THE RANGER
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Vol. 84, Issue 13
Single copies free
Feb. 5, 2010
Black History Month
Economic Empowerment
COUPLE ASSAULTED 4 ADMISSIONS CONSOLIDATING 7 H1N1 VACCINATION URGED 11
The Ranger
2 • Feb. 5, 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 District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 882-1603 Fax: 927-4557 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio, TX 78211 Home: 922-6815 Fax: 923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio, TX 78251 E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way, Helotes, TX 78023 Work: 567-5544 Fax: 520-9185 E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 755 E. Mulberry, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78212 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
The Ranger Editor Vanessa M. Sanchez Managing Editor Laura Garcia News Editor Zahra Farah Calendar Editor Sharon Hensley Photographers Tyler K. Cleveland, Rennie Murrell, Alison Wadley Photo Team Scott Aranda, Jennifer Charo, Sarah Janes, James Lazo, Julysa Nathalie Sosa, Robert Stofa Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Staff Writers Ximena Alvarez, Jacob Beltran, Marissa Cross, Michelle Gaitan, Natasha Gregory, Joshua Sanchez Guerrero, Steffany Gutierrez, Nathan House, John P. Kline, Mary Lerma, Alexandria Maxwell, Robert Medina, Melody Mendoza, Celeste Nentwig, Victoria Ortiz, Amanda M. Rios, Brandy A. Santos, Tamara Sayles, Riley Stephens, Michelle Tymrak, Reagan White Web Editor Regis L. Roberts ©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 (4861773), by fax (486-1789), by e-mail (sac-ranger@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 13
Feb. 5, 2010 • 3
The Ranger
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
2 Policies and officials
14 Longwith leaks again
4 Blotter
By Jacob Beltran and Riley Stephens Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
4 News
4 Student assaulted in parking lot By Zahra Farah Photo by Vanessa M. Sanchez
5 Contract housekeepers may take over Chance By Laura Garcia Photo by Tyler K. Cleveland
7 Admissions and records moves to Pat Booker Road By Vanessa M. Sanchez Photo by Rennie Murrell
8 Staff Council voices concern for admissions By Laura Garcia
Faculty Senate questions board policy By Laura Garcia
9 Transfer services By Amanda M. Rios
16 Alumni Association plans fundraiser 17 Concurrent enrollment By Melody Mendoza
Service learning By Stephany Gutierrez
12 Premiere
Black History Month By Celeste Nentwig Illustrated by Juan Carlos Campos
Ball on display in AIC
11 H1N1 update By Vanessa M. Sanchez
Memo of Commitment’s mysterious “6,000” figure explained New parking developments Complete Blotter
opens in Chance By Riley Stephens Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland and Sarah James
12 Movie Review When in Rome By Jacob Beltran
18 Editorials
By Reagan White
Basketball and volleyball slideshows
24 Chill Lounge
By Zahra Farah Photo by Rennie Murrell
Japanese competition
Chill Lounge slideshow
By Marissa Cross
15 Calendar
By Jacob Beltran
People slideshow
By Celeste J. Nentwig
Bookstore responds to stolen backpack victim
10 Criminal Justice Association election
Online @ theranger.org
Cartoon Bookstore Accreditation CIS anniversary Letter Viewpoint 15 Pulse
www.theranger.org
Go to www.theranger.org for news and information.
Blotter
4 • Feb. 5, 2010
The Ranger
Students assaulted by three students
Vanessa M. Sanchez
BY ZAHRA FARAH Criminal justice freshman Abby Vesa and her boyfriend, criminal justice freshman Jose Angel, were walking toward Angel’s truck at 4:50 p.m. Monday in Lot 21 southeast of Candler Physical Education Center when three young students cornered the couple and assaulted Angel. “Angel received minor abrasions to the left side of his head and a swollen eye,” said Sgt. Jessica Cervantes of Alamo Colleges Police Department. The three suspects started to punch and kick Angel’s stomach, head and face. Vesa tried to protect her boyfriend by covering him with her back so he would not receive any more punches to head. The three suspects instead started to hit Vesa in the back, Vesa said. “I don’t think they tried to hit me intentionally,” she said. “I was just in the way.” Even though Vesa believes the suspects did not hit her intentionally, she received a few bruises. An onlooker who was watching the fight called campus police. The SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE Jan. 25 – An individual reported burglary of a vehicle. An individual reported a suspicious person. An individual reported damage to personal property. Jan. 26 – An individual reported losing her eyeglasses. An individual reported striking another vehicle in Lot 26. Jan. 27 – An individual reported burglary of a vehicle. No witnesses.
suspects then fled the area on foot. Angel vomited after the fight; Vesa said it was probably either his nerves or being light-headed or dizzy. “He’s throwing up, which is not a great sign, but it could be stress or the excitement of it all,” paramedic Lydia Clark said. Angel was in stable condition, but paramedics advised him to go to the nearest hospital. The assault was a result of a conflict earlier that day. One of the suspects was trying to make advances on Vesa the day prior to the fight. At 1 p.m. when Vesa and Angel were walking to their next class, one of the suspects was giving dirty looks to Angel. “They were trying to talk to me, but were looking at him ugly,” she said. Vesa said the suspects and Angel were becoming angry, and Angel said he was not scared of them and asked if they wanted to fight. At around 4 p.m., Vesa was studying in the library in Moody Learning Center. When she looked up from her studies, one of the suspects was hovering over her. He said, “Yo, what’s up?” “I told him to please leave me alone,” she said. An individual reported a vehicle accident that occurred earlier in the week. An individual reported a suspicious person from a previous day. Jan. 28 – An individual reported four male subjects smoking in Moody. Upon search of area, no one located. An individual reported being injured. EMS not required. An individual reported a suspicious person. Contact made with suspect. Jan. 29 – An individual reported a
Paramedic Lydia Clark escorts criminal justice freshman Jose Angel to his truck in Lot 21 Monday after an assault. Vesa said when she left the library and met up with Angel the suspect started to taunt Angel and said Vesa was flirting with him. The suspects continued to give Angel dirty looks while they were walking to the Lot 21 parking lot. When things started to escalate, Vesa said, “Now are y’all going to fight him when it’s all three of you?” Vesa recognized one of the suspects from a student development class. Onlookers gave district police a description of the three suspects. In a campus crime alert sent out Tuesday, the report said the
suspects were described as three Hispanic males, wearing black and carrying black backpacks. One had a red marking on his black jacket and another had markings on the back pocket of his jeans. Sgt. Ben Peña of district DPS said no arrests have been made and the investigation is still ongoing.
suspicious person. Suspect located. Everything found to be OK.
Jan. 29 – An individual reported graffiti on an Alamo Colleges sign.
NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW COLLEGE
NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE
Jan. 25 – An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. Jan. 26 – An individual reported a verbal disturbance over a parking space. Jan. 27 – An individual reported a missing cell phone. Jan. 28 – An individual reported being injured. EMS not required.
If anyone has further information, please call district police at 485-0099.
Jan. 25 – An individual reported theft of books from the Cypress campus center. Suspect identified. An individual reported theft of a vehicle. No suspects.
CONTACT INFO Emergency 222-0911 General DPS 485-0099 Weather Line 485-0189
The Ranger
Feb. 5, 2010 • 5
Contract housekeepers may take over Chance Tyler K. Cleveland
By Laura Garcia Six housekeepers have left the college since October, leaving facilities considering hiring contract custodians to take over cleaning duties in Chance Academic Center at the end of this semester. Facilities Superintendent David Ortega is now searching for options to this problem, including looking into the possibility of extending contract employer GCA Services Group’s contract to add a building to their duties in the academic instruction center and the nursing and allied health center. During an interview Jan. 29, Ortega explained that everything is in the planning stages and would need to be approved by the board of trustees. GCA Services has been in charge of the newer buildings since their contract was approved during an April 28 board meeting. Before that, college housekeeping staff was in charge of them. The current contract expires July 31. Two of San Antonio College’s newest buildings were simply added to the biennial contract that includes all buildings at Northwest Vista and Northeast Lakeview College, the Pat Booker buildings and Central Texas Technology Center. That original contract was approved by the board June 17, 2008. Ortega explained that while facilities is not experiencing a hiring freeze, the department is only hiring internally within the district. The department is accepting housekeeping transfers from other colleges in the district. Nine positions have been vacated since October, including three from maintenance with reasons ranging from retirement to resignation and health problems. Ortega supervises 44 full-time housekeepers who are responsible for cleaning 36 buildings at this college, five shift foremen and one quality control employee. Ortega estimates that there were about 57 total positions at San Antonio College last year. The four district buildings on Sheridan Street and one on Houston Street are also under Ortega’s supervision. Those buildings require four housekeepers and a working lead housekeeper. Housekeepers’ normal duties include stocking restroom supplies, trash and recycle bin removal, and cleaning of floors, glass windows and outside entrances. The amount of cleaning in a building
Housekeeper Juanita Hernandez packs up her cart at the end of her shift at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Chance Academic Center. depends on the overall frequency of use. the same type of issues can be found within the Ortega said the national average is about college housekeeping staff. 22,400 square feet cleaning area per individual Strybos said that before the district sought on an eight-hour shift. outsourced custodial services, they had trouble The starting salary for a housekeeping atten- getting enough qualified housekeepers to apply. dant is $8 an hour with a maximum yearly salStaff Council President Geraldo Guerra said ary of $25,792. These numbers do not include that co-workers within the business departbenefits, which would add up to 30 percent ment in the academic instruction center are more. Benefits for housekeepers at this college happy with their contract housekeeper but said include medical leave, life insurance, worker’s he acknowledges that some of the other departcompensation and tuition assisments in the building are unhappy tance. with the quality of work. Thomas Gifford, regional vice However, during a Wednesday president of GCA Services GroupFaculty Senate meeting,, business Education Division, said employChair Val Calvert said she has used ees start at $8 an hour with similar student restrooms and noticed benefits. A portion of the benefits that paper towels aren’t being are paid by the college. replenished. www.theranger.org Go online to read During a telephone interview Calvert said she suspects conthe full version. Wednesday, John Strybos, assotract custodians sleep across two ciate vice chancellor of facilities, chairs in offices because of the said that if people look at the dollars for dollars, arrangement of furniture when she arrived in it doesn’t look like the district is saving much the morning. money. English Chair Alex Bernal said he thought it The real savings are in indirect costs like was a ridiculous way to treat lifelong employees purchasing uniforms, worker’s compensation who take care of buildings, faculty and students. and overtime, Strybos said. During the senate meeting, Bernal told Because the contract employer is a private members a story about the housekeeper contractor, they don’t have to go through a pro- he came across while exiting Gonzales Hall cess to terminate employees who violate poli- Tuesday. cies; they just fire them, Strybos said. He said it was cold and late and he overheard He admitted that there have been discithe housekeeper counseling a student to stay in pline problems with contract employees, but school and not drop his classes.
6 • Feb. 5, 2010
The Ranger
People
Vanessa M. Sanchez
Hair raisingly high: Kinesiology sophomore Cassy Larios demonstrates her toe touch for cheer coach Ruben Torres at the second tryout Monday in the craft room in Loftin. James Lazo
Julysa Sosa
Dissed: Mary Segovia, academic unit assistant in disabled student services, honored as the college Employee of the Month, said she appreciates the acknowledgement of her work by her co-workers. However, she was unable to use her designated parking space as someone Tuesday disregarded the large sign reserving it for her.
Stokin’ hot: Dickey Dzuik, former student, works the fire for the stove tops Jan. 29 at the 32nd annual Cowboy Breakfast at Cowboys Dance Hall. Students from St. Philip’s College culinary arts program helped with the cooking. Tyler K. Cleveland
Relief efforts: Nursing sophomore Tiffany Martinez is asking the college community to contribute to a drive by her employer, Aéropostale, to send gently used jeans to teens of Haiti. Donations will net a 25 percent discount on a new pair of jeans at the retailer in Rivercenter.
The Ranger
Feb. 5, 2010 • 7
Administrators respond to student information center rumors Rennie Murrell
By Vanessa M. Sanchez Questions arose about students throughout the district having to travel to Pat Booker Road to pick up transcripts or financial aid after several employees districtwide were told they were being reassigned to a new Center of Student Information. Those concerns are unfounded, Chancellor Bruce Leslie said Tuesday while visiting new AT&T classes in the Oppenheimer Education and Training Center here. “That’s incorrect information.” Students can still pick up their financial aid checks from the college in which they are enrolled, but the back office work is not done at each of the colleges, he said. The center, in the Albertsons facility on Pat Booker Road, previously housed Northeast Lakeview College until a permanent campus was built. At the moment, it is being used as a “back office,” Leslie said. The district is making the switch from the current Passport system to Banner, a software package the district purchased for $6 million to process human resources, financial and student records. Some of the work will be completed at the center by employees who will continue to be paid from their colleges’ budgets. There is no separate budget for the center. Employees from across the district, however, have told The Ranger that those who have had to move were being forced to volunteer. A St. Philip’s English professor said a co-worker approached her to talk about the relocating of several college employees to the center because she was concerned about transportation. When she was a college student, she said, she took four buses to get to her community college. When she attended a university, she said she had to take eight buses. No buses service the Pat Booker Road facility. She questioned how this would better assist students. The professor said in the welcome center “staff were being told that they had to go, that people would have to volunteer.” Leslie said this is a Banner-driven task. “We’re not doing anything different than other colleges.” Currently, there is work done at each of the five colleges, he said, so the district identified
The district awaits the arrival of admissions and records staff from all five colleges to debut the new Center of Student Information located at 8300 Pat Booker Road, which will be called the Alamo University Center in the fall. several people who could work at the center to help with the Banner consolidation project. He said instead of having information in five places, the colleges will make the transition to use one system, and it will take time for people to adjust to it, but, in the long run, it is going to provide better student assistance. Dr. Adelina Silva, vice chancellor for student services, oversees the project. Dr. Robert Zeigler, this college’s president, said there were five or six employees reassigned but was unsure of the exact number. Zeigler said the employees are being reassigned on an interim basis. As to the rumors floating around the colleges, Zeigler said, “That’s not the plan at all.” Customer services and front desk duties will remain at each of the colleges, Zeigler said. This will increase efficiency by having a faster turnaround time when students need information. Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs, in a phone interview Wednesday, said, “We have a total of three people on an interim basis.” There are also employees who work anywhere between 20 and 40 hours and others who work 10 to 20 hours per week at the Pat Booker Road facility learning Banner. Vela said he could not identify the employees who were reassigned because he did not want to violate confidentiality with human resources. He said the employees who went “volunteered to go. Some of the folks that wanted to go lived closer to Pat Booker. Nobody was told to go.”
He added, “Those asked to go had a specific skill set. It wasn’t mandated for anybody to go.” Another five employees are probably going to leave a college for the center as of March 8 when the district requests another volunteer wave. Until then, he said, every college has a plan to backfill the positions of the employees who volunteered to work at the center. Silva said this will help the district as items such as state reporting and downloading applications will be done at one time and one station instead of the current model that has these done individually at each of the colleges. “It’s a collaborative model,” she said. “The vice presidents and I are working on aligning the duties to this center.” She said four people were reassigned for 90 days. Four others were reassigned with no end dates. Those who were chosen were very excited to go, she said. Silva said employees have known about the creation of the center for a long time and have been part of the Banner practice for several months. “They’ve been working with Banner practices since fall,” she said. Right now the employees are establishing the center and developing the processes. “They got to plan the transition,” she said. The district will later advertise positions internally to see if other employees want to join the center. Silva said the center will have 19 employees when it opens in September. Silva said the center should be functioning by April 1.
The Ranger
8 • Feb. 5, 2010
Staff Council questions admissions services move By Laura Garcia Staff Council members Tuesday expressed concern for the district’s abrupt consolidation of admissions and records departments in the colleges. Council member Henry Castillo of admissions and records said during a Staff Council meeting that Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs, broke the news to J. Martin Ortega, director of admissions and records, Jan. 29. He said Vela told Ortega and six other employees in the admissions and records office that they were to move three days later on Feb. 1 to the Albertsons facility on Pat Booker Road. That location formerly housed the Northeast Campus and then became Northeast Lakeview College before a permanent campus was constructed farther east. Before that, the building was home to an Albertsons grocery store. Vela confirmed Wednesday that only five
employees would move to the new location and that Ortega would be part of a second phase of moves from the college to the consolidated admissions and records district office. Castillo said the district was going to choose one “boss” of the five college’s admissions and records directors. Members discussed the possibility of a director from a small college taking over responsibility for the records of the 60,000-plus students in the district. “They wouldn’t have the faintest idea what to do,” Castillo said. Castillo announced that 19 employees from throughout the district, including seven from San Antonio College, would be moved to the Albertsons location. This number was confirmed Wednesday during a Faculty Senate meeting with President Robert Zeigler as guest speaker. Castillo said Mary Jane Carreon, associate director of residency and reports, may have to find another position within the college
because her position would be lost. Rachel Zamarripa of continuing education training network asked if Carreon’s salary would remain the same in a new position. Castillo noted that if San Antonio College students have problems with admissions and records, they would still handle it here at this college. Zeigler explained that although he doesn’t have the details, he said it does make some sense and thinks it may be more efficient. He said the students would still go to the college for any problems and that district said, for example, the transcript turn-around time would be quicker. The positions at the Albertson’s location are interim and employees moved volunteered for the time being. Zeigler said that the positions will be opened internally and admissions and records employees need not be concerned about job security because many of them are cross-trained in other areas of the department.
Senate discusses two-fer trustee policy By Laura Garcia Faculty Senate invited new trustee Blakely Fernandez of District 7 to speak at special called meeting Feb. 10, but that’s not going to happen. She has said board policy prohibits her from speaking without another trustee present. English Instructor Jane Focht-Hansen tried corresponding with trustees Gary Beitzel of District 8, Roberto Zárate of District 5 and board Chair Denver McClendon of District 2 to accompany Fernandez, but both said they would be out-of-town. Zarate added, in an e-mail Jan. 29, “It is beyond my role and responsibility to meet with either staff and faculty. This protocol is to maintain an objective viewpoint when making decisions.” This prompted senate members during Wednesday’s meeting to question whether some trustees care about making informed decisions. They hope to reschedule with Fernandez but may not be able to until she becomes a candidate for re-election, Focht-Hansen said. As a candidate, she would be free to appear alone, unlike appearing as a trustee.
Faculty Senate President Jeff Hunt brought up the memorandum of commitment written by Chancellor Bruce Leslie and announced that along with the Super Senate, all of the college presidents refused to sign the draft. Members agreed the Jan. 20 memo seemed unnecessary and offensive when the chancellor referred to student success as if this idea stemmed solely from the Accreditation Review Committee’s report. “It’s what we do,” math Professor Carlos Corona said. “It’s our mission.” A special guest at the meeting, President Robert Zeigler explained what he knew of the admissions and records backend operations moving to the Albertsons building at 8300 Pat Booker Road. He saiddistrict officials will process paperwork more efficiently and work well with Banner, software consolidate college processes. He assured faculty that no one in admissions and records would lose their jobs and that over time, the cost savings would be in attrition. Reference Librarian Celita DeArmond questioned, “If everything’s online, why move bodies?” English Chair Alex Bernal asked, “Who’s plan is it?”
Most questions went unanswered because the president didn’t know all the details of the plan. But he said he believed the plan was originated by former Vice Chancellor James McLaughlin and was now being overseen by Tom Cleary, vice chancellor for planning and technology, and Adelina Silva, vice chancellor for student success, along with the vice presidents of student affairs. In other business, radio-television-film Professor John Onderdonk brought up a situation in which a terminated faculty member had multiple student grievances filed against him while teaching on a one-year terminal contract. Onderdonk and other members questioned district policy in which faculty members are dismissed but given an additional year to teach. Business Chair Val Calvert said, “It’s cheaper to pay them for a year than a lawsuit.” Onderdonk said, “Who’s really suffering? The students. It doesn’t help a program to have a crappy instructor.” This is one of the issues the senate may take up with Linda Boyer-Owens, vice chancellor of human resources. The senate went into executive session for about 20 minutes with Zeigler.
The Ranger
Feb. 5, 2010 • 9
Bookstore responds on backpack policy By Zahra Farah After having her book bag stolen Jan. 25 from a designated drop spot, international business freshman Alejandra Chavez found San Antonio College bookstore management claimed no responsibility for her loss despite their prohibition of backpacks in the store. Even though the bookstore claimed no responsibility for Chavez getting her book stolen, they have agreed to take care of her and replace her stolen reading book worth about $77. District manager Elizabeth Grey said in an interview Tuesday that they look at theft incidents case by case. “We will work with you,” Grey said. The bookstore’s twin goals are to deter people from stealing from students and students stealing from the bookstore, she said. Amy Turpin, bookstore manager, received permission from the corporate office of Follett Higher Education Group to speak to The Ranger on Jan. 29. Via e-mail that day, Turpin explained the bookstore maintains a bag-drop policy, requesting that while shopping, customers leave backpacks or bags in an area observed by video camera and store personnel.
She also wrote that during the busy period in the first week or two of classes, the bookstore provides a bag check station to customers. Bookstore employees supervise the station, checking bags in and out by means of a numbered card or slot to ensure the bags are returned to rightful owners. Turpin wrote this policy is similar to most retailers who request that shoppers leave their parcels at the front of the store. “Our bag policy is only implemented with permission of the college and district,” she wrote. “During non-busy periods, we provide cubicles monitored by video camera and within view of our sales associates,” Turpin wrote. “This policy is designed to ensure that we treat all of our customers equally,” she wrote. Grey elaborated, saying, “We don’t discriminate. The system is designed to not discriminate against anyone.” This means everyone is asked to drop his or her bag in a cubby. Grey said the bookstore would be happy to work with the college in improving security. “It’s our goal to have as safe an environment as possible for students to shop in,” she said. Video cameras greet students in the front entrance right when then they walk in. In an interview Tuesday, Turpin said, “People
who plan on stealing know we are watching.” On Jan. 25, Chavez said her backpack was stolen at 10:30 a.m. from the San Antonio College Bookstore in the storage area at the entrance to the college bookstore on the lower level of Loftin Student Center, while she was in line buying Scantrons. The bag contained two textbooks, two notebooks, an agenda and her car keys. Chavez said she placed her black backpack in a cubby provided by the store just outside the north entrance. She then picked up her Scantrons and stood in line to pay. When she returned to the cubby, her bag was gone. Chavez could tell from the store video that the man who stole her backpack was beside her as she was putting her things in the cubby. He was also in line in front of her as she was waiting to purchase the Scantrons, but he left the line before reaching the cashier. “When he left the line, that’s when I think he grabbed my bag,” Chavez said. She described him as an African-American with dreadlocks and a teardrop tattooed on the left side of his face. She said campus police advised her not to confront the suspect if she saw him again. If you have any information on this incident, call the district department of public safety at 485-0099.
Center offers transfer assistance By Amanda Rios If students have questions about their major and the college they want to attend after graduation, they can visit the transfer center in the counseling center on the first floor of Moody Learning Center. The transfer center has degree plans from senior colleges that could help students determine the best four-year college for their major. The transfer center also has a computer lab that students may use to look up and compare universities. The transfer center also helps with registration and schedules at this and other colleges, Counselor Rosa Maria Gonzalez, transfer
center coordinator, said Jan. 22. Gonzalez offered advice for students to be successful in college. “Be prepared. Know your major. The sooner you know, the sooner you know which university you want to transfer to,” Gonzalez said. “Knowing your major helps before choosing your school no matter what campus you want to transfer to,” she said. “It’s helpful to know if they have your major and the best program that they can offer for a student.” Students may be concerned if they haven’t already chosen their major. “We try to help students get a liberal arts degree if they have not
chosen their major,” transfer center secretary Jeanette Cantu said Jan. 27. Gonzalez said, “The transfer center will try to help a student choose a major, if not chosen yet, by giving them degree plans and school references if they know the college they want to go to. “If the student is still not sure on what major, we suggest that they stay with SAC’s core curriculum because our curriculum will transfer to any university in Texas.” The center also hosts counselors from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Texas State University-San Marcos: UTSA, Rosalinda Garza, 486– 0337, e-mail Rosalinda.garza@
utsa.edu; and Vanessa Contreras, 486-0337, e-mail Vanessa.contreras@utsa.edu; Texas A&M-San Antonio, Jennifer McDaniel, 744–9791, e-mail Jennifer.mcdaniel@tamuk. edu; and, Texas State-San Marcos, Kyle Pyron, 512-245-2340, e-mail Kylepyron@txstate.edu. Students may make appointments to meet with these counselors, who have calendars outside their offices indicating dates when they will be on campus. The transfer center is open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For information, call 486-0864 or visit http://www.alamo.edu/ sac/csd/tc/.
The Ranger
10 • Feb. 5, 2010
James Lazo
Students to compete in Japanese Fast food differences is the topic of an international studies sophomore. By Reagan White Japanese-language students at this college will participate in the preliminary rounds of the 21st annual Japanese Speech Contest Feb. 13. The competition is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the academic instruction center. Admission is free and open to the public. Japanese Professor Yuko Kawabe said Jan. 28 she expects a big turnout. “Last year, 55 students participated from local middle schools, high schools and colleges,” she said. Kawabe said she expects seven students from this college to compete. The Japanese American Society of Texas, the Japanese Teachers Association of Texas and the Consulate-General of Japan at Houston are the contest’s sponsors. The contest will have two categories: poetry recitation and free speech. The poetry recitation segment involves reciting a Japanese poem by memory. For the free speech category, students will have to write and recite a two- to three-minute speech in Japanese. Contestants will be judged on pronunciation, grammar and delivery. Kawabe said most speeches are about the cultural differences between Japan and the United States or reasons for American students to learn Japanese. One of the contestants, international studies sophomore Sarah Pichardo, said that she plans to speak about the differences between American fast food and the Japanese version of American fast food. “Kentucky Fried Chicken is not as greasy, and McDonald’s is fresher,” she said. Two winners from each division will move on to the statewide contest March 6 in Houston. Every speaker will receive a framed participation certificate. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive a trophy and a Barnes & Noble Bookseller gift certificate. Kawabe encourages students to attend the contest to experience “the enthusiasm the speakers have for Japanese and how well they express themselves with another language.” For more information, call 486-0976.
Welcome center Coordinator Edie Huff shows off a donation for the SAC food pantry at the east entrance of Fletcher Administration Center. The pantry needs canned vegetables and fruits, peanut butter, jelly and canned meats and pasta. The pantry is open noon-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday in the Catholic Student Center at Belknap and Courtland. With a college ID, students and employees can pick up a bag of groceries each week — no questions asked.
Criminal Justice Association sets date for officer election By Jacob Beltran San Antonio Police Department Officer Andre Taylor outlined the basic requirements for applying as a city police officer at the Jan. 27 Criminal Justice Association meeting. Taylor also discussed what it’s like to attend the law enforcement academy. The meeting was the first of the semester in which club members also opened nominations for students to run for officer positions. “The Criminal Justice Association has turned out really well,” criminal justice Lecturer Tiffany Cox said Monday. “The student officers were very instrumental in getting everything going.” Meetings are open to students who are interested or want to learn more about criminal justice. “The goal is really to get students to meet with different criminal justice fields to see
what they like, and especially, what they don’t like,” Cox said. Requirements for joining the Criminal Justice Association are a minimum gradepoint average of 2.0, and members must have completed at least six hours as a student at this college. Voting for the positions of president, vice president and secretary will occur at the Feb. 24 meeting. Students elected will serve a one-year term. Members of the Criminal Justice Association are allowed to run or vote for officer positions. “The deadline to show interest for the positions and run is the Feb. 24 meeting,” Cox said. The Criminal Justice Association will meet at noon Feb. 24, March 24 and April 4 in Room 220 of Chance Academic Center. For more information, call Cox at 4860835.
The Ranger
Health
Feb. 5, 2010 • 11
Officials urge H1N1 vaccination for students By Vanessa M. Sanchez Getting the H1N1 vaccine is encouraged for college students because they are in constant contact with many people, officials said Jan. 26. The H1N1 pandemic is still an ongoing problem targeting youth ages 24 and younger, health officials said during a conference call. Flu vaccines are available. This was the message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in that call with college newspapers. Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said because the H1N1 pandemic was the first in four decades, those infected with the disease are six times more likely to be hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on their Web site, from Jan. 17- 23, there were four confirmed deaths caused by H1N1 in 2009. Since August 2009, there were 203, and counting from April 2009, there were a total of 263 confirmed deaths. She said there are two kinds of vaccines, an injection and a nasal mist. Taking her message to college students where many already are plugged in, Sebelius announced a new application for social media Web site Facebook, called “Become a Flu Fighter.” It tells Facebook friends when someone has received a flu shot or challenges a friend to get a flu shot. Dr. Stephen Reed, director of the influenza coordination unit for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said, “We’ve learned a
lot about H1N1 since it began in April.” “There’s a real opportunity for prevention,” Reed said. H1N1 was labeled a pandemic in June. Many college students remain targets for the disease, he said, but currently, there are close to a million vaccines in the U.S. The population of the targeted age group is 30,713,000, almost 10 percent of the nation’s population. He reminded, “Flu is very unpredictable. Flu pandemics come in waves.” There was one in 1918 and another in 1957, which there were vaccines for, but there are multiple places to get vaccinated now, he said. “It’s really a life-saving intervention,” he said. Nurse Paula Daggett, health center coordinator, said it is an individual decision to get vaccinated, but it is good to get it if in a highrisk group. Students may have seen signs within restrooms across campus urging hand washing to prevent flu, but Daggett says, “That works for anything.” Another way to keep from getting sick is to “try to keep your immune system up,” she said. Eating as healthy as possible, getting sleep and exercising more can help in keeping a person’s immune system up. Luke Duvall, 15-year-old survivor, spoke during at the conference, saying, “I almost lost my life by not getting vaccinated.” Duvall, an Arkansas native, became ill in October. “If I had the opportunity to get the vaccine, I would’ve,” Duvall said. He said he developed
pneumonia after getting H1N1 and felt as if he fell asleep then woke up with a large percentage of his body weight lost. In a rehabilitation hospital, he saw his reflection for the first time, Duvall said, and he thought something was wrong with his mirror. “I lost so much weight and muscle mass that I worked so hard to get,” Duvall said. Getting vaccinated is important not only for one’s health but for others in high-risk groups such as pregnant women and children. “It’s also for the people you don’t know you can affect their life by not getting the vaccine,” he said. “I’ve become a spokesperson to make sure everybody gets a vaccine,” Duvall said. “It can save your life.” To find flu vaccine locations, visit flu.gov. Walgreens at Cypress and San Pedro is the closest location to the college that has the vaccine. There they have an employee to give the vaccine. The hours, however, vary; people can contact this Walgreens location at 225-4809. Their location on 300 E. Houston St. distributes the vaccine from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. This is also an $18 charge. The number to this downtown Walgreens is 424-3462. H-E-B’s pharmacy at 300 W. Olmos is also distributing the vaccine. Their cost without insurance is $18; some insurances cover the H1N1 vaccine but that is not known until the paperwork goes though the insurance. Their immunizer is present today from 10 a.m. to noon; contact 829-1705 for more information on times to receive the vaccine.
Premiere
12 • The Ranger
Feb. 5, 2010 • 13
Juan Carlos Campos Tyler K. Cleveland
Black History Month events begin today
By Celeste J. Nentwig Music, movies and money management instruction are all part of this year’s Black History Month celebration, along with the 21st annual African-American Read-In and a Dating Game. All of these events, sponsored by the Black History Month Committee, will be on campus, and are free to students. The first of these will be a performance at 11 a.m.–1 p.m. today by the Regency Jazz Band in the round in Loftin Student Center. The Regency Jazz Band is the lead band for the annual Holiday Saxaphone at the Guadalupe Theater and participates in the yearly Jazz’SAlive Festival. At 9:25 a.m –10:40 a.m. Tuesday in Room 120 of the visual arts center, visual art Professor Marlene Hoover will screen and discuss the documentary film “The Quilts of Gee’s Bend.” After the Civil War, in Gee’s Bend, a rural community in Alabama, a small community of African-American women began making quilts to tell their stories. The quilts have been exhibited in the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and other fine art venues. For more information, call Aaron Tavitas at 486-0134 or e-mail mtavitas@alamo.edu. At 2 p.m. Tuesday, the San Antonio Symphony String Quartet will have a concert in the auditorium of Palmetto Center for the Arts at Northwest Vista College. This concert is an outgrowth of the Residency Program, a collaboration of St. Philip’s College and the San Antonio Symphony. The concert is free and open to the public.
“When in Rome”
Students observe artist Dan Suttin’s “Big Ball” made of 3,600 paper tetrahedrons and 55,440 paper clips Feb. 3 in the academic instruction center.
Geometric sculpture artist’s thank you By Marissa Cross A retired high school math teacher has donated a geometric sculpture to this college as his way of “giving back” for his scholastic experience here. “The level of teaching here is wonderful,” Dan Suttin said Tuesday. The “Big Ball”, also known as “Variation on the Truncated Icosahedron,” was created with 3,600 pieces of fluorescent poster board, held together with glue and 55,440 paper clips. Reconstructing the sculpture “would cost $360 (for poster board) at 10 cents a piece and over $200 of paper clips,” Suttin said Tuesday while constructing a mini tetrahedron model. Hedrons are geometric solids having multiple plane faces, or sides. Suttin described how he came upon the idea of building his “Big Ball” from a class of children he taught in Massachusetts. He got a book of 18 basic polyhedron models for examples. “(The children) made tetras and hedrons, and I noticed they go together,” Suttin said. President Robert Zeigler collaborated with Suttin on where the sculpture would be placed on campus. They tried Chance Academic Center and the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center before settling on the first floor of the academic instruction center, Suttin said. The sculpture’s permanent
location was announced Jan. 20. “It took about a semester to decide where they were going to put it,” Suttin said. Suttin’s “Big Ball” took him 500 hours to create in his dining room and was displayed at the Guardian Angel Performance Arts Academy at Blue Star Gallery as well as the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center for Luminaria, an annual local arts event. “It takes 30 hours to re-assemble it, and 60 pieces (of poster board) would need to be replaced to break it down each time,” he said. “I didn’t have enough room in my garage because of the next one (sculpture) I’m building.” His next work will contain 2,600 pieces of painted cardboard and will take a year and half to complete, he said. “It’s going to take two years at 40 hours a week to complete it,” Suttin said. “I already have 35 percent of it done.” Suttin, who attends this college through the senior citizens program, tutors students in math. He also teaches students how to put together his tetrahedron models, available on his Web site at www.homespun4homeschoolers.com. “If I could get about 10 students together on campus, I would be glad to do a workshop on how to construct a tetrahedron,” Suttin said. For more information, visit Suttin’s Web site or e-mail him at uncledan@homespun4homeschoolers.com.
Director: Mark Steven Johnson Producers: Steven Roffer and Ezra Swerdlow Actors: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Danny Devito, Will Arnett, Jon Heder, Dax Shepard, Bobby Moynihan Rated: PG-13 Plot: Work-obsessed and unlucky in love Kristen Bell takes time off to go to her sister’s wedding in Rome. There she meets Josh Duhamel, but after seeing him with another woman, she steals a few coins from a magic fountain to rescue her romantic wishes. The coins contain the hearts of the men who threw the coins into the fountain, prompting many hilarious attempts by love-struck men to win her heart. It’s a romantic comedy, with a little something for everyone. Of course, guys, it is a chick flick, but if you’re being dragged along with your girlfriend, you’ll definitely get some laughs.
Jacob Beltran
In theaters: Today Rating: MMM This reviewer also enjoyed: “The Proposal,” directed by Anne Fletcher, and “The Devil Wears Prada,” directed by Mark Steven Johnson.
The Ranger
14 • Feb. 5, 2010
Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
RTF sophomore David O’ Rourke and KSYM program director Joey Palacios investigate saturated carpet in the lounge of KSYM Wednesday in Longwith.
Longwith leaks again in KSYM suite By Jacob Beltran and Riley Stephens Carpeting on the second floor of Longwith Radio, Television and Film Building became drenched Wednesday when rain leaked in through a slidingglass door and a window. Water seeped into three of the rooms on the second floor of the building. Two of the rooms are filled with computers and electrical wires. The studio of radio station KSYM 90.1FM is located just a few steps away from where the flooding occurred. A hole drilled through the balcony does not drain enough water. Students and faculty said Wednesday they were concerned about moisture in the space. Wednesday he is hiring Samuels Glass Co. to do “We use it to have staff meetings, recrerepairs on the sliding door to see if it is possible ation, student study and lounge,” music busito repair the door without replacing it. ness sophomore Marcus De Leon said. “Depending on whether or not the people Facilities Director David Ortega said there really need the balcony, (it) will determine
if we need a window or a sliding door,” Ortega said. “I don’t know why they would put a sliding glass door there,” Ortega said. “It’s not a good design in that location. You can’t weatherproof a sliding-glass door.” Along with the gap in the sliding door, there is another gap visible in between the window frame and the frame that holds the sliding door itself. An effort was made to stop the leakage by drilling holes in the balcony so that the water would not have a chance to build up and seep inside, said KSYM program director Joey Palacios. But the water pools around the holes and does not flow off the balcony, he said. The second floor also was drenched Jan. 15, when water overflowed onto the carpet. The second floor has leaked during heavy rains since the building opened in 2005.
Calendar
15 • Feb. 5, 2010 For coverage call 486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Today SAC Deadline: Applications accepted for Teaching Academy Program Peers Scholarship. Continues through noon March 3. Visit www.tappatsac.blogspot. com.
in the Rosenburg SkyRoom, University of the Incarnate Word, 847 E. Hildebrand. Call 283-5062. Trinity Lecture: “An Evening With Academy Award Winner Dustin Lance Black” 7:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. Call 9998441.
The Ranger Thursday
SAC Event: President Robert Zeigler 7:30 a.m.-8 a.m. on KSYM 90.1 FM. Continues Thursdays. Call 486-KSYM.
Tuesday
NVC Workshop: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective College Students!” 5:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m. in Room 121 of Cypress. Continues 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 13. Call 486-4007.
SAC Deadline: Applications accepted for Texas Public Radio Scholarship. Continues through Feb. 15. Call 4861367.
SAC Event: “HIV/AIDS Prevention-A Choice and a Lifestyle” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Visit www. blackaidsday.org. Call 212-2266.
Lecture: “Introduction to Pictorialism” by Victor Pagona 7:30 p.m.-8:45 p.m. in Valero at McNay Art Museum. Call 824-5368.
Sac Deadline: Women of Vision Scholarship Essay Contest sponsored by the women’s center. Continues through Feb. 22. Visit www.alamo.edu/sac/wc. Call 486-0455.
SAC Event: HIV testing and counseling services 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Room 119 of Chance.
Feb. 15
SAC Event: Adjunct Faculty Exhibition in Visual Arts. Continues through March 6. Call 486-1034. SAC Donation: Peer Educators collecting money for Christian Haitian Outreach, Inc. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 120 of Chance. Continues through Feb. 12. Call 4861448. SAC Event: Virtual Reality Gaming Friday 1 p.m. in the Cyber Café of Loftin. Continues Fridays. Call 486-0128. Trinity Concert: Recital by pianist Nelita True 7:30 p.m. in Ruth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. Visit www.trinity.edu. Saturday
SAC Meeting: Astronomy Club 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. in Room 142 of Chance. Call 486-0063. SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Continues Tuesdays. Call 381-0991.
SAC Concert: Instrumental Ensemble 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255. SAC Workshop: Aracely Flores, travel accountant for Alamo Colleges, discussion of travel reimbursement and procedures 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 486-0128.
SAC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Continues Feb. 22. Call 486-0128. UIW Lecture: 2010 Pierre Lecture “Solidarity and Collaboration: The Moral Foundations of Health Care Reform” featuring Sister Carol Keehan 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Event: Third Annual On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour sponsored by Bihl Haus Arts 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Deco District. Continues noon-6 p.m. Feb. 21. For maps, visit www.onandofffred. org or the San Antonio Visitors Bureau. Call 383-9723. 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. E-mail cdominguez11@alamo.edu. Call 486-0455. Feb. 23 SAC Concert: Latin Jazz Combo 12:30 p.m. in McAllister. Call 486-0255. ACCD Meeting: Alamo Community College District board 6 p.m. in Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan. Continues March 16, April 20 and May 18. Call 485-0030.
Feb. 16 SPC Event: Open auditions for spring theater production “Dinah Was!” 7 p.m. in Room 103 of Watson. Continues through Feb. 10. Call 486-2704.
Feb. 24 SAC Event: Mardi Gras Celebration featuring Dixieland Music by The Second Line Jazz Band 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0128.
SAC Transfer: Transfer Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0864.
Wednesday SAC Event: Wild West Rodeo Roundup 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the mall. Call 486-0128. NVC Event: Valentine Stuff-a-Bear noon in Room 121 of Cypress. Free to first 100 students. Call 486-4010.
Trinity Lecture: “Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need A Green Revolution And How It Can Renew America” by New York Times columnist Thomas Freidman 7:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. Visit www.trinity.edu. Feb. 17
Trinity Event: Campus of Champions 10 a.m. various locations on campus, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. Call 999-7207. Monday
the American Sign Language department 7 p.m.-10 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-1112.
NLC Workshop: Valentine Gift Basket sponsored by the office of student development, leadership and activities student commons 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Room 131 of student commons. Call 486-5404. SAC Workshop: “To Google or not to Google … That is the Question” by John Deosdade, Dr. John Skinner and Jolinda Ramsey 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0494.
SAC Workshop: “It’s as Easy as 1, 2, iii” facilitator Dick O’Neal 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0494. Feb. 19 SAC Deadline: Last day to withdraw for Flex 1. Feb. 20 SAC Event: ASL on Stage 2010 Talent Show and Silent Auction sponsored by
SAC Concert: Wind and brass ensemble 2 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255. Feb. 25 Event: “Camera Obscura (La Cámara Oscura) 6:30 p.m. in Chiego at McNay Art Museum. $5 nonmembers. Call 8245368.
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
16 • Feb. 5, 2010
Alumni Association plans fundraisers By Celeste J. Nentwig A college coffee brand, consumer discounts, insurance plans and an e-waste recycling drive join perpetual fundraising on the Alumni Association’s agenda. The association is working to build membership and awareness of the benefits of membership, Kathryn Armstrong, coordinator of special projects, said. Membership dues are $10 for current students and $20 for students of other district colleges, alumni, faculty and staff. The first year is free to new graduates. Jittery Joe’s Superior coffee, SAC 1925 blend, commemorating the college’s 85th anniversary next year, is sold on the alumni Web page for $12.99 per 12 oz. can with $2 of the sale funding scholarships. The benefits of membership include access to www.savingsconnections.com, which offers coupons for items such as groceries and travel accommodations. “The coupon savings in one week alone could cover the amount spent on membership dues,” Armstrong said. With the association ID card, members will receive free admission to the planetarium as well as a discount at L&M Bookstore. Bookstore manager Pat Puig said, “Members will be given a 10 percent discount on any nontextbook purchases.” The association is also connecting members with affinity groups offering medical and renter’s insurance, as well as tuition reimbursement programs at a considerable discount. The reimbursement program pays students back the cost of tuition should they become ill
and have to drop out during a semester, provided they have proof from a physician. Also, when a policy is purchased through one of the affinity groups, a portion of the proceeds goes into the scholarship fund. They are also working on a number of projects including a coffee brand and a recycling fundraiser. In response to a recent article in the San Antonio Express-News headlined, “E-waste is piling up across the U.S.,” the association is going green by sponsoring a recycling fundraiser. Armstrong said, “This issue is current, relevant, and we’re on top of it.” Bins will be set up around campus where students can donate old electronic items, including iPods, laptops, cameras, radar detectors, printer ink cartridges and cell phones, which will profit the association. As coordinator of special projects, she also helps students at the Magic Closet, sponsored by the alumni association and the Network Power group, which provides women with interview apparel, including black clothing for mortuary science students. “The Magic Closet assisted approximately 40 women after the grand opening last fall,” she said. This project is in constant need of donations, which can be made directly to the Catholic Student Center, or to Armstrong in Room 305D of Fletcher Administration Center. The association’s ultimate goal is to give students a lifelong lasting connection to San Antonio College. For more information or inquiries concerning membership, call Armstrong at 486-0904.
The Ranger
Feb. 5, 2010 • 17
Choices abound in service learning
Rennie Murrell
English students mentor children in poetry and storytelling. By Steffany Gutierrez Service learning is a program in which both the students and the community benefit through learning and active participation. It is usually arranged through higher education institutions, elementary schools, secondary schools and various nonprofit and community service organizations. The goal of service learning is to help students learn in an active and productive environment by encouraging them to become volunteers and mentors in the organizations their classes are The Service Learning and involved with. Volunteer Fair will be Under service Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.-1 learning, stup.m. in Gym 1 of Candler. dents learn through hands-on experience while at the same time giving back to the community. English Professor Liz Ann Aguilar, for example, has a project involving Hirsch Elementary third grade students and some of her freshman composition students. Aguilar’s students tutor and mentor the children in writing poems and short stories.
Barbie Leal-Hallam, recruiter for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, conveys the benefits of becoming a mentor to students gathered Jan. 20 in the Methodist Student Center. This in turn provides the college students with the experience of working with young children, and it gives the children something different and entertaining to look forward to at school. The college offers a wide variety of service learning opportunities in departments such as art, computer information systems, early childhood studies, engineering, history and kinesiology to name a few. Service learning has now developed its own page on the Facebook social network to communicate with students who are interested in service learning.
Coordinator Audrey Grams said this helps students more quickly to collect all the pertinent information at once. On the Facebook page, which can be accessed without an account at www.facebook. com/sacservice, one can find useful information regarding serving learning and volunteer opportunities and events. Groups also can upload photos or service projects and join discussions. For more information, call Grams at 4860763 or e-mail her at agrams@alamo.edu or civic engagement Coordinator Justin Storrs at 486-0760 or jstorrs@alamo.edu.
Pay single tuition; enroll in multiple colleges Full class? Enroll at another college in the district. By Melody Mendoza Students can enroll concurrently at more than one of the Alamo Colleges and pay tuition and fees as if they were enrolling in only one of the five colleges. This is called concurrent or cross enrollment. The chancellor recently said more than 6,000 students, or 10 percent of the district, are cross-enrolled. If a particular class is unavailable at a student’s primary college, students can enroll in the class at a
different college. First, the student needs to apply at each college they wish to attend for that semester. The registration process includes sending each college a transcript and test scores. The Alamo Community College District uses the Texas Common Course Numbering System, so course numbers are the same at each college. This makes it easier when students start picking their classes at two or more colleges. Although there are many interchangeable courses between colleges, some courses are only available at one college.
Refer to each college’s course schedule. Counselors are available to help students with this process because they can view classes at all of the colleges through the Passport system. Although they can view courses at other colleges, they cannot register a student at another college. Students also can log on to www. alamo.edu and click on Student Information and Online Registration for step-by-step instructions. Wednesday Counselor Jan E. Starnes was helping a student who needed credit in a biomedical science course. Starnes went to the St. Philip’s College Web site and looked
through their e-catalog for a biomedical-related degree plan. She viewed classes the student was able to take at this college that would transfer. A student enrolled concurrently needs to inform the business office before paying the bill so base tuition and fees will not be charged for each college. Students still are limited to a maximum of 18 hours per semester and 14 in the summer. For more information about concurrent enrollment, go to your primary college’s online academic catalog, click on Registration and Concurrent Enrollment at the Alamo Colleges.
18 • Feb. 5, 2010
Editorial
The Ranger Juan Carlos Campos
Bookstore needs to monitor backpack storage Rennie Murrell
When a store requires customers to leave all bags at the front before entering, the store should provide some security and be held responsible for those belongings. Most businesses understand this and offer a place to stow bags behind a counter. But forcing students to leave valuables unattended is about the same as asking them to leave cold, hard cash lying out in the open because that’s what it will end up costing students. Hoping no one will walk away with things is not effective policy, and the bookstore management knows it. The bookstore certainly makes sure its property doesn’t slip through the door unpaid.
Liberal arts freshman Mariana Munante stows her bookbag Jan. 29 in one of the cubbies provided at the entrance to the bookstore.
The San Antonio College Bookstore, owned by Follett Higher Education Group, employs cameras, sensors and staff to ensure its security. The implication is clear: What’s ours is ours and what’s yours is anybody’s for the taking.
Every semester, The Ranger publishes stories reminding students to keep a close watch on their valuables because stolen textbooks can bring a thief a pretty penny at the return counter. The department of public safety tags vehicles with
a notice reminding students to remove valuables in plain sight before someone else does it for them. The weekly blotter is full of reports of stolen property. Yet the bookstore expects students daily to risk theft while they rush in to pick up a Scantron. Theft takes mere seconds. Either let students retain their bags, or hire someone to monitor students’ possessions while they shop in the campus bookstore. And if you don’t, don’t be surprised when students are unwilling to patronize your store. Administrators need to step in to make sure students are protected by demanding the bookstore provide some safer alternative that will meet its own security needs as well.
The Ranger
Editorial
Feb. 5, 2010 • 19
Faculty, students lose in chancellor’s charade Juan Carlos Campos
Normally, committees are convened to gauge opinion and feedback from members, who are selected to serve based on expertise. Usually, their opinions are respected. Not so with the Accreditation Review Committee, organized by Dr. Bruce Leslie last summer. The committee was charged with compiling pros and cons of single accreditation for the five district colleges together versus the current accreditation model for five individual colleges. Instead of offering information from an informed, realistic standpoint, faculty members from the district colleges and student government representatives from the colleges were asked to pull statistics with an eye to the bottom line. Not only were opinions not requested, they were unwelcome. Seems like a job an intern or any number of vice chancellors or associate vice chancellors could have been tasked with. Especially as all the chancellor wanted was numbers. A few phone calls would have sufficed and 86 pages of research compilings could have been avoided. Leslie could have called Title 3B and Title 5 employees throughout the district to have them research risk to federal funding. Here’s an idea: Call the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and ask them about accreditation models. How about calling on staff in the district’s office of research and effectiveness for assistance? If you didn’t want anyone’s opinion, why distract them from their primary duties — you remember the students, don’t you? But, let’s not dwell on the past. The chancellor needs to learn from this experience that no one is interested in his games of charade.
Stop wasting everyone’s time and energy that could be better used in the classroom and in real contributions to improving this system and the education it provides.
CIS exhibit is story of community college, too The magic of community college is the speed with which it can respond to the educational needs of the community. Fifty-five years ago, officials of this college realized computer skills were quickly becoming an essential and marketable skill, leading to the creation of a new department. In the run-up to the year 2000, the department couldn’t offer enough classes. The demand for programmers was so intense classes were offered around the clock. (On the bright side,
students enrolled in midnight or 4 a.m. classes didn’t have to worry about parking.) Now called computer information systems, the department has grown from what was then cutting-edge technology to today’s state-of-the-art systems that will one day be seen as antique junk, too. A collection of exhibits in the library of Moody Learning Center commemorates that history. They will be on display through May.
The exhibition is open for viewing 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. The story of computers is the story of the last half of the 20th century. Little is done today without the assistance — and sometimes interference — of computers. But the exhibit tells the story of community college as well. A long time ago, this college saw a need and filled it and continues that story today.
20 • Feb. 5, 2010
Software lagging Editor: As a Mac user and student, I have struggled every semester to access my online classes. I will take a small part of the credit for Mac users having access at all, as we certainly didn’t when I took my first online class — and I have the F to prove it. Every semester since, I have been cheerfully assured that access would be no issue, and yet every semester, there has still been some difficulty, some issue. The only issue I have had is susceptibility to the rampant viruses that affect SAC. I thought that Alamo Colleges, BlackBoard Vista and Edugarage should know that to access BBV properly, I had to dig out a 4-year-old laptop that uses OS 10.3 rather than the current OS 10.6.2. Additionally, I have to use Safari 1.3.2 rather than Safari 4.0.4 (copyright 2003-2009). Because of these issues, my teachers aren’t receiving critical e-mails, I cannot read critical data and I am becoming a very unhappy student. I am beginning to examine other, more expensive colleges that have confirmed access with software. Sara Cooper Science Sophomore
Letter
The Ranger
The Ranger
Viewpoint
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Remembering Howard Zinn: historian, activist, gentleman On Jan. 27, noted historian Howard Zinn passed away. Often polarizing but never dull, he Guest Viewpoint touched the by Sean Duffy lives of both his students and his readers. The author of the bestselling “A People’s History of the United States,” Zinn radicalized the teaching of American history. His new approach looked at the efforts of “ordinary” people who struggled to bring justice and equality for all. Some of you may be familiar with Zinn’s work without even having read it. Most famously, actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon praised “A People’s History” in the film “Good Will Hunting” and on stage when they received an Academy Award for the screenplay. Musical artists,
including Pearl Jam, System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine, NOFX and Bruce Springsteen, referenced Zinn’s writings in their songs. And in perhaps the best sign of cultural saturation, Marge Simpson read “A People’s History” during her college days. After serving honorably as a bombardier during World War II, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill to get his bachelor’s degree, and eventually, a doctorate from Columbia University. His first teaching job was at Spelman College, the nation’s most historic college for AfricanAmerican women. There, he witnessed firsthand the second-class treatment of black students. A model activist-scholar, he participated in sit-ins to protest segregation in the Georgia state capitol. Fighting for equality and civil rights led to dismissal from his tenured faculty position. Undeterred, he continued
to agitate against segregation and later the Vietnam War. When Daniel Ellsberg leaked the secret and tragic history of American involvement in Vietnam in the Pentagon Papers, he first gave a copy to Zinn. At Ellsberg’s trial for allegedly passing on sensitive information, Zinn testified for hours about the duplicitous nature of U.S. policy in Southeast Asia. At the heart of his argument and of his later scholarship was a respect for the truth no matter which politician was embarrassed. Howard Zinn was also a gentleman. I know this personally. During my first year of master’s studies, I sent Zinn a long e-mail complaining — like grad students are known to do — about a topic I believed to be missing from his “The Twentieth Century: A People’s History.” I expected that a celebrity author of his stature would not respond. Rather, his lengthy reply was courte-
ous and respectful. I felt humbled to receive this treatment from my idol. If you never decide to read anything by Zinn, you should understand one fundamental aspect of his philosophy. It has been the struggles of common people, sometimes across generations, to achieve some of our most basic rights or privileges. The list of the achievements is long: the right to vote, 40-hour work weeks and the end of segregation, to name a few. Today, many of our students and faculty are continuing this same fight, whether over equal access in our society, improved conditions for the most disadvantaged or other grassroots causes. In time, another historian will write a similar people’s history for the 21st century. Be assured that, even if you are not mentioned by name, your struggles for justice will be acknowledged. You matter. Instructor Sean Duffy teaches history.
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The Ranger Tyler K. Cleveland
Slammin’: Social work sophomore Nicole Plata and nursing sophomore Samantha Fematt of the Lady Rangers go up for a block against the Palo Alto College Lady Palominos Jan. 28 in Candler. The Rangers won 25-17, 25-19 and 26-24. The team faces Victoria College at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 in Candler. Tyler K. Cleveland
Tough loss: Business freshman Christina Wasaff struggles to put up a shot during the Lady Rangers 48-28 loss to the Northwest Vista College Wildcats Wednesday in Candler. The Lady Rangers’ will face the Palo Alto College Lady Palominos at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in Candler.
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The Ranger
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Tyler K. Cleveland
Tyler K. Cleveland
New student-designed art hangs in the rotunda. Sarah Janes
Architecture sophomores Carlos Montalvo and wife, Felcia, pose with 18-month-old Isabella for fellow student John Silva Jan. 29 at the grand opening of the Chill Lounge in Chance. The Montalvos were on the 14-student design team.
New Chill Lounge offers spot to relax in Chance By Riley Stephens
President Robert Zeigler and Trudy Chance Kinnison, daughter of Chance Academic Center’s namesake, open the Chill Lounge.
Sarah Janes
Rhonda Garcia from Mariachi Las Altenas serenades the gathering crowd at The Chill Lounge opening Jan. 29 in Chance.
The Chill Lounge opened Jan. 29, offering students a place to relax on the first, second and third floors of Chance Academic Center. “It is a space designed by SAC students for SAC students,” Aaron Tavitas, assistant coordinator for student leadership activities and men’s basketball coach, said. Design 3 Professor Isabelle Garcia’s class came up with the lounge’s design in fall 2008. The area was designed to be student-friendly and relaxing: a place where students are able to bring friends. About 75 faculty members and students gathered as President Robert Zeigler and Trudy Chance Kinnison, daughter of Truett L. Chance, after whom the building was named, cut the ribbon officially opening the Chill Lounge. Once the ribbon was cut, the crowd viewed the new lounge, indulged in a free buffet and listened to Mariachi Las Altenas. Before the Chill Lounge, students did not have anywhere to sit besides the floor. “It’s about time,” engineering freshmen Devos Dehoyes said at the ribbon-cutting. “You sit on the floor, and your butt hurts.” Student life purchased new furniture for the space using money from video-game sales,
Tyler K. Cleveland
Professor Isabel Garcia’s Design 3 students, who began designing the Chill Lounge in fall 2008, raise their hands. student life Director Jorge Posadas said Jan. 29. Posadas said he “didn’t feel comfortable” stating the project’s total cost. “Facilities staff made the wood and furnishings that are where the vending machines used to be, like the bar and all the furnishings,” Posadas said. The Chill Lounge’s lettering and furniture were based on designs by Garcia’s students, she said. Posadas said, “The goal was to make spaces for students.” Chance typically is open by 6 a.m. weekdays, housekeeper Marguerita Garza said Monday. Chance usually closes by 10 p.m., facilities superintendent David Ortega said Tuesday.