vista College was paid from funds from the digital design program here. Zeigler said Tuesday morning that he was aware of three adjunct faculty members who hadn’t received pay, and after looking into it, he said it looks as though the problem was at the college level. He said he knew of one adjunct instructor who received a supplemental check Wednesday
The Ranger
Feb. 19, 2010 • 29 Tyler K. Cleveland
lor of human resources, said that this type of situation is typical for the start of the beginning of the semester. She said that if adjunct professors have not received a supplemental paycheck this week, then they should go through their departments and they would alert human resources. Boyer-Owens said that part of the problem is because of the current paper-intensive process with approvals and departments submitting adjunct pay information. She was unaware of the incident in which an adjunct faculty member’s check went to Northwest Vista College. She said that she knew of an incident in which a college staff employee’s check was sent there. She confirmed that much of the confusion is because of “late-breaking” changes in the faculty’s schedule. Any time a class section is canceled or they pick up another section, this affects their check A long line forms outside the business office at 1 p.m. Feb. 12 to pick up checks. because adjuncts are paid by a flat amount per class. and another who was working with human checks for those overpaid. If those overpaid Boyer-Owens said that when the student resources to solve the problem. have already cashed their check, Zeigler said, component of Banner is introduced, it will He said in those instances, some deadlines they would have to pay that back to the make the system smoother because departweren’t met and would account for the delay district possibly by a reduction in their next ments can enter and modify payroll informain pay. paycheck. tion online that will immediately be updated. In a telephone interview Thursday, Flores David Mrizek, vice president of college serPayroll manager Marvel Bailey could not said payroll reports were run on Jan. 25 through vices, said he had gotten a call from two adjunct comment on the number of supplemental the old Passport system, and if the departments faculty members asking for their Banner ID checks that were printed because she said she did not notify the evening, weekend and dis- numbers. was in the middle of payroll for next week’s tance education office of any changes in the The new Banner system uses these instead paychecks. wage documents, that could have affected the of Social Security numbers. Banner is scheduled for maintenance today check amount. Mrizek said he looked in the Banner system and is unavailable for use in payroll so she was He said that his department checks to make and could not find their numbers. At that point, under pressure to complete payroll despite the sure faculty members are indeed teaching those he directed them to closure of the system. courses and the amount of pay is correct. If human resources. The Feb. 12 check Adjunct Faculty Council meets 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for instance, a section is canceled, that would Flores said he does was the first paycheck in Room 120 of Longwith to discuss its affect the amount of pay and would need to be not have access to to reflect a 2 percent upcoming election and a presentation modified. BannerHR so he has base pay increase to the presidents. This is similar to a recent situation with been calling human approved Dec. 15 by work-study students, Zeigler said. resources to make sure the board of trustees Some didn’t get paid because a new deadline they were picked up by the new system. He said after much debate. wasn’t met. there were incidents of some not being transDistrict 7 trustee Blakely Latham Fernandez Sevilla said that he didn’t have an exact ferred from Passport to BannerHR. said at the Dec. 15 meeting, the board should number of adjunct faculty members who hadn’t Flores said, “I’ve been here for 25 years and approve a budget in August that allows this received a paycheck but that it was no more I’ve never been through something like this.” increase and the board should work toward than 10 individuals. The Ranger asked Chancellor Bruce Leslie, making the adjustment permanent. There were more lecturers or regular facafter the board of trustees committee meetings The pay adjustment is effective from Jan. 1 ulty who were experiencing other issues such as on Tuesday, if he had heard of the situation, and through Aug. 31. The board will vote in August being underpaid or overpaid. he said he had not. on whether to continue the pay increase. Zeigler said that he was not sure what the Leslie then turned around and asked Zeigler Fernandez said, “I think families plan on problem was with faculty being underpaid, but about what he knew and Zeigler said he was living on what their paycheck is and to take this it may have to do with overloads or teachers hearing numbers of four to 14 adjunct faculty away in August would feel like a pay decrease. being assigned extra hours. members without pay. Whether that’s the way it’s intended by this body Flores said the business office is reissuing Linda Boyer-Owens, associate vice chancel- or not, I think that’s the way it feels.”
30 • Feb.19, 2010
Pulse
The Ranger
Intramurals program growing, director says Student life polling new students on interests to plan new activities. By Joshua sanchez Guerrero The intramurals program is vital to helping students better engage with one another, student life Director Jorge Posadas said last week. “Statistically speaking, students who engage in activities outside the classroom, generally do better academically,” he said. Theories by the likes of Dr. Alexander Astin, author of “What Maters in College: Four Critical Years” are the basis for Posadas’ reasoning. “There will be at least two intramurals events each week for this
semester,” he said, “and we’re lookhas increased in the last three years ing at adding three for next year.” significantly,” Posadas said. Mainstays like Dance Dance “Students come in here with Revolution and pool are always high expectations, expecting on the schedule along with other a college atmosphere, and the sports. sports programs and clubs help,” Student life is awaiting infor- he said. mation from Participation Check The Ranger’s incoming stuin the intramurals Calendar page each week for student life activities and dents on which program hasn’t the Pulse page for sports programs and stopped with the and intramurals. sports they’d growth of the like to see added. college sports program. Posadas “The intramurals program on said he believes there’s “absolutely campus is here to help students more of an opportunity to have succeed.” even more sports here on campus.” Posadas said this program is as Sports like lacrosse or field strong as it has ever been. hockey could even be introduced Prior to 2006, the intramural in the coming years, and Posadas program had only four events said student life is always looking scheduled each month. for suggestions. “Participation with the program Intercollegiate competition
could be one obstacle with the sports programs as more community colleges and smaller universities are becoming sanctioned and recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. “The point of these programs is to help students engage with each other and reduce stress along with exercising leadership and learning about diversity,” Posadas said. Posadas also attributes some of the success of these programs to the strong supportive faculty at this college. Posadas credits all the faculty advisers as well as those who serve on heritage month committees and members of Faculty Senate. For more information, call 4860125 or log on to www.alamo.edu/ sac/stulife/.
The Ranger
Pulse
Feb. 19, 2010 • 31 Tyler K. Cleveland
Huddle: Business sophomore Dermon Smith leads the Rangers in a pre-game chant before facing the Palo Alto Palominos Feb.10 in Candler. The Rangers won 79-76. Scott J. Bajek
Tyler K. Cleveland
Courtside: Head coach Desiree Crawford of the Lady Rangers basketball team talks to the bench during their 47-42 win over the Palo Alto Lady Palominos Feb.10 in Candler. Driving: Radiation freshman Samantha Rosales of the Lady Rangers drives down court after a steal against the Palo Alto Lady Palominos during their 47-42 win Feb.10 in Candler. The Lady Rangers were to face the St. Philip’s Tigers Wednesday at St. Philip’s.
The Ranger
32 • Feb. 19, 2010
Transfer fair brings four-year schools to campus Students should bring degree plans to review with college and university representatives. By AmAndA m. Rios A Transfer Fair will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in Loftin Student Center. Sponsored by the transfer center, the fair allows students to meet with representatives from four-year universities from across the state and out of state. The universities’ representatives will be available to discuss degree plans, school information, financial aid assistance, scholarship offers and transfer plans. “This is a great opportunity for students,” Rosa Maria Gonzalez, transfer center coordinator, said Feb. 25. “The transfer fair gives them some interaction with a representative. Since some students aren’t able to visit the campus as they would like, (this) is the next option for them,” Gonzalez said. Students who attend the fair have the option of bringing their degree plan to see how their classes at this college match up with the requirements of the university of their choice, she said. Universities expected to attend the transfer fair include Texas A&M-College Station, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M International, Texas A&MKingsville, Texas A&M-San Antonio, Concordia University, Dallas Baptist University, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, University of the Incarnate Word, Kettering University, Texas Lutheran University, Our Lady of the Lake University, University of Phoenix, University of Texas at San Antonio, Sam Houston University, Schreiner University, Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, Texas Tech University and Wayland Baptist University. Not all the schools have confirmed their attendance yet, and other schools may be added before the event, Gonzalez said. For more information, call the transfer center at 486-0864.