Sept. 18, 2009 by The Ranger

The Ranger A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926

Vol. 84 Issue 2

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Sept. 18, 2009

90% 90%+ CONFIDEN NO CONFIDENCE

WHAT’S NEXT? 7-9

SPC FACULTY SEEK RESIGNATION CHANCELLOR TRIES TO GAG FACULTY

2 â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 18, 2009

The Ranger

The Ranger • Vol. 84 • Issue 2

Sept. 18, 2009 • 3

The Ranger

A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926

4 Blotter

5 Criminal Justice Association forms By Lorraine Gomez

6 News

7 What’s next? By Vanessa M. Sanchez

8 Trustees commit to Leslie despite opposition By Jason B. Hogan Photos by Destiny Mata

9 St. Philip’s calls for resignation

Only online @ theranger.org Photo slideshow of KSYM’s morning show Photo slideshow of board meeting with story Handgun incident in parking lot at NVC Community leaders’ reaction to faculty’s vote of no confidence

By Vanessa M. Sanchez Photos by Destiny Mata

Empowerment Center houses nontraditional, women’s programs

9 Faculty: “We can no longer afford to remain silent”

Free parenting workshops

By Vanessa M. Sanchez

15 Magic Closet dresses women for success By Erika Torres Photo by Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle

10 Premiere

10 KSYM’s morning show

Editorial No confidence in chancellor, board Viewpoint: Ramadan teaches compassion

by Zahra Farah

By Henry A. Chavarria Photos by Destiny Mata

11 Calendar 12 Editorials

Editorial Cartoon Gag order Donate bonus Online comments 14 People

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When you see this symbol, go to www.theranger.org for more info.

4 • Sept. 18, 2009

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 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: Charles Conner 13306 Hunters Hollow, San Antonio, TX 78230 Home: 493-7176 Fax: 493-7909 E-mail: cconner8@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

Blotter

The Ranger

SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

extinguished fire.

Sept. 1 – An officer reported adult male lying on the sidewalk at West Park and San Pedro.

Sept. 8 - An individual reported a disturbance on second level of parking garage.

Sept 2 – An individual reported damage/vandalism to personal vehicle. An individual reported a disturbance on the second floor of Moody. An individual reported illness in Candler. EMS arrived, no transport. Sept. 3 - An individual reported a suspicious person in the construction site near Nail. Suspect located and issued a criminal trespass warning. An officer reported an individual starting a vehicle with wires located under the steering column. Individual found to be registered owner. Sept. 4 - An individual reported damage to personal vehicle while on campus to pick up her child at day care. An individual reported seeing a bike on campus which they had reported stolen a week previously. An individual reported an illness in Chance. EMS arrived. Transport not needed. An individual reported a fight in progress in Lot 7. Officer made scene; subjects departed area. Sept. 5 - An individual reported suspicious person in Moody. Suspect was located. An individual reported their vehicle was on fire in lot 26. SAFD arrived on scene and

An individual reported harassment from an exboyfriend, which occurred off campus. An officer observed vehicle with windows open in Park Place lot. Vehicle checked; came back as stolen. PALO ALTO COLLEGE Sept. 1 - An individual reported suspicious persons between courtyard and student services area. Sept. 3 - An individual reported a disturbance in the applied technology building. Report taken; everything found to be OK.

suspicious person. No one located. Sept. 3 - An officer reported a disturbance in Lot 20. Everything found to be OK. An individual detained for traffic violation and found to be operating vehicle with no drivers license. An individual reported damage to vehicle while parked in Lot 10. Sept. 8 - An individual reported theft of district property. An individual reported theft of personal property from classroom. SOUTHWEST CAMPUS Sept. 1 - An individual reported missing district property.

Sept. 4 - An officer stood by to watch facilities cut a wall locker padlock.

Sept. 2 - An individual reported a disturbance related to a recent breakup of a relationship.

An individual reported theft of personal property.

Sept. 3 - An individual reported theft of district property.

An individual reported almost being struck by another vehicle.

An individual reported graffiti in men’s restroom stall Building 1, Section C.

Sept. 8 - An individual reported theft of district property.

An individual reported missing personal property.

ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE

An individual reported missing district property.

Sept. 2 - An individual was issued a citation for playing loud music on campus. An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker. An individual reported vehicle being stolen. An individual reported a

An individual reported a toolbox taken from the back of a truck. Sept. 4 - An individual reported missing district property. Property found. Sept. 8 - Individual reported burglary of vehicle.

The Ranger Northwest Vista College Sept. 1 - An individual reported damage to district property. Report taken; no further information. Sept. 2 - Individual reported illness in Juniper Hall. EMS arrived and treated individual on scene. Sept. 3 – An individual reported damage to personal vehicle. Sept. 4 - An individual reported lost personal property. An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.

Sept. 18, 2009 • 5 Sept. 5 - An officer reported graffiti at North Ellison entrance. Sept. 8 - An officer reported graffiti in Juniper Hall Room 212. NorthEast Lakeview College Sept. 2 - An individual reported a minor vehicle accident in Lot 7. Sept. 4 - An individual reported illness at 1201 Kitty Hawk. EMS arrived and transported the individual for further treatment. An officer reported a street sign lying on the ground adjacent to Lot 6. Item placed in patrol office.

Students form Criminal Justice Association By Lorraine Gomez Twenty-seven students interested in careers in criminal justice formed the Criminal Justice Student Association Sept. 3. “The goal is to give students the opportunity to interact for career development and opportunities through criminal justice professionals and community service,” said Tiffany Cox, faculty adviser and criminal justice instructor. The association is open to students in any major who are interested in criminal justice careers. San Antonio Police Officer Rick Olivares described the police department’s training program. Professor Marshall Lloyd, criminal justice coordinator, said he believes in the future of the association. “I want this to be successful, and it will be; I will guarantee that,” he said. The organization is designed to introduce students to the various professions within criminal justice so they can decide

on a career. The association elected criminal justice freshman Christopher Garcia as president and criminal justice sophomore Ginger Ulloa as treasurer. Additional officers are expected to be elected in future meetings. Members also are creating a logo that they will use later on T-shirts. The San Antonio Police Officers Association awarded the Criminal Justice Student Association $500 to help the group get started. Students must have up to six hours completed and a 2.0 GPA or higher to join. Qualifying students may sign up with Cox in Room 310 of Chance Academic Center. “If you’re interested, even if you don’t want to be a police officer, come to the meeting and see what it’s all about,” Cox said. The next meeting will be at 1 p.m. Sept. 30 on the second floor of Loftin Student Center. For information, call Cox at 486-0991 or Lloyd at 486-0989.

The Ranger

6 • Sept. 18, 2009

Writing center helps students polish their prose By Mario Anguiano Face-to-face and online tutoring are available by appointment for any students, faculty and community members who need help with their writing through the writing center in Room 203 of Gonzales Hall. Writing Center Director Frances Crawford said with a laugh, “Writing is hard.” Crawford said the center provides an “engaging” process, as opposed to merely an editing service. Tutoring sessions are a partnership, with tutors using a “peertutoring concept.” Depending on where the student is with their work, they receive necessary feedback and advice to get the best possible piece of writing. “(Tutors) are always ready

and waiting,” political science freshman Jonah Thompson said Tuesday. He appeared ready to get work done, laptop out, pulling different items to work on out of his bag. Thompson said he comes to the writing center as an alternative to the library, to work on “any and all essays,” or just to do research in a quiet atmosphere. “I expect it to be quiet and peaceful, where I don’t have to worry about being interrupted.” Thompson said there should be more “environments focused on writing” throughout the campus. Crawford said faculty and students both have asked if the center could have longer hours. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday. The computers lining the walls, and the

slew of tutors readily available, are just keeping up with the demand for the center’s services, she said. Jon McCarter, writing center assistant director and English lecturer, said the center expects to get busier as the semester progresses. While scrolling through the neverending appointments on his computer screen, he said appointment times were filling fast. McCarter said he has seen a positive response in his own English 1301, Freshman Composition 1, students who he knows to have visited the center. “Look at the results,” he said, indicating research done earlier in the year over the pilot center that preceded the current writing center. The results of the research, according to an Aug. 28 e-mail

from Crawford to the campus faculty, indicate that if a student comes to the center three or more times in a semester and that if at least one of those visits was early in the semester, the writer has a strong chance of seeing a significant improvement in grades. In the same e-mail, Crawford wrote that “online tutoring is based in Second Life, a virtual world program that allows students to create an avatar and meet with our tutors’ avatars online, in real time, with voice.” Assistants in the writing center can help students create their avatars and help them get the Second Life software downloaded to their home computers. To schedule an appointment, visit the writing center in Room 203 of Gonzales or call 486-1433.

The Ranger

Sept. 18, 2009 • 7

Faculty: It’s too early to say what’s next Bernard Weiner-1

Board declares its satisfaction with chancellor’s performance while staff mulls joining the fray. By Vanessa M. Sanchez

Denver McClendon-2

Anna Bustamante-3

Marcelo Casillas-4

After announcing votes of no confidence in the chancellor at Tuesday’s board meeting, Faculty Senate chairs say they are deciding what to do next after trustees responded with a unanimous vote of confidence. Jeff Hunt, this college’s Faculty Senate chair, said he is undecided. “I don’t know; I don’t have anything yet. We made our stance and represented ourselves with great professionalism,” he said Wednesday. Senates of this college and St. Philip’s, Palo Alto and Northwest Vista reported more than 90 percent of faculty who voted at their respective colleges expressed no-confidence in the leadership of Chancellor Bruce Leslie. Mary-Ellen Jacobs, Faculty Senate chair of Palo Alto College, said Wednesday, “We are trying to formulate the next steps now.” Alex Bernal, English department chair and senate member at this college, said he is disappointed that the board ignored the fact that all the accredited colleges opposed the chancellor’s progress. As far as what is to come, Bernal said, “It’s premature to say what the next steps are. It needs to be thought out. That’s the way we work, and we will continue to work with the board.” Northwest Vista’s Faculty Senate Chair Paul Martinez said that they will make plans to further ensure “we’re not wasting too much money on consultants” because that money “represents opportunities for students.” Martinez also said he wants to work with the senate to make sure that the colleges have power to say what the curriculum is.

Hunt said he would bring up what is best to do next at the next meeting of this college’s Faculty Senate at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in Room 120 of the visual arts center. “It will be on the next senate agenda but until then, this is unusual,” he said. Efforts to reach George Johnson, St. Philip’s College’s Faculty Senate chair, Wednesday were unsuccessful. At Tuesday’s Staff Council meeting at this college, discussion and action on satisfaction with the chancellor’s job performance was not on the agenda, though council members questioned its absence. President-elect Anthony Perez said staff shouldn’t “jump on the bandwagon,” but administrative specialist Edward Diaz of admissions and records said the staff members encouraged him to bring up supporting the faculty. Parliamentarian Veila Tovar said she wanted the council to poll staffers on conducting a vote for staff on supporting the faculty resolution. Staff Council President Geraldo Guerra said, “It’s too late,” but members disagreed. President Robert Zeigler joined the council at this point and when questioned on the possibility of supporting the faculty resolution, he cautioned careful consideration. “You need to decide as staff leaders what those issues are” concerning the no-confidence resolution. “Try to understand what’s going on and what’s happened to get us where we are.” After the meeting, Guerra told The Ranger that he learned of the Faculty Senate resolution a week earlier but felt it was too late to rally Staff Council. The chancellor continues in his post with the trustees’ Tuesday night vote of confidence, a $30,000 bonus on the horizon and a new three-year contract.

Gene Sprague-6

Charles Conner-7

Gary Beitzel-8

James Rindfuss-9

Roberto Zarate-5 Photos by Destiny Mata

8 • The Ranger

News

Sept. 18, 2009 • 9

Photos by Destiny Mata

Trustees commit to Leslie despite opposition Resolution cites fiscal irresponsibility, disregard of policy and top-down management. By Jason B. Hogan Board Chairman Denver McClendon declared his unwavering confidence in Chancellor Bruce Leslie Tuesday Faculty Senates of three district colleges showed an unprecedented vote of no confidence in the chancellor’s leadership. The board approved a new three-yeear contract for the chancellor and a vote of confidence. The balloting at this college drew 75 percent of tenured and tenure-track faculty who voted 97 percent in no confidence for the chancellor’s leadership. At St. Philip’s College, 70 percent of eligible faculty voted with 91 percent expressing no confidence. Palo Alto’s faculty, with 91 percent participation, voted 99 percent no confidence. Northwest Vista’s faculty had an 85 percent eligible turnout and 96 percent claimed no confidence. Senate representatives called the chancellor fiscally irresponsible in their resolutions, questioning his motives for the proposed new headquarters at the site of Playland Park, failure to recognize principles of accreditation specified by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ignoring faculty input on academics and curriculum, and a disregard for district hiring policies. Those practices, the resolutions state, are a direct link to the more than doubling of the

number of district personnel while the number of full-time faculty at district colleges is being reduced and class sizes are increased. NVC did not draft a resolution, but Faculty Senate president Paul Martinez represented his college’s faculty at the citizens-to-be-heard session at the board’s Tuesday night meeting. Martinez focused on the growing institutional support, which is the second highest budgetary item among this district’s peer colleges, and a shift in requirement of studentfocused services. He said the chancellor’s efforts have delayed projects like Banner, use of nonstandard hiring practices and a waste of tax dollars on speculative projects such as Playland Park, a proposed district headquarters. Dr. Gene Sprague, District 6, said he continues to tell the chancellor how much he hates administration, but if the hiring of new officials can be justified, it leaves little cause of concern for him. “I’m a faculty member at a medical school,” he said. “I deal with the same things they do.” There is no such thing as a faculty member that is in love with their administration, Sprague said. “Faculty generally are suspicious of administration and they should be,” he said. “But they are not in a unique situation.” This college’s Faculty Senate chair, Jeff Hunt, said the large voter turnout at each of the colleges spoke volumes. “He (Dr. Leslie) can claim we’ve had a collaborative process with shared governance, but to us, it is merely smoke screen,” Hunt said. Leslie continually ignores faculty input on

academics, Hunt said. For that reason, and the fact that the colleges are accredited, and the district is not, Hunt said the chancellor has overstepped his bounds. But McClendon denies charges there is not sufficient communication. “The board has made itself available to faculty,” he said. “In fact, I made myself available on Friday” during a Super Senate meeting. “We’re available to them,” he continued. “We’re not trying to hide. If they see a need for more communication between board and faculty, we are certainly available to do that.” Sprague considers Leslie a willing participant in open communication, but said there are some things the chancellor just cannot cave to. Sprague said some of the faculty charges are ludicrous. He said aligning core curriculum pertains to courses that crossover to multiple colleges. Any programs that are unique to a specific campus are to be maintained. Sprague said, more specifically, colleges that are unique to their communities earn grant money for their services, and they are an aid to the district, individually. Hunt said, “Faculty are very sickened as well that the board will so quickly disregard our opinion when it comes to the students.” McClendon said he believes that the objectives of the board and district administration correlate to the faculty and staff’s goals, but he hopes it will become more harmonious. But, realistically, he said everyone does not agree the district is moving in the right direction. Efforts to reach other trustees Tuesday afternoon were unsuccessful.

Photos by Destiny Mata

Faculty Senate Presidents George Johnson III of St. Philip’s, Mary-Ellen Jacobs of Palo Alto and Paul Martinez of Northwest Vista address the board of trustees Tuesday.

St. Philip’s calls for resignation By Vanessa M. Sanchez George Johnson III, Faculty Senate president at St. Philip’s College, asked on behalf of that college’s faculty for Chancellor Bruce Leslie’s resignation during the citizens-to-be-heard portion of Tuesday night’s board meeting. He said Leslie has lost his credibility and “represents a threat to our history and future.” “Morale has diminished,” Johnson said. “We, therefore, present this vote and ask for his resignation as chancellor of the Alamo Colleges.” Ninety-one percent of votes cast by 70 percent of the faculty called for the chancellor’s resignation. A total of 149 of 209 faculty members participated in the vote Sept. 11. Johnson said if St. Philip’s faculty voted only no confidence for the chancellor, then “he’ll just come in tomorrow knowing that we have no confidence in him.” St. Philip’s does not come forward on anything unless it is a heavy situation, Johnson said. In the past, Leslie has asked each of the colleges to send him information on what is unique about each college. St. Philip’s is the only college in the nation to be both a Hispanic-serving institution and a historically black college. Johnson said the institution graduates many at-risk students and are “rich in student success.” “Bruce H. Leslie has refused to see that,” he said, noting that Leslie “does not find anything unique about the colleges under his control. He has had the opportunity to establish trust and shared governance but has not.” Leslie has no contact hours and teaches no classes, he said. He has forgotten that St. Philip’s was founded in 1898 and has survived two world wars, the Great Depression and leadership changes. “We do what we do best by putting our students first.”

Faculty: ‘We can no longer afford to remain silent’ By Vanessa M. Sanchez

sons, “we have no confidence in the leadership of Bruce H. Leslie.” Chancellor Bruce Leslie has “overexPaul Martinez, Northwest Vista tended his role by ignoring faculty, not Faculty Senate chair, said that his faculty adhering to policy and shows a lack of conalso voted no confidence. cern for the mission and facHe said the chancellor ulty,” said Jeff Hunt, Faculty has “squandered taxpaySenate chair of this college, ers’ money” by increasing during Tuesday’s board the financial burden on meeting. Leslie’s underminstudents. Martinez said ing of academic freedom at “9.9 percent of the budget this college shows Leslie disdecreased and 5.3 percent of regards the faculty at all the that is for student services.” www.theranger.org Go online for gag order, district colleges, he said. He said the lack of new hires, student protest Leslie has “removed understanding of students and community reaction. For board meeting video, go curricular authority and and district mission forced to www.alamo.edu/district/ monopolized that authorthem to vote no confidence. distmm/videos.htm. ity at the district level,” Laura Miele, allied Hunt said, adding that faculty members health instructor at St. Philip’s, put recent were disappointed to issue “a resolution district changes of name, logos, teleof no confidence to the chancellor.” phones, Web and e-mail addresses into Palo Alto Faculty Senate President perspective by comparing to President Mary-Ellen Jacobs said, “As faculty from Obama telling Texas officials they could Palo Alto College, we speak out in one no longer use the Texas seal on any docuvoice to provide students with the highments and could no longer fly the Texas est quality in education. We can no flag at the same level as the American flag. longer afford to remain silent.” Loud whispers filled the room as the The chancellor undermines student crowd reacted to the hypothetical examsupport, new administrator positions ples. She said she hopes her children will have been created and student success one day attend a district college but that has been compromised, she said. they will have the freedom of thought, Jacobs said student support services research and conclusion to consider coophave failed and labs and tutoring hours erative transparency and shared goverhave been shortened, and for these reanance.

The Ranger

10 • Sept. 18, 2009

‘The Sauce’ covers talk that matters Leda Garcia

President Robert Zeigler plans to join DJs on the air once a week. By Henry Chavarria The morning talk show “The Sauce” on college radio station KSYM 90.1 FM will observe its 100th show Sept. 28. And college President Robert Zeigler has begun joining the three hosts from 7:30 a.m.-8 a.m. Thursdays to answer students’ questions. Questions will be gathered from students around campus, and students also can call in at 486-5796. The morning talk show, which hit the airwaves May 11, airs from 6 a.m.-8 a.m. weekdays with the simple purpose to give the audience straight news and music. The hosts are radio-television-film majors. Freshman Robert Medina and sophomores James Velten and John Basham “try their best not to give their personal opinion on local, national and world news,” Medina said. While most morning talk shows consist of 20 minutes of music and 20 minutes of news, the three hosts decided it would be more appealing to have 20-minute segments of

Sophomores James Velten and John Basham and freshman Robert Medina — radiotelevision-film majors — host the morning talk show “The Sauce” on the college’s radio station KSYM 90.1 FM at 6 a.m. weekdays. news and 40 minutes of er reports, sports highmusic. lights, today in history “The music during and birthdays, which the show has become a come from a news blend of blues, rock and feed from USA News country alternatives Network, the nation’s since we do not play award-winning college www.theranger.org See photo slide show of much of those genres in fax news service, which KSYM’s “The Sauce.” the rest of our regular provides news from programming,” Velten said. ABC News, CNN, ESPN, USA Today The show features traffic, weath- and other major sources. Destiny Mata

Contest on Latino health By Lorraine Gomez

Tanya Martinez, vocalist for the band Bocastria, performs for the opening celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month Wednesday in the Fiesta Room. Martinez is originally from San Antonio and received a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology at UT-Austin. For more events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, log onto www.theranger.org.

Immediately after one show ends, the guys start planning for the following day. “The best way for me to prepare for each show is to stay on my feet,” Basham said pointing to the San Antonio Express-News, which he keeps nearby for local news. “Hosting a morning talk show takes a lot of commitment,” Medina said, “but it’s not too bad once you get used to waking up at 4:30 in the morning.” Medina handles most of the promotions and audio production during the show — running the board, cueing music and sound effects. On top of going to school full time and hosting a morning show, Medina hosts “The Party” radio show from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays. Last spring Velten proposed bringing a morning show to KSYM. He is a part-time student and works a graveyard shift at a gas station at the edge of downtown. “Sometimes, I won’t sleep and just head to the station right after work,” Velten said, “but the best way to manage my time is to suck it up and deal with what needs to be done.” The station is taking applications for promotion, music and graphics. For more information, call 486-1371.

Health issues facing San Antonio Latinos, such as diabetes, obesity and high teen pregnancy rates, are the focus of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest. Noon Oct. 2 is the deadline to enter the essay contest, which is sponsored by the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, student financial services and the English department. Scholarships will be awarded to the writers of the four best essays. The first-prize winner will

receive $400, second place will receive $300, and two third-prize winners will receive $150 each. To participate, students must have a grade-point average of at least 2.0 and be enrolled in at least six credit hours. Winners will be notified by Oct. 9. An awards ceremony is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 13 in Koehler Cultural Center. For guidelines and more information, call English faculty members Liz Ann Baez Aguilar at 486-0650, Mariano Aguilar Jr. at 486-0651 or Patricia Portales at 486-0681.

The Ranger

Calendar

Sept. 18, 2009 • 11

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

Wednesday SAC Meeting: Teaching Academy Program Peers 1 p.m.–2 p.m. in Room 128 of Gonzales. Call 733-2539.

Today SAC Event: Mayor Julián Castro Hispanic Heritage address 10 a.m.–10:30 a.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125. SAC Performance: “Azul Barrientos” 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125. Monday SAC Event: Salsa dance lessons from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: Society of MexicanAmerican Engineers and Scientists 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Call 486-0125. SAC Transfer: Schreiner University information table 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in the transfer center on the first floor of Moody. Call 486-0864. SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.–2 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864. Tuesday

SAC Event: “Cooking with Mama” 12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: American Institute of Architecture Students 4 p.m.–5 p.m. in Room 251 of Chance. Call 486-0125. SAC Workshop: “To Google or not to Google ... That is the Question” 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0494. Thursday SAC Event: Presidents Round Table 2 p.m.–3 p.m. in the Craft Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125. SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in the transfer center on the first floor of Moody and noon to 7 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864. Fotoseptiembre: SAC and UTSA Architecture Alumni and Students exhibit 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Schiebel-Richardson Gallery, 626 Ave. E. Call 228-9921.

SAC Recital: Terry Muska and Madalyn Blanchett at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255. SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 4 p.m.–6:30 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864. SAC Transfer: University of Incarnate Word 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University 1 p.m.–4:30 p.m. in the transfer center on the first floor of Moody. Call 486-0864.

www.theranger.org Complete calendar online.

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

12 • Sept. 18, 2009

Editorial

The Ranger Melissa Ann Rodriguez

The Ranger

Editor Jason B. Hogan Managing Editor Vanessa M. Sanchez Calendar Editor Henry A. Chavarria Photo Editor Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle Photographers Leda Garcia Destiny Mata Production Manager Laura Garcia Production Assistant Alena Ramirez Newsroom Assistant Zahra Farah Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos Melissa Ann Rodriguez Staff Writers Mario Anguiano, Tyler K. Cleveland, Emilio Davila, Lorraine Gomez, Steven L. Moya, Erika Torres Web Administrator/Circulation Regis L. Roberts

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 (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request (486-1765). 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 doublespaced, 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: Because of high production costs, members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue. 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.

Opinion

The Ranger

Gag order inappropriate at academic institution Faculty leaders say Chancellor Bruce Leslie has forbidden them from distributing their own notes from meetings, such as the District Chair’s Council and Super Senate. Instead, annotation of meeting minutes is the express responsibility of district representatives. Members of the ad hoc Accreditation Committee are not allowed to discuss the progress of their study of combining all five of the district colleges into one college to attain a single accreditation. How odd that an administration that says it prizes transparency limits others’ efforts to share information gleaned from meetings. One of the five district shared values designates communication as a top priority and lists it as a district responsibility to “engage in open and transparent communication, information sharing and collaboration.” This gag order must be a reaction to criticism of the board of trustees, chancellor and district administration that advising bodies of the five colleges have shared over the last two years. The District Council of Chairs’ letter sent to Leslie in November 2008 held lack of planning, communication and transparency accountable for district failures.

Faculty Senates — this college and Palo Alto College — called the district and board of trustees “fiscally irresponsible” after they bought the Playland Park property and proposed building a $131 million district headquarters. Groups have openly criticized the chancellor for changing the name of the district twice and the ripple effect of the adoption of new logos, all without consultation from college employees. The incremental move toward single accreditation — a common core curriculum, course alignment and rumored common learning outcomes and the appointment of a committee to study the consolidation of the colleges — has raised the most objections. The chancellor has reneged on the promise of transparency by openly refusing to allow anyone other than his assistants to disperse their observations of what goes on in meetings. His assistants and public relations officials give accurate, if limited, information on proceedings. But as many people have pointed out, the “official” version is not the whole story. This district can’t represent constituencies with academic freedom and pretend to prize transparency, if it squelches the free and open exchange of ideas.

Viewpoints, Letters & Comments Log onto www.theranger.org for reader opinions such as comments on the no-confidence vote on the chancellor. www.theranger.org

Sept. 18, 2009 • 13

Chancellor: Donate your bonus money to scholarships Chancellor Bruce Leslie should be noble enough to donate his $30,000 bonus to the students of the Alamo Community College District. The chancellor’s original contract promised him $30,000 if he stayed in the job three years. On Nov. 1, he will fulfill that obligation, and he’s doing it with an annual salary of $313,633.84 The district budget was in such dire straits this year that no one got across-the-board raises although trustees promised to consider a 2 percent raise mid-year if district financial objectives are met. College budgets have been slashed, forcing mergers of departments, cutbacks in student services, an increase in class sizes and greater reliance on adjunct faculty. Although $30,000 wouldn’t go far in adding teachers or keeping labs open, the chancellor should donate his bonus to the Alamo Community College District Foundation. With the rise in tuition, textbooks, child care and taxes along with the fluctuating price of gas and utility bills, 120 students could benefit from a $250 scholarship or 15 deserving students could receive a $2,000 scholarship. That’s a good deed that would make a big difference to some students.

People

14 • Sept. 18, 2009

The Ranger Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle

Sing a long:

Economics sophomore Daniel Having belts out “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zepplin during a karaoke performance Monday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Karaoke takes place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every other Monday. The next one is scheduled for Sept. 28.

Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle

Destiny Mata

Pool Champs:

Liberal arts freshman Timothy Hernandez and pharmacy sophomore Robert Reyes battle it out in an 8-ball pool tournament Monday. Hernandez won an iPod Shuffle for first place and Reyes a SAC T-shirt for second.

Breathe out: Freshman Arthur Nino, electrical engineering freshman, concentrates on exercising his arms in Candler Sept. 10. The physical conditioning room hours are 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 p.m. Friday. Destiny Mata

Leda Garcia

Friends:

Psychology freshman Raja Anthony AbuNakha Bal makes a new friend, theater sophomore Daniel Lerma, during New Friend Tuesday in the mall. Bal was cooling off after jogging class and was happy to meet friendly people.

Entertainment:

Music sophomore Gilbert Abundis, a member of Danglewood, performs Sept. 11 in Loftin. Joshua Fuentes, St. Philip’s College music sophomore and former student of this college, and Matthew Garcia formed the band with Abundis in 2000. This is their second time performing in the Fiesta Room.

The Ranger

Sept. 18, 2009 • 15 Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle

Clothes, purses and shoes are stored Wednesday in the Magic Closet in the basement of the Catholic Student Center. The closet’s grand opening will be Sept. 24.

Magic Closet dresses women for success By Erika Torres The grand opening of the Magic Closet, a program that provides professional women’s clothing for low-income students, will be Thursday. Even before the grand opening, some students already have received help informally from the closet, which is located in the lower level of the Catholic Student Center, 312 W. Courtland Place. Dr. Alice Johnson, dean of learning resources, said the program is for students who have a job interview or are starting a job and do not have appropriate clothing. Debbie Middleton, continuing education specialist, said, “It’s definitely going to benefit low-income students. It’s going to do a lot to encourage them and build their self-esteem.” The closet first opened its doors in 2001. It moved to St. Philip’s College in 2005, but closed there and returned to this college early this year on an informal, referral basis. Middleton said two board members of the Network Power/Texas organization, a support group for area businesswomen, started the Magic Closet because they felt there was a need for it. The program got its name from the Magic Time Machine, which was where Network Power/Texas first met. At the onset, donations for the closet were housed in spare bedrooms, offices and the trunks of cars, Middleton said. A collection of women’s professional clothing items in various sizes has been donated, but Johnson said clothing in larger and plus sizes is especially needed. “It’s such a crowded place,” Johnson said. “There is a lot of work to be done, but it’s worth it.” She also said she hopes to take pictures of all of the clothing and put it in an online database. Recipients must be students at colleges in the Alamo Community College District, Johnson said. Students make an appointment, go through the racks of clothing, try on outfits and pick something. “Normally, it’s one outfit per person.” The motto of the Magic Closet is “dressing today’s students for tomorrow’s success.” “Let’s face it, sometimes you are judged on your appearance,” Johnson said. To schedule an appointment for access to the closet and to make donations, call 486-0904 or 486-0903.

16 â&#x20AC;˘ Sept. 18, 2009

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