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Volume 90 Issue 11 • Feb. 15, 2016
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
Unified English labs now called Word Play Page 3
online now Staff Council hopes to ignite employee of the month award
SGA pleased with results of Charity Ball, Pizza with the President
Departments play musical chairs By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
In the heart of America Wildlife biology freshman Curtis Bitterly studies a soap bar on display at the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association encampment Wednesday in the mall in celebration of Black
History Month. Clarence Thompson, coordinator, and Clay Leslie, assistant supply, discussed the equipment and supplies available to Buffalo Soldiers of the 19th century. Read the story on theranger.org. Aly Miranda
This college is undergoing a reorganization of departments and programs that will also change for some which dean they report to. Nothing is set in stone, but there is a plan for where certain programs will possibly be moved so they best align with the AlamoInstitutes. There are 19 department chairs, but the proposed plan is to lower that number to 12. Chairs were notified of the proposal in a joint chairs meeting Feb. 4 and were given until Friday to report any feedback. Dr. Conrad Krueger, dean of arts and sciences, has worked with others on the plan since last December. The proposed plan started with a conversation between Krueger and Vernell Walker, dean of professional and technical education. They took it to Dr. Jothany Blackwood, vice president of academic success, and eventually to the college
See CHAIRS, Page 7
Trustee faces class conflict
SGA seeks applicant for board
By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
Deadlines vary at colleges, but board receives five nominees by Feb. 29 and then interviews each. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
Student trustee Sami Adames was absent from January’s regular board meeting, allowing student trustee alternate and web design sophomore Hannah Mahaffey to sit in for her. Board liaison Sandra Mora said Adames, a criminal justice sophomore at Northwest Vista College, missed the meeting because of a Tuesday night class. The board’s committee and regular session are scheduled on Tuesdays each month. Adames said despite lab courses at 5:30 and 9 p.m. she has made the necessary arrangements with the respective professors to fulfill her responsibilities. Adames declined to give the names of the courses and professors.
Student trustee Sami Adames at a committee meeting Oct. 20. File She said the courses are not part of her degree plan and simply supply extra courses that will benefit her transfer. Adames com pleted her degree plan in spring 2015 and is enrolled in the minimum six hours required to serve on the board as a non-voting member. To contact Adames, email sadames3@alamo.edu or call board liaison Sandra Mora at 210-485-0030
Since May, criminal justice sophomore Sami Adames has represented students on the board of trustees as student trustee; however, her term will come to a close at the end of this semester. To find the next student trustee, student government associations from all five colleges are now taking applications. Each Alamo College’s SGA this month will interview each of their applicants and choose one candidate to submit to the board of trustees by Feb. 29. This college’s deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Feb. 19. Harley Williams, psychology sophomore and SGA president, said the date allows plenty of time to review each candidate. Palo Alto College’s applications are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 15 in student center 10. The Ranger was unable to reach Saint Philip’s College’s SGA because its president, LaTonya Jones, is out of town, according to the office of student life.
Northwest Vista College will be accepting applications until 5 p.m. Feb. 23 in Room 110 of Huisache Hall with interviews to follow. Northeast Lakeview College’s SGA currently has not set a deadline, said Marlon Anderson, director of student development, activities and leadership and SGA adviser. Williams said this college’s SGA is looking for someone who is passionate and committed to the job but also balanced in their approach. Applicants must go above and beyond to make themselves available to students. Williams and Jami Keeton, liberal arts sophomore and SGA vice president, said former student trustee Jacob Wong and Adames are examples of going above and beyond. Wong, who was the first student trustee appointed by the Alamo Colleges, would try to attend every student government meeting at each of the respective colleges to hear student concerns. Williams and Keeton said Wong’s approach isn’t for everybody and said Adames’ approach was acceptable as well. Adames, who has work commitments, has made herself available via phone and email for any concerns
See SGA, Page 7
Panelists: Proper prep can end ‘S.A. swirl’ Educator want students to find and stick to a degree plan for quick transfers. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
Students must be comfortable at the university they transfer to and able to communicate when they run into an issue about degree plans, a panel of San Antonio university leaders said Feb. 8 during the Alamo Colleges 2016 strategic stakeholders retreat. The panel consisted of Dr. Richard Romo, University of Texas at San Antonio president; Dr. David Jurenovich, vice presi-
dent for enrollment management at the University of the Incarnate Word; and Dr. Cynthia TenienteMatson, president of Texas A&MSan Antonio. Romo said the biggest key to success for a sense of perceived institutional fit is being proactive when engaging with students early on and making them feel welcomed. “Welcome the students and engage with them early so students know that this is going to be their home,” Romo said. “None of us want to be ignored, none of us want to be slighted.” He continued, “Once they are in the right place, that’s the begin-
ning where they can feel comfortable dents to make sure they understand seeking all the help possible.” what they need to do and where they The panelists talked of their expe- are going. riences with students with excess Matson said the idea of credit hours and agreed with Romo’s AlamoAdvise and AlamoInstitutes is sentiment, noting the critical and suggested “San Antonio swirl’” offering more dualSee Page 7 which describes stuenrollment opporfor more dents bouncing all tunities to reach stuon strategic over the city trying to dents even in middle stakeholders find the right fit. school. retreat. Matson said the In the Q&A porbest thing for Alamo tion, a faculty memColleges was to preber talked about the pare students by teaching the lan- difficulties transferring to four-year guage of higher education, suggest- institutions because of a lack of coming that the colleges need to “reach mon course numbering in the state, back” earlier, engaging with stu- forcing students to retake classes
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they already completed. On the potential of getting a common course number system, the panel said it would be very difficult with the current Legislature. “We have too many distractions and not enough time,” Romo said of state policy. Matson echoed the sentiment, but said she did feel it was possible, having seen it done when she was in California. “It’s hard to get everyone to agree. It took five years to get faculty to agree on a common curriculum,” Matson said. “We all think it’s a good idea in theory.”
SAConnected
2 • Feb. 15, 2016
www.theranger.org/calendar
Pingpong lesson Biology sophomore Jash Green and music sophomore Lindsey Carter go head-to-head on a pingpong table Feb. 8 in the game room on the second floor of Loftin. Carter recently became friends with Green and teaches him various elements of the game. The game room is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. A student ID is required to check out paddles, and a ball is 25 cents. Vincent Reyna
Ash
Wednesday
Father Luis Belmonte applies ashes to Sophie CalderaCastañeda, student success coordinator for the vice president of academic success, during Ash Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. The Catholic Student Center is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Mandy Derfler
Jazz time
today tues Deadline: Last day to withdraw for a 25 percent refund. PAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio recruiters 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in student center. Call 210-486-3131. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon1 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0133. SAC Event: Rosary by the Catholic Student Association 12:15 p.m. in the Catholic Student Center. Email catholicstudentassoc iat ionsac@gmail.com. NVC Meeting: InterVarsity club 12:30-1:45 p.m. in the amphitheater of Live Oak Hall and 7:30-9 p.m. in Room 113 of Huisache. Email bsteeves@ student.alamo.edu. SAC Meeting: Society of Women Engineers 3-4 p.m. Room 204 of Chance. Call 210-486-1825. SAC Basketball: Men’s at Schreiner University 8 p.m. Edington Gym, Kerrville. Call 210-486-0129.
PAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio recruiters 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in student center. Call 210-486-3131. SAC Event: Civic Engagement volunteer sign-up/meet and greet with new civic engagement Coordinator Bianca Sapet 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Event: “Capital Punishment Texas Style!” Hot Potato with criminal justice Professor Marshall Lloyd 12:15 p.m. at the Methodist Student Center. Call 210-733-1441. SAC Event: Pingpong tournament 2-4 p.m. in the game room of Loftin. Deadline to sign up is the day before the tournament. Call 210-486-0129. SAC Event: National Society of Leadership and Success training day by Sigma Alpha Pi 2-5 p.m. craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-3125. SAC Event: Rangers registration days. Get help registering for fall 2016 4-7 p.m. Duran Welcome Center. Call 210486-0948. SAC Meeting: National Society of Leadership and Success Networking Team first meeting 5-7 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-3125.
Pierre Poree claps while tuba player Jay Thomas and banjo player Bob Black play “Struttin’ With Some BBQ” by Louis Armstrong. The Bob Black Trio played jazz music in celebration of Mardi Gras’ Fat Tuesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Aly Miranda
wed
thur
Deadline: Spring 2016 Start 2, last day to withdraw for a 70 percent refund.
Deadline: Spring 2016 Start 2, first day to withdraw for a 25 percent refund. Continues until Feb. 23.
SAC Event: Military Resource Expo providing information to student veterans 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Gym 2 of Candler. Call 210486-0111. SAC Event: Live Well Fair by the office of student life 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Free. Call 210486-0127.
SAC Event: Poetry Slam featuring local poets 11 a.m.noon cafeteria of Loftin. Free. Call 210-486-0134. SAC Meeting: SAC Gaming Society 12:30 p.m. in Room 707J of Moody.
fri
sat
PAC Event – BHM: Habitat for Humanity – Build Day community service project 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For location and sign-up, call 210-486-3125
Event: People’s Law School free education sessions by the San Antonio Bar Foundation and the St. Mary’s University School of Law 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Law Classroom Building, St. Mary’s. Call 210-431-5734.
PAC Event: “Shots Fired” presentation by campus police 8-9:30 a.m. in Room 101 of the performing arts center. Call 210-485-0099.
SAC Meeting: Future Teachers Organization 1:45 p.m. in Room 108 of Gonzales. Call 210-643-2165.
NVC Field Trip: Psychology Club networking opportunity 12:30-3 p.m. at the University of Texas at San Antonio. For details, email jsosa74@student.alamo.edu.
PAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio recruiters 4-6 p.m. in Brazos Hall. Call 210-486-3131
SAC Meeting: Asian Pop Society 2-5 p.m. craft room of Loftin. Email apopofsac@ gmail.com.
SAC Meeting: Phi Theta Kappa orientation session 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Megalab of Moody. Continues Thursday. Call 210-486-0058.
SAC Event: Coffee night by the Cheshyre Cheese Club 6-9 p.m. in cafeteria of Loftin. Call 210-486-0649.
SAC Event: National Society of Leadership and Success Speaker Broadcast JuJu Chang by office of student life 5:457:45 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0134.
NVC Performance: Psi Beta event, “The Vagina Monologues” 7-8:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Theatre. Email sgrande@student.alamo. edu.
Event: “How I Learned To Drive,” Paula Vogel’s Pulitzerwinning play inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s novel “Lolita.” 8-10 p.m. FridaySaturday 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, 7-10 p.m. Feb. 24-25 and 8-10 p.m. Feb. 26-27 in Ruth Taylor Fine Arts Center 327 – Attic Theater, Trinity University. $6 for students, $8 for faculty, $12 for the public. Call 210999-8515.
PAC Event – BHM: Black History Film Series: “Fruitvale Station” 10:30-11:45 a.m., 12:15-2:30 p.m., 2:45-5 p.m. in student center annex. Free. Call 210-486-3125.
SAC Basketball: Women’s vs. Southwest Texas Junior College 6 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler. Call 210-486-0129. SAC Basketball: Men’s vs. Our Lady of the Lake University 7 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler. Call 210-486-0129.
SAC Event: Golden Gloves registration deadline. For information, call 210-486-0128.
sun
SPC Performance BHM: “Black History Month Celebration” with San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble and Academy of Fine Arts Jazz Band 2:30 p.m. in Watson Fine Arts theatre. Free. Email scrockett-bell@alamo.edu. Event: KSYM’s 50th anniversary 8 p.m. at Sam’s Burger Joint Music Hall. Call 210223-2830.
mon
SAC Event: Blood Drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the mall. Call 210-486-0128. SAC Event: Rosary by the Catholic Student Association 12:15 p.m. in the Catholic Student Center. Email catholicstudentassociationsac@gmail. com. NVC Meeting: InterVarsity club 12:30-1:45 p.m. in the amphitheater of Live Oak and 7:30-9 p.m. in Room 113 of Huisache. Email bsteeves@student.alamo.edu. SAC Meeting: Club AMAR 3 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0601. NVC Meeting: Pre-Health delegation 3:30-5 p.m. in Room 301 of Live Oak. Email vgutierrez118@student.alamo. edu.
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For coverage in SAConnected, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Visit theranger.org for more upcoming events.
News
www.theranger.org/news
Candidate emphasizes student advocacy center Plan includes more veteran support services. By Melissa Luna
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Dr. Diane Walleser, one of the three candidates in the running for vice president for student success at this college, highlighted her plans for an advocacy student center at a student discussion and presentation Jan. 28. She has been vice president, enrollment management and student services at Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio, since August 2014. Walleser outlined her plans to reduce the stress and runaround students endure during the registration process by offering resources, such as peer guiding and specialized financial aid support. “Having current students helping new students is a great way to reduce the amount of people a student talks to while trying to register,” she said. In the one-stop center, students can get all their registration questions and problems taken care of without having to visit multiple buildings. The center will house specially trained staff who will be able to guide students on campus, and inform them about off-campus resources. Students will be able to get information about volunteer opportunities, and how to improve study and time management skills. Walleser also hopes to expand veteran support services by including a veteran-only orientation for new students, which will inform students of career placement opportunities and oncampus clubs and organizations available to them. “I can bring a best-practice perspective to the recruitment
By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
Dr. Diane Walleser, candidate for vice president for student success, presents her plans for a One-Stop resource center for students at EcoCentro. Walleser’s plan will include a center for students to have their questions and immediate concerns addressed from the initial college application to class registration. Brandon A. Edwards process,” she said. Walleser wants the center’s operating hours to accommodate students’ schedules, instead of vice versa. “We will track students’ needs and try to base operating hours based on those needs,” she said. “We can’t expect students to be able to do everything they need for school between 8 and 5.” More help for students leads to happier students, which will then lead to happier staff, she said. Walleser told students she loves to walk among the student body on a regular basis so she can interact with the students she is helping to succeed. “This position needs to have accessibility or it doesn’t work,” she said. “I want to be in a school that has big goals.”
Plan aims to help at-risk, low-income students. By Melissa Luna
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Dr. Gerardo Moreno, candidate for vice president for student success, answers a question from a Travis Early College High School student Feb. 4 in Room 120 of visual arts. Students asked about topics ranging from college dining to the success rate of students enrolled in the Islander Advocacy Program. Moreno implemented the program for upperclassmen to mentor incoming freshmen at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Brandon A. Edwards support groups. If chosen, Moreno also will concentrate on federally funded programs and help promote future practices that are consistent with a learning-centered college environment. At the university, Moreno helped implement the Islander Advocate Program, where every new student is assigned an upperclassman mentor to guide them through their first year in school. Peer mentoring, especially through the first year, can ease the stress and headaches of incoming students, Moreno said. A hectic first year can lead to students
not finishing the year, and some students choose not to return to school, he said. Liberal arts sophomore Mike Nguyen asked Moreno, “Why are you choosing to come to a community college from a four-year university?” “Because they don’t need me at Texas A&M anymore,” Moreno said. “They have the established programs. Now it’s time to help a community college.” Moreno grew up in a migrant family. His father only made it to the third grade, while his mother didn’t go to school at all. “If someone from a migrant family can do it, you are more than capable of doing it,” Moreno said.
Unified English labs now called Word Play Lab helps students with writing and grammar. By Christie Tavera
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The English, reading and education department is betting Word Play will be good for students. Word Play: Integrated Reading and Writing (INRW) Center, in Rooms 118 and 122 of Gonzales Hall, is available to students who are enrolled in INRW courses and ENGL 1301, Freshman Composition. A sister lab to the upstairs writing center, students can
take advantage of the lab’s tutoring services by setting up appointments either in person or by calling 210-486-1616. The center hours are 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. WednesdayThursday and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Students can also use the Word Play: INRW lab for all subjects. Tutors are nationally certified by the College Reading & Learning Association and
New division hopes to increase college efficiency A strategic plan has been proposed to improve college.
First-generation college student third VP candidate
Dr. Gerardo Moreno, who grew up in a migrant family, made it clear Feb. 4 his student success plan targets first-timein-college and first-generation students starting their academic careers. The audience in the visual arts center included almost 30 students from Travis Early College High School. Moreno, assistant vice president for student success at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi, is the third candidate in the running for vice president for student success at this college. “I’d like to start something that will have an impact on students,” Moreno said. His goal is to design and implement advising programs that will help retention efforts. Moreno asked the audience, “How many of you are first in your family to go to college?” The majority of students raised a hand. He outlined his plans to start a First Scholars Academy where first-generation students could receive specialized help in financial aid, scholarships, books and
Feb. 15, 2016 • 3
are continuously trained in the latest developmental programs and curriculums. Other benefits of the INRW lab include a spacious study area and an open computer lab. In addition, Go Print kiosks are available for students’ printing needs. Workshops are scheduled throughout the semester. Although the spring semester schedule has not been finalized, students are always welcome to stop by the center to check on workshop schedules.
Center Coordinator Michelle Garza said the writing center is “to supplement versus editing, and serving to help improve the writer.” She stressed, “We don’t edit papers, but we help students understand grammar concepts.” To help the creative writer in everyone, the INRW lab features a rotating Art Exhibit. The current exhibit called “Primitiva” features works by former Northwest Vista student, Daniela Riojas and will last through April 25.
A collegewide assessment is being done to evaluate if students are getting the most out of their classes and if instructors are providing sufficient learning outcomes. This is where the newly formed Integrated Planning and Performance Excellence division comes in. The division has been put together to help develop and maintain a strategic planning cycle for this college involving steps including assessments, review and improvements for departments, programs and the college in general. “We’re not just trying to deliver a service; we want to see if we’re delivering quality,” President Robert Vela said. “We need to look, evaluate and assess. IPPE assists in this institutionalwide assessment of continuous improvement.” If an instructor wants to see if their teaching methodology is appropriate and effective, they can look back at the assessment and see the statistics in their classes, then make improvements if needed, he said. “At the end of the day, we want students to walk away from their courses knowing they’re getting the best they can when moving on to the next course or institution,” Vela said. There are a lot of factors that may affect the outcome of these assessments, he said. “Students may have issues outside of school or may not be prepared for classes here,” Vela said. “If that’s the case, we need to have a plan of action to figure out what can be done to help them.” There are scholarships, financial aid, writing labs and tutoring available for students; there are ways to help students stay in class, he said. Regarding any sort of consequences for instructors, Vela said these assessments and outcomes are not meant to punish faculty or staff. However, there is a form of punishment called progressive discipline. If there is a complaint regarding faculty or staff who are unethical in any way, they are given a verbal reprimand. If an offense is repeated, then they are given a written warning. If the behavior continues, it may lead to eventual dismissal. Anything that is considered unethical or something such as missing work could warrant the warnings. In the case of missing work, the verbal warning may be skipped and jump to a written reprimand if the person fails to call in. “We want to see what instructors are doing to improve success We want to see rates. We can all get better. We what instructors just want to figure out how everyare doing one can succeed,” Vela said. to improve He went on to say that the success rates. accreditation of the college relies Robert Vela, on having a good plan. President This college is currently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and must demonstrate it is assessing and improving, he said. The IPPE division is composed of three members IPPE Chief Dr. Kristine Clark, Francisco Solis, director of learning assessment and unit review, and Cynthia Price, senior statistical research specialist. Clark is a retired vice chancellor of the Alamo Colleges, and former executive vice president of this college. Vela had the idea for the IPPE and thought Clark would be great for the position. The job was not advertised as procedure dictates. “She knows the Alamo Colleges, the faculty here and has the skill set I was looking for to start the department,” Vela said. “She is here to help build up the program and maintain it for as long as she’s here.” Clark is working for the division until her contract expires at the end of May, at which time Vela will take over. Solis said, “In unit review, all departments go into a fiveyear review process and then report to a committee. Learning assessments refer to the five things students will learn in a course, referred to as student learning outcomes (SLOs) that are seen at the top of course syllabi.” It’s an assessment regarding whether each instructor for each course for each section does or does not complete SLOs. Faculty have access to a program called eLumen that tracks students’ performance and allows them to assess their classes. Price works on the strategic plan for the college, helping divisions such as student success, the academic division and college support accomplish goals, targets and measures.
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Prem STEM events hit the
4 • www.theranger.org/premiere
Discussion on undergraduate programs featured during w By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
A couple of events for STEM Week should attract students involved in the science, technology, engineering and math departments. The week showcases courses in the STEM category to get students interested in these majors. Several STEM-related student organizations on campus, such as the Mexican American Engineers and Scientists, created a solar electric cart in 2015. The MESA Center seeks students for the undergraduate research program this sum-
Nursing sophomore Jessica Woodward inspects a model heart to learn the structures at the BioSpot in Room 350 of Chance. Vincent Reyna
Driven to wi Students construct energy-efficient car. By Alexis D. Vega
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Above: Nursing sophomore Areli Altamirano practices sign language at the BioSpot Wednesday in Room 350 of Chance. Altamirano reviewed the different signs for greetings, shapes, colors, ABCs and commands. Vincent Reyna Right: Education sophomore Danielle Caballero tends the BioSpot desk. Caballero helps issue books for check-out, changes the coffeepot and helps students with the computers. Vincent Reyna
Biology study center offers tutoring, hands-on tools Students can ace science or nursing courses with help from the Biospot. By Hillary E. Ratcliff sac-ranger@alamo.edu
For some students, biological sciences come easy, but for those who need support, there is a service available on this campus. The Biospot in Room 350 of Chance Academic Center is the tutoring center geared toward biology and nursing students. The amenities range from help with classwork to somewhere quiet to study. There are study rooms available to single students and groups and open space to receive help from classmates or professors. Several professors hold office hours in the Biospot to offer outside classroom assistance. At times, professors are known to hold study sessions for their courses. Outside of offering another quiet place on campus to study, students have access to material that can be checked out, such as textbooks. For the more hands-on and visual students, there’s a wide range of biology models, from the chest cavity to the human heart. Students can use these models to
Pre-nursing sophomore Jeremy Gonzales uses his camera to copy notes for BIOL 2402, Anatomy and Physiology II, in the BioSpot. Gonzales uses an app called CamScanner to convert the photo into a PDF file. Vincent Reyna
A model eyeball is one of many tools for students in the BioSpot. Vincent Reyna gain understanding of two-dimensional images in textbooks. There are also microscopes and slides for observing samples outside of classroom lab times.
Technology includes a general computer lab, copier and printer. Students can use the Internet to access ACES, Canvas and other programs. The center offers printing for papers or course materials. The Biospot can be an aid, especially to students taking an online science course and needing somewhere to access material and receive help. Beyond helping students ace their science and nursing courses, theBiospot offers free coffee every morning and a microwave for students. The Biospot is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, Call 210-4860860.
mer, which involves work on the For more information, visit a mesa under the student resourc MESA Coordinator Analisa S charge of STEM Week this semes There will be a STEM stude panel discussion at 2 p.m. Tues MESA Center. Students are welcome to a listen to students who have part STEM undergraduate research. These students will share th ences, what they’ve learned an grams they have participated in. This is a chance for students
This college’s chapter of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists is building a hydrogen fuel cell car to zoom into the Motor City for a competition in April. The students will compete in the Shell Eco Marathon Completion of the Americas April 22-24 in Detroit. MAES is made up of 20 students. Dominic Ochoa, team leader for the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car project, began recruiting students for the team in August. Ochoa put together a proposal and presented it to the faculty. The team is building an energy-efficient vehicle to compete against others from around the world. The car must be designed, built and driven by the students. The eco-friendly car, which can only seat a driver, will weigh about 150 pounds, excluding the driver. Although the car seems small, its benefits are big. The car releases steam as the byproduct instead of carbon dioxide. Hydrogen as fuel, Ochoa said, is pretty sweet. “Hydrogen is one of the most abundant substances on the planet,” he said. “Using it as a fuel is a no-brainer.” “The most enjoyable part
is definitely not the process, because it’s pretty grueling. The final product, once you see the car come to life, it’s driving under its own power and you look back on all the things you learned and all the skills you developed and got better at. That’s what makes it worth it.” MAES built a car that ran on solar energy before, but this is the first time the organization will compete. From research to design and running the car, students are using skills they learned in classes, such as engineering graphics, while other skills came from hands-on work on the car. “The most challenging part is actually not the engineering. It’s the other things like the fund-raising that we are still doing,” Ochoa said. MAES has invested $15,000 into the car’s fuel cell system alone. “It’s a very expensive piece of technology,” Ochoa said. The money is from grants and donation, he said. The organization is looking to raise an additional $8,000 to start building the car and complete the project. MAES members are submitting proposals to companies in and around San Antonio. MAES is hoping to assemble the frame by the end of February and have it completed in mid-April. Although most of the students working on this ecofriendly car are STEM majors,
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CIS chair na Troy Touchette calls his teaching style “giving the opportunity to figure things out on their own.” By Jerico Magallanes sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Troy Touchette, computer information systems chair, was recently named Tech Educator of the Year for 2015 by the San Antonio Business Journal’s second Tech Flash Titan Awards in December. According to the SABJ, Touchette’s work shaped a curriculum to help students make a more seamless transition throughout academic careers and onward to employment in technology.
Vernell Walker, dean of profession al and technical education, said in a email, “As department chairperson Troy Touchette received recognitio for San Antonio College as a Nationa Center of Academic Excellence i Cyber Defense for Two-Year Educatio from the National Security Agency an the Department of Homeland Securit The CAE2Y award was presente with a certificate ‘in recognition of sig nificant contributions in meeting th national demand for cyber defens
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Feb. 15, 2016 • 5 Illustratio
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in similar programs and opportunities to ask questions. Dr. Thomas Adams, curator of paleontology and geology at the Witte Museum, was scheduled to speak at the center, but he is not available on the date asked. They are rescheduling his visit for a later date this semester. A field trip, sponsored by Motivating Engineers To Achieve, Friday for STEM students is in the works. Call Sengele at 210-4861825.
in
m invites s from all programs. welcome and ne who o come,” aid. “The operate is an engiinterest so even ’re busiajors or you just have est, they are more than e to join.” munication or business for example, could help e and market the team. s a spot open for them if willing to work,” he said. organization is not only the car but also workuild the community of onio. ctober, the organization children to this college educational program. embers as well as MESA members showed them ents and discussed to engage their interest M programs. The MESA athematics, Engineering, Achievement — Center resources such as tutorr mentors, undergraduarch support and travel ents at this college. A Center Coordinator Sengele said, “My favoris the guest speakers able to bring and field are able to take the stu-
Campus garden receiving upgrades Environmental studies meets engineering technology at EcoCentro. By Hillary E. Ratcliff sac-ranger@alamo.edu
G dents on. It’s nice to take them to experience things related to their degrees. It helps to confirm to the student that they are in the correct field for them. It’s a lot of fun.” The MESA Center provides about two trips a semester for members. In April, geology Professor Anne Dietz will lead a trip to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. “Not only will it be fun but also educational,” Sengele said. MESA also provides one-onone peer mentoring. Although STEM students are the demographic for MESA, the center welcomes students of all academic fields. The MESA Center is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. MondayThursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday in Room 204A of Chance Academic Center. Membership to MAES or the MESA Center is free to all students, but members must meet certain requirements once they join. Visit alamo.edu/sac/MESA/ or call 210-486-1825.
one are the days of watering the garden with Grandma’s watering can. Gone are the days of over-watering the lawn using the hose. Instead we have arrived at the days of integrating mechanics and the ecosystem. At Sinkin EcoCentro, the garden is receiving a new addition for growing plants and flowers. Starting this month, environmental science and engineering students and community volunteers will be installing a hydroponic garden system, a system with components to benefit the local environment. Hydroponics keeps plants watered by using nutrients in water in place of soil. Plants grow without soil using PVC pipes with cutouts. Within each cutout is a pot similar to a colander where the roots will grow spreading in the tubing. The PVC will have nutrient-infused water cycling through from a tank. The tank and the hydroponic system will be inside a restored storage container. This system will support the concept of the go green movement. The EcoCentro hydroponics will be powered by four solar panels. The panels will work independently from the panel setup on the roof of EcoCentro, and the panels’ energy will be the only source powering the
EcoCentro Director Steven Lewis shows a model of the hydroponic watering system Feb. 5 at EcoCentro. The system will help conserve water through recycling and serve as an extra water source. Brandon A. Edwards
hydroponic system. People automatically assume solar panels in San Antonio are perfect. Steven Lewis, director of service at EcoCentro, said the panels function at their best in milder weather. In hotter summers, the panels’ energy production goes down. The colder conditions will create the same difficulty. On hotter days, Lewis said watering the garden beds daily is vital to prevent the soil from drying out. Once the hydroponic system is installed, it is going to conserve 50 percent or more of the water used per plant grown in soil. The hydroponics system is attracting students such as mechanical engineering sophomore Carmelo Serna. Completing his work-study duties at EcoCentro, Serna is vested in a career in renewable energy leading to an interest in the building’s solar panel technology. When the hydroponic system is finished, EcoCentro hopes to attract students such as Serna and environmentalists from San Antonio and surrounding cities. EcoCentro is planning many projects this semester, and students continue to be introduced to technology to conserve and restore the planet. It continues to promote recycling on this campus by painting the old green trash cans blue with a recycling symbol. Recycle bins will be available for paper, plastic and aluminum products. At the end of April, the EcoCentro parking lot will have a solar panel carport with 39 panels. This will contribute to the energy being collected from the roof’s panels. Any energy not used by EcoCentro’s building goes back into the city grid. Two ground solar panels will be set up on its own E-Gage monitoring system to project data collected. The data will be transmitted to Texas State University. There will be a weather station for the two ground panels. “The weather station allows us to see by temperature how much does the output from the panels vary also with like for example wind, humidity or other factors,” said Lewis, who expects the panels’ setup to be done by the end of February. As the technology to improve the environment advances, the projects at EcoCentro will be ongoing. The gardens will continue to grow vegetables, fruits and plants, but how they are grown is an improvement from Grandma’s day.
amed tech educator of the year
nan n, on al in on nd ty. ed ghe se
education, developing a growing number of professionals with cyber defense expertise, and ultimately, contributing to the protection of the national information infrastructure.’” Touchette was involved with this college’s computer team taking third place in the Texas Showdown competition of Cyber Panoply at the Westin Hill Country Resort at La Cantera on Oct. 5, 2013. In the summer, Touchette trained area high school teachers for a new dual-credit program for multimedia specialist. Touchette also hosted a camp titled
Cyber Defenders Summer, which teaches cyber security to middle and high school students. Touchette keeps the camp free for disadvantaged students thanks to a grant he obtained. He said, “Technology is about the people,” referring to collaborators such as Joe Sanchez, a director of the CyberTexas Foundation, a key figure in his accomplishments as a tech educator. “The way technology has shotgunned, you can’t be an expert on everything,” Touchette said on the current state of technology.
CIS students often bunker into deeper into computer science after. one programming language, which Touchette ventured into engineerTouchette described as ing outside of high school, “political parties.” and came into programming Touchette reassures in “a very roundabout way,” his students with an analhe said. ogy, asking them “which tool Touchette’s first job took in the toolbox is the best? him to Austin as a programWhat’s the job you’re doing?” mer for the Texas Workforce Touchette first took Commission. interest in CIS as a child Later, he relocated to Touchette after watching a Public Louisiana to work for an insurBroadcasting Service special ance agency as a programmer. on computers. Despite no prior educational expeIn high school, he took a class on rience, it was Touchette’s frequent computer programming and went training and mentoring and senior
status in the workforce that inspired him to pursue teaching CIS at a college level. His hands-on training style continues to this day, saying he teaches his students by “giving the opportunity to figure things out on their own.” Touchette has been a faculty member since 1999 and was named chair of the CIS department in 2012. His responsibilities include overseeing department operations, including budget, scheduling and degree plan coordination. He also serves as a professor of programming and security courses.
6 • Feb. 15, 2016
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©2016 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger. org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available by phone 210-4861765 or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be emailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299 or faxed to 210-486-9292. Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
Estefania B. Alonso
Search keeps going, going, going The search for a VP for student success continues since fall 2014. Over the last two weeks, three potential candidates for the position of vice president for student success have visited and spoken to students about what they would bring to the table. The search has been ongoing since President Robert Vela left the position of executive vice president in fall 2014 and decided to split it into two: vice president of academic success and vice president of student success. Unlike the position for student success, the position for academic success was filled relatively quickly as Dr. Jothany Blackwood was hired later that year. It’s been over a year and the position of VP for student success has yet to be
filled, which begs the question: what’s taking so long? In fall, 64 applications were submitted, and yet the seat remains empty. With that in mind, it seems that the ones who may actually be suffering are the students. There have been three interim vice presidents over the course of the search, and no information released on what’s stalling the process. Students may be aware that the search is still ongoing, as TV monitors around campus have been displaying the current candidates’ pictures, names and a link for more information for the last few weeks, but that’s it. The monitors don’t state what vice president position they’re in contention for nor does it mention forums students and employees could attend.
Why should students be interested in these candidates when they know nothing about them or even the purpose the position serves? There have been small turnouts to the noon forums on each candidate for students. Students could be there for the free pizza, or possibly as extra credit awarded by professors. Even fewer turned out for an open forum later in the day. It could be an apathetic response that makes candidates appear lackluster. All the information regarding candidate qualifications and mission statements can be found on the college website, but not everyone may know about it. It’s hard to imagine that over the past year there hasn’t been at least one qualified candidate.
Are we asking too much of candidates or are good candidates not bothering to apply to the Alamo Colleges? Students have much at stake in this hiring, but if administrators wanted students to get involved, they should have supplied accessible information on campus aside from what is online. A step in the right direction would be to at least add some background information on these candidates to the advertisements around campus, along with posting information on bulletin boards, especially in buildings with high foot traffic. If these three candidates fall flat, it may be another year before we get a vice president. And back to students, if this college means to lead by example, students should not expect to be successful.
viewpoint Carrying on my grandfather’s spirit Grandfather’s last words inspire me in my journey. In March, it will officially be one year since my grandfather passed away; however, his death is not the reason I’m writViewpoint by ing this, but rather the Kyle R. Cotton last words he said to me. kcotton11@student. In late 2014, he had a alamo.edu health scare that required surgery. He seemed to accept that it was his time. It was a miracle he made it out of surgery. With the gift of time, he was able to spend time with and send messages to everyone he cared about until he lay down to sleep. He was watching his great-grandchildren and died while my grandmother, my brother and his wife were out thrift shopping in March. When they arrived home, my nurse sister-inlaw tried unsuccessfully to revive him. I was not one of the fortunate few who got to spend time with him in his last months. My grandfather lived in Mississippi. I hadn’t been able to see him in two years as either school or work got in the way as I kept trying to improve myself.
In those two years, I met some amazing people at the Alamo Colleges in Northeast Lakeview’s drama program and this college’s journalism program who gave me direction. I had felt lost and out of place at Texas Lutheran University before I came here. My grandfather missed these key events in my life. He never got to see me play Earl Hill in “Book of Days” at NLC or see the amount of time I gave up trying to obtain my degree, which I will receive this May. But what he did do was post on my Facebook wall — of all places — saying, “Hey Maynard, I see you’re writing for the school paper. Keep up the good work.” He was reading my stories every week at The Ranger Online all the way from Mississippi. He was proud of me, and ever since then I’ve carried that message with me as if he were watching me work as journalist. It’s cliché to thank God for blessings for everything, and I usually avoid doing so, so it doesn’t lose its meaning, but the amount of time he was given after his health scare was a blessing for my family. In the months before his death, he was
Olivia Cotton, 11, Charles Cotton, 8, Khloe Del Carmen, 5, and Christopher Cotton, 4, put an angel wing ornament on the Christmas tree Dec. 25 at the Cotton residence. The ornament honors their great-grandfather Charles Holden, who died in March, and keeps him with his family in spirit for the holiday season. Courtesy allowed to have a profound impact on all of us with even the simplest thing he would say. It is with that thankfulness, I encourage everyone who reads this to reach out and talk to someone you are close to that you’ve haven’t seen lately and tell them you love them, because you don’t know how much time you have or how much what you say can impact that person.
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Business leaders stress core values, corporate culture Faculty offered exercises to help instill values in students. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
During the business panel of Alamo Colleges’ 2016 strategic stakeholder retreat, leaders from around San Antonio said while the tech programs get people in the door, there is need to address issues with core values and corporate culture. The Feb. 8 panel included Mary Batch, assistant manager of human resources development Toyota
CHAIRS from Page 1 executive team. “There were a lot of variables that went into the decision of reorganizing the departments. One had to do with the sizes of the department,” Krueger said. “We wanted to make it equitable for the chairs as far as their workload goes.” There are also other things like complications of the departments, including certificates, number of accreditations, number of degrees and location. Krueger said that not all workloads have been even and there were concerns from different chairs over the last several years regarding the uneven workload. With this in mind, chairs will be moving from 10 ½-month contracts to 12-month contracts so all the chairs will have the same schedule, he said. The year-round chairs’ contracts are in answer to the chairs’ concerns about extra work, he said. “We need chairs to work during the summers, but they aren’t receiving payment for it,” Krueger said. “Now that they’ll be on 12-month schedules, they can be compensated fairly.” Chairs also may not have similar release times; some may teach 12-15 hours, which is the equivalent of four to five classes. Under the new schedule, they should all receive full release, he said. “They can only teach online or during the evenings,” Krueger said. “It’s not during the 8-to-5 workday.” Departments should see an increase in help since they will have more coordinators to put in disciplines. “As far as benefits go, chairs will be paid fairly in the summers and if they end up fitting in the institutes well, it will be good for the advising model,” Krueger said. “It should be a much smoother flow for students, which is one thing we want.” Students should be able to meet with faculty advisers easier so the initial advising of new students should be a lot easier. It should help them improve their success of finishing and completion rates should go up, he said. “I think once the departments fit in the institutes and coordinators are all set up, it should benefit the students quite a bit,” Krueger said. Programs aren’t physically being moved anywhere; they just might be reporting to a new chair. “We want to make sure that departments fit well with one another, since we’re doing a realignment anyway; we looked at the institutes, too,” Krueger said. “They may not all fit perfectly, but the majority will.”
Texas; Peter John Holt, vice president of commercial engine sales of Holt Caterpillar; and Carolyn King, director of policy, operations and special programs at Methodist Health Care Systems. Batch used examples of core values such as attendance, general work ethic, teamwork and a continued desire to learn. Batch said once they get involved, it usually takes five years of training before they are self-sufficient. “The technical skills that we see coming out from the Alamo Colleges … are good, they are good enough to
get you through the door,” Holt said. “We’re not looking for high expertise or experience. We understand that is part of our job as employer to be part of that developmental cycle.” “Where we see people falling short — and this isn’t just an Alamo Colleges issue,” Holt said. “We’re blessed enough to operate around the state and have some global operations to where we have a pretty good perspective, and this seems to be a global issue and maybe even an ageless issue. We hire for technical skills and we fire for core
skill.” Holt said he realizes it’s a pretty challenging logistical issue when it comes to a formal education setting to take the time to teach these core skills and cultural concepts. Holt suggested finding avenues for instructors and administrators to engage with employers to figure out ways to pass cultural values and understanding onto the student. “They are going to be the people with an eye for what needs a critical improvement,” Holt said. The panel suggested ideas, such as instructor externships where tech-
nical instructors spend a day at a company to learn its culture. The panel also noted exercises instructors could use to instill core values, such as have each student write down the character values that are important to them or getting students committed to a single vision. King noted how successful it was at the Methodist Health Care Systems by connecting people to one vision from information technology all the way to the emergency management technicians. “Everybody has a role in saving a life,” King said.
Chancellor talks of ‘initiative fatigue’ Leslie calls variety of initiatives multiple approaches in concert. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
Silver buckshot is the chancellor’s answer to those who are suffering from ‘initiative fatigue.’ Chancellor Bruce Leslie, in opening the strategic retreat Feb. 8 at Tri-Point Center, said like buckshot flying at a target, all the district initiatives lead to the same goal: student success. Leslie addressed the sense of ‘Initiative fatigue’ found in the recent Aspen Institute draft report. Leslie said this wasn’t just an Alamo Colleges problem, but a national problem.
He echoed a quote from his friend and president of El Paso Community College, Dr. William Serrata, who spoke in April at the 95th annual American Association of Community College convention in San Antonio. “You know we would all like to find the silver bullet; we would all like to find that one thing that will work perfectly for every student. There is no such thing, but there is silver buckshot,” Leslie said. Leslie said he loves that quote because as someone who shoots skeet as a hobby, he immediately understood the spread-out yet focused nature of buckshot. “There are multiple things we have to focus on. There can’t just be one thing,” Leslie said.
He pointed to the Alamo Colleges’ strategy map on everyone’s table: “These are the buckshot.” The Alamo Colleges’ strategy map includes stakeholder imperatives from Texas and San Antonio, Alamo Way policies, six key strategic priorities and strategies, measures of success and target goals. “These are not separate, different initiatives. This is not yet another initiative. This is not ‘here goes Bruce again’,” Leslie said. “This is the board, the PVC (presidents and vice chancellors), the community, the universities, everybody talking with each other asking: how do we go deeper, and how do we go broader? How do we reach every student and how do we go deep enough so that the effect on that student is both
profound and makes a difference in his or her life?” Leslie closed his introduction to the stakeholders, “It is a travesty for people not to be able to finish their degree or get their certificate, particularly when they leave here with debt or leave halfway through their university experience because they ran out of Pell because they had too many hours.” “These are not multiple different things, these are all one thing that we are working so hard for to make students succeed, but it takes silver buckshot for that to happen,” Leslie said. Access the map at www.alamo. edu/uploadedImages/District/ About_Us/Chancellor/strategic_ plan/AC-Strategy-Map.jpg.
Above: Jerry Jin, manager of the San Antonio Chinese Orchestra, plays “Bride Going Home” on the Chinese flute Feb. 8 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. The performance helped celebrate the beginning of Chinese New Year. Aly Miranda Left: Chun Lai of the San Antonio Chinese Orchestra demonstrates the ban hu, one of the four hus, or Chinese fiddles, including the gao hu, the jing hu and the zhong hu. Jerry Jin holds a microphone to amplify the sound. Watch the video online at theranger.org. Aly Miranda
SGA from Page 1 students have, said Williams, who noted Adames’ quick response time. Adames can be contacted at sadames3@alamo. edu or by calling board liaison Sandra Mora at 210-485-0030. “The key is flexibility, as long as they stay in contact when they are needed,” Williams said. Williams also suggested applicants update their résumés, make sure they have proof of community service and be open to when student
government can interview them. “We can only be here a certain amount of time,” Williams said. Keeton, a former student trustee candidate, said potential candidates should have patience. “The one thing I’ve learned from higher education is that things take time,” Keeton said, noting time isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “It weeds out those who don’t have the time to commit to the position.” The student trustee receives a $600 scholarship distributed across the two semesters they serve.
Applicants for student trustee must maintain six credit hours and a 2.5 grade point average. Applications for student trustee can be obtained from each of the respective student government offices. The district board of trustees will select in April from the candidates forwarded from each of the colleges. An alternate will also be selected. For more information, visit www.alamo.edu/ district/policies/#Section_B and view board of governance B.11.1 and B.11.1.1.
8 • Feb. 15, 2016
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Above: Criminal justice sophomore John McVea finishes strong with two Cowboy defenders around him Wednesday in Candler. McVea’s 22-point contribution was not enough as the Rangers fell to the Cowboys 75-67. Brandon A. Edwards Left: Rangers’ sophomore guard Cody Haskin’s tight defense is no match for Cowboys’ guard Khalil Howard as he drains a deep 3-pointer in the final minute of the first half, Wednesday night in Candler. Howard finished with 13 points and four assists, leading the Cowboys to a 75-67 victory. Brandon A. Edwards SWTJC forward Deishawn Anderson disrupts the concentration of Ranger center John McVea as he attempts a layup Wednesday in Candler. SWTJC’s late defense brought the Rangers last-minute attempt at a win to a halt as the Rangers fell to the Cowboys 75-67. Brandon A. Edwards
President proud of increased graduation rates Talks of a new urban initiative in the works during College Council meeting. By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
When it comes to graduation, this college is leaps and bounds ahead of many community colleges, President Robert Vela said during the College Council meeting Tuesday. He said this college is close to passing every state college in Texas. “We’re seeing almost a 60 percent increase in graduation rates over the past two years,” Vela said. “We’ve gone from 2,600 graduates to almost 4,000.” The “Be SAC Proud” campaign has had a slight change in the steps taken to ensure students meet graduation requirements. Step 1, students meet with an adviser to ensure they meet requirements and complete the graduation packet, which has a deadline of March 11. Step 2, students apply for graduation on ACES by March 20. This used to be the first step. Steps 3 and 4 are picking up a cap and gown and attending commencement. “We want to ensure that every student can graduate, that they have a fair shot at the workforce or the ability to transfer to a senior institution,” Vela said. Dr. Kristine Clark, chief of the integrated planning and performance excellence division, explained the proposed operational strategic planning and assessment cycle. “The new cycle includes the same ingredients, but a change in the pacing is what we’re proposing,” Clark said.
SGA president Harley Williams reports on the Feb. 5 Charity Ball at the College Council meeting Tuesday in visual arts. Williams said the ball had a great turnout with 132 people. Aly Miranda Vela closed the meeting with a proposed initiative regarding urban renewal and urban revitalization. “We’ve become a true urban institution, and there is a lot of development around us in the downtown area,” Vela said. “We often talk about science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) but what does that mean?” Vela said. “How can we demonstrate to our community what it means?” He said a phenomenal college in New York, Guttman Community College, has done transformative work around Manhattan based on urban renewal and revitalization. “It’s time for us to do and be the best at something, we’re going to find out how to tie our STEAM programs around this effort to show that we can be the best,” Vela said. “We need to lead the city in planning, renovations and the arts.” A team visited Guttman to find out more about its academic programs to make sure the skills are applicable to this city, he said. Richard Farias, interim vice president of student success; Lisa Zottarelli, chair of history, economics, anthropology and political science, and others went to get specific expertise on the programs. “It’s a just a possibility right now, but we are positioned beautifully like no other college to do this in this city,” Vela said.