.org
the
ranger Serving San Antonio College since 1926
An independent forum of free voices
Volume 89 Issue 13 • March 23, 2015
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
Former student appears in ABC TV series
Campus book fair to help local elementary
online now Page 3
Page 4
Jami Keeton named student trustee nominee Women took ruling role in ancient Egypt, instructor says
Students to protest at board meeting Concerns include majors, performance of chancellor.
District 1 trustee Joe Alderete explains his concerns about budget transparency to Chancellor Bruce Leslie Tuesday during the Student Success Committee meeting of the board of trustees. Alderete said college presidents do not have full control of their budgets because part of the funds for each college goes back to district for information technology costs. Katherine Garcia
Trustee says budget needs more transparency Vice chancellor warns of hiring chill if the district encounters a $2.7 million shortfall. By Katherine Garcia
kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu
District 1 trustee Joe Alderete raised concerns about whether the budget is transparent enough during the Student Success Committee meeting Tuesday. Alderete said the back charges, which are funds given to the colleges but paid back to district IT, are unjust because the money designated to each college in the budget should stay at the college. Chancellor Bruce Leslie said since he became chancellor, the information technology department is housed at district, but each college gives some of its budget back to district to pay for IT services.
Alderete said this wasn’t honest because the money allocated to the individual colleges is not the full amount if it’s going to be given back to district IT. If a college budget is given to a college, then he would hope college presidents “would have full discretion on how they use the money and not have the district intervene,” he said. Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration, said the back charge is included in each college’s individual budget to meet a requirement by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Alderete said he expects college presidents to have control over their college and their budgets. He said there’s no reason a college president should come to administration and request an allocation or to hire
See TRANSPARENCY, Page 8
budget lacks transparency, questioning in particular the “back charge” included in each college’s By Katherine Garcia budget. kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu The charge is set aside to The Student Leadership fund the district’s information Coalition at Palo Alto College technology department, said plans to bring 500 students, facDiane Snyder, vice chancellor for ulty and staff to Tuesday’s regular finance and administration. board meeting in Room 101 of The citizens-to-be-heard segKillen Center. ment of the meeting is usually Jose Perez, business managethe eighth item on the agenda. ment graduate of Each person Palo Alto and coalihas three minutes Citizens-to-betion member, said to speak, and repheard signthe coalition plans resentatives speakup is 5-5:50 to address issues ing on behalf of an p.m. Tuesday such as majors and entire group will outside Room the lack of trust for have five minutes. Chancellor Bruce Board members 101 of Killen. Leslie by students, cannot comment faculty and staff on the topics disand District 1 trustee Joe Alderete cussed during the segment unless during the March 17 Audit, Budget they are also mentioned in an and Finance Committee meeting. agenda item. Alderete addressed his own Call Sandra Mora at 210concern during Tuesday’s Student 485-0030 or visit https:// Success Committee meeting. v3.boardbook.org/Public/ He said the district’s fiscal PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000015.
!
Campus-to-park bridge proposal put on hold Idea will remain on back burner until City Council election, this college’s president says. By Richard Montemayor
rmontemayor15@student.alamo.edu
To improve the safety of those who cross San Pedro Avenue to reach this college, President Robert Vela will revisit a proposal to build a sky bridge with the new District 1 city councilman after the May city election. The pedestrian bridge connecting San Pedro Springs Park and this campus was originally proposed by former college President Robert Zeigler and Diego Bernal, former District 1 councilman.
Vela said he supports the proposal for the bridge because San Pedro is a difficult street to cross, even in the crosswalks. “I think it’s partly because cars are coming downhill and they’re having a hard time stopping,” Vela said. “We have actually had students that have gotten hit by cars that were trying to cross the street.” With the recent renovations to San Pedro Playhouse, the theater’s owners contacted Vela to ask if they can use some of the college’s parking as overflow.
Plans for a sky bridge across San Pedro are on hold until after the City Council election in May. College President Robert Vela proposed the bridge to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians across the high-traffic street. E. David Guel “We open up our parking to our neighbors all the time; however, there is a danger in crossing the street at
times, depending on where you cross on San Pedro,” Vela said. Along with the playhouse, anoth-
er neighbor to this college that has contacted Vela is Great Hearts Monte Vista charter school, 211 Belknap Place. Vela said the school’s principal contacted him to see if there was an open area at this college so that the children can play rather than having to cross San Pedro. “It’s too dangerous for the children to cross the street in order to get to the park, so instead we let them utilize our front lawn at Koehler House,” Vela said. Having a pedestrian bridge over San Pedro would make crossing safer for the community, Vela said.
See BRIDGE, Page 7
Address change coming for this college 2010 master plan set to flip this college’s address from west to east side. By Kyle R. Cotton
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Administrators decided this college will change its address from 1300 San Pedro Ave. to 1801 N. Main Ave. at a SAC project update meeting Feb. 11. David Mrizek, vice president of student success, said the change is because of the college’s limited access from San Pedro and the construction of the Tino and Millie Duran Welcome Center inside Tobin Lofts Midtown at 1532 N. Main Ave.
“The decision was made as a result of a lot of complaints,” Mrizek said. “1300 is a wonderful address; it has historically been the address of this college for years, but since construction ended in 1992, students haven’t been able to drive onto campus from San Pedro.” In that round of changes, Dewey Place was closed at San Pedro and the college purchased the street from the city. The construction also closed entry at Myrtle Street and egress at Locust Street, leaving the entrance at Park Avenue, which afforded cross-
campus transit. Construction of the nursing complex later blocked that transit. “We are in process of completion of a welcome center,” Mrizek said. “It will be the first place new students will experience Alamo Colleges. The majority of the parking is over on Main, and the master plan from 2010 is going to create a mall entry on campus. This will make finding the new entry area easier.” Mrizek continued, “This is something that has built up with GPS use becoming more prominent.” According to the master plan last updated
See ADDRESS, Page 7
A master plan shows what the campus will look like with the address on Main. One reason for the change is students cannot drive directly onto campus from San Pedro since 1990s construction. Another reason is the new Tino and Millie Duran Welcome Center inside Tobin Lofts, 1532 N. Main. The college’s new address will be 1801 N. Main. Pam Paz
SAConnected
2 • March 23, 2015
www.theranger.org/calendar
Anchorman
Mat Garcia, KENS-5 morning news anchor and former Ranger reporter, speaks to journalism full-time adjunct Teresa Talerico’s mass communications class Wednesday in Loftin. Garcia gave career advice on reporting and anchoring. Eddie Chozet
Green luck Scottish folk group RTFM performs a rendition of Silly Wizard’s “The Queen of Argyll” during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration presented by student life Tuesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. From left are vocalist Florence Bunten playing the bodhran, guitarist and singer Rod Campbell and bassist Michael Cunningham. E. David Guel
First place Stage presence
This college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter President Samantha Davis, American Sign Language sophomore, welcomes a new member, accounting sophomore William Hernandez, during the spring induction ceremony March 18 in McAllister. PTK inducted 73 members this semester. Cynthia M. Herrera
today tues
Event: Rainforest Maze 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston. $10. Call 210-207-3250. PAC Event: Financial Literacy Session: Buying a Vehicle 11 a.m.-noon in Room 130 of student center. Call 210486-3125. SAC Registration: Beginning of Maymester and summer registration for students with 46 or more credit hours. All students register April 6. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association continues noon-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860835.
SAC Event: Race for Mayor debate presented by the political science faculty 6:30-8 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-486-0998.
SAC Lecture: Janie Gonzalez, Webhead president and CEO, for Women’s History Month at 9:25 a.m. in Room 218 of nursing complex. Call 210-486-0125. Event: World War II in Photographs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels. $5 with student ID. Call 210-824-5368 Event: Open mic night 6:30 p.m. at Rosella Coffee Company, 203 E. Jones. Call 210-277-8574. Event: Yoga session and craft beer tasting 7 p.m. at Alamo Brewing Company, 202 Lamar. Call 210-872-5589.
Business administration sophomore Michael Ogungbemi serves the ball to business administration freshman Jose Lopez during the first round of a pingpong tournament Wednesday in Loftin. Ogungbemi won the tournament for the second time. “He was last semester’s reigning champ,” said Marisa Martinez, senior specialist for student success. Ogungbemi beat business freshman Rickey Perez in the final match. He won a Sony digital camera. Pam Paz
wed
thur
fri
sat
PAC Lecture: Author Joan Carabin reading her biography “One-of-a-Kind-Judge” 11 a.m.-noon in student center. Call 210-486-3257.
SAC Event: Women’s health fair 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for Women’s History Month in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
UTSA Event: Science extravaganza 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Ash room of university center. Call 210-458-5069.
Event: Cesar Chavez March for Justice 9 a.m.-noon at Guadalupe and South Brazos. Call 210-207-7349.
SAC Event: Photography Enrichment Series with Angela Michelle, owner of Raven Red Photography, 5:30 p.m. in Room 100 of Loftin. Call 210486-1781.
PAC Event: Jazz Festival 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. in performing arts center. Continues 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Call 210-486-3207.
Event: Meditation 10:15-11 a.m. in the Japanese Gallery at San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. $5 with student ID. Call 210-978-8100.
Trinity Tennis: Trinity vs. Midwestern State 1-5 p.m. at Butch Newman Tennis Center. Call 210-999-8271.
Concert: Spring Jazz at The Falls 7:30 p.m. at The Shops at La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera. Call 210-641-1236.
PAC Event: Triathlon for students 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in fitness center. Call 210-486-3125. NLC Event: Video broadcast of talk by Arianna Huffington 5:45-7:45 p.m. in Room 201 of student commons. Call 210486-5404. Event: Meditation 101 at 6:30 p.m. at Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. Call 210357-1900. Event: Craft beer tasting 7-9 p.m. at Hangar Tavern, 14532 Brook Hollow. Call 210-4049430.
SAC Event: Women’s History Month poetry reading 5:307:30 p.m. at EcoCentro. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Event: Open mic coffee night 5:30 p.m. at EcoCentro. Call 210-689-2808. Town Hall: Discussion on housing discrimination at 6:30 p.m. at San Antonio Area Foundation, 303 Pearl. Call 210-225-2243. SAC Event: Night Before Nationals speech showcase sponsored by department of fine arts at 7 p.m. in McCreless theater. Call 210-486-0496.
File
UTSA Speaker: Stuart Kirsch 3-5 p.m. in lecture hall of McKinney humanities building. Call 210-458-4011. SAC Film: “Into The Woods” 7:30-9:30 p.m. in mall. Call 210-486-0126. Play: “Mary Poppins” 8 p.m. at Cameo Theater, 1123 E. Commerce. $20 with student ID. Call 210-212-5454.
sun
Event: Brick Marketplace shopping noon at Blue Star Arts Complex, 108 Blue Star. Call 210-262-8253.
mon
SAC Event: Blood drive 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in mall. Call 361557-7126 or email michelle. stout@southtexasblood.org to schedule an appointment. UTSA Event: Procrastination workshop 10-11:30 a.m. in Pecan Room of university center. Call 210-458-4964. PAC Event: Saving and Investing financial literacy event 11 a.m.-noon in Room 130 of student center. Call 210-486-3125. Event: 23rd annual Jazz Meets Classical 7-9 p.m. at San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. $20. Call 210978-8100.
!
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
March 23, 2015 • 3
Faculty Senate opposes $31,300 cost for new ID badges Academic Success Committee sets April 16 meeting at this college. By Cynthia M. Herrera
cherrera151@student.alamo.edu
Faculty Senate questioned the $31,300 price tag of Alamo Colleges’ new employee ID badges at a meeting March 4 in the visual arts center. The new badges are horizontal and have a barcode on the front instead of a magnetic strip on the back. The IDs have the Alamo Colleges’ mission statement and six values on the back. Employees selected one of the six values to be printed on the front of the card. In a Jan. 30 email to Alamo Colleges officials, Deb Morgan, director of strategic initiatives and performance excellence, said the decision for new badges was made in January 2014, and the purpose was to print the values for the Alamo Colleges on the back of the ID. She told The Ranger the IDs would serve as a reminder to employees about how to treat each other and students. Dawn Elmore, English pro-
fessor and president of Faculty Senate, said she would provide senators with Morgan’s email, which was originally sent to Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration; Michael W. Nemcic, deputy chief of emergency services; and Chief of Police Don Adams. The Alamo Colleges Leadership Academy for Success recommended the new badges because of the confusion about values, mission statements and vision statements across the colleges and district support operations, according to the email. Morgan said in a phone interview that ALAS collaborated with human resources and wanted to put something on the badge from each department because of the “simply wasted space” on the back of the badge. During the meeting, Elmore said all 5,000 employees are expected to have their new ID by fall. Early childhood studies Professor Linda Lowman
Amy Whitworth, chair of the language, philosophy and culture department, addresses the Faculty Senate March 4 in the visual arts center. The Senate proposed topics such as Covey training for the upcoming
Academic Success Committee meeting. Faculty Senate also discussed the $31,300 spent on new ID badges with “value statements,” the library budget and 4DX. Anthony B. Botello
expressed concern about the cost. Lowman said she uses her ID to only turn on the copy machine, and the rest of the time it sits in her desk. “That is absurd, but that’s the kind of thing that happens around here with the money,” she said. “We could be hiring somebody else.” The strategic planning team borrowed ideas from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Rackspace Inc., Texas A&M University-San Antonio and USAA. The team partnered with James Searles, Alamo Colleges
In other news, Faculty Senate discussed a special meeting April 16 at this college for the Academic Success Committee of the board of trustees. District 1 trustee Joe Alderete Jr. recommended the meeting. The special meeting will be coordinated by Elmore to address issues concerning 4DX, Four Disciplines of Execution; training for Franklin-Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”; and other unresolved issues. Elmore relayed Alderete’s call for the meeting
to be “faculty-designed” and “faculty-driven.” Six groups, featuring at least 50 individuals from each of the colleges, and 10 members of the American Association of University Professors chapter at this college, will present concerns for five minutes each. The meeting will be 6-9 p.m. The location has not been decided. Elmore said the meeting was scheduled for a Thursday night because the fewest classes are offered that night. The meeting is open to the public.
Title 9 training available to students
Former student appears in ABC TV series
Online course on sexual assault prevention will be mandatory.
Edgar Ivan Garcia encourages students to broaden horizons. By Matthew Reyna sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Edgar Ivan Garcia, a graduate of this college and former reporter for The Ranger, is a recurring character on ABC’s new television show “American Crime.” Garcia, 26, who is also a dancer and video editor, plays Carlos Sanchez on the TV show that debuted March 5. Its premiere attracted 8.4 million viewers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show has a star-studded cast and crew including creator/director John Ridley, who won an Academy Award for his screenplay of “12 Years a Slave,” and lead actress Felicity Huffman, who won an Emmy for her role in “Desperate Housewives.” Garcia said he was overwhelmed to see himself on television. “Seeing me, Edgar Ivan Garcia from McCollum High School, from San Antonio College, working on a TV show with all these talented people — it was like a dream come true,” Garcia said. Garcia, a cashier at H-E-B, described the role as “something that was meant to be.” The show held auditions last year in Austin. He missed the original audition Feb. 24, 2014, because of a work obligation, but then his agent told him the casting department wanted him to try out for a part March 17, 2014. “I drove to Austin and gave it my best shot,” Garcia said. The casting department liked Garcia and decided to give him the role. The show is filmed in Austin and San Marcos. “He had a very real look, like a kid you know from the neighborhood,” said Beth Sepko, the local casting director for the show. “He looked very authentic and acted the same way.” Sepko, who runs the Beth Sepko Casting Agency in Austin and served as casting director of the movie “Boyhood,” said she hopes
suggestion plan manager; Rose Reyes, project coordinator of the college facilities department; and Nemcic. Of the $31,300 expense, $25,000 budgeted for a visit from the Texas Award for Performance Excellence was used for the IDs after the vice chancellors and chancellors of Alamo Colleges decided not to turn in an application in fall 2013 because they wanted to have an extra year on the application to work on their principles. The police department contributed $6,300 from its budget to pay the remaining costs.
Edgar Ivan Garcia, former student and recurring character on ABC’s new television show “American Crime.” Courtesy Garcia will continue auditioning for TV and movie roles. Garcia’s character appears in Episodes 1, 3, 6, 10 and 11. “Carlos is a character that’s in and out of the show, and I’m thankful to God for that,” said Garcia, who plays the boyfriend of a possible killer’s sister. Garcia said he filmed behind-the-scenes videos while the show was shooting. He later edited them and posted the videos to his YouTube channel (Edgar Ivan). The YouTube videos are part of his frequent use of social networks to connect with fans. He also shares the videos and pictures from behind the scenes on his Facebook page that currently has 1,427 likes. “I want people to see that I’m just a normal guy from the South Side doing this,” Garcia said. Garcia stressed he was once in the same position as many students here. “It is important for students to broaden their horizons,” Garcia said, noting that he has multiple passions: acting, dancing and video editing. “The more knowledge you have, the more you can build,” he said. “I dare all students to (achieve) their goals.”
“red flag behaviors” but also how to report incidents if they see or experience them, Floyd said. “They can report confidentially,” she said. By Daniel Carde dcarde@student.alamo.edu If students are unsure of how they want to respond to an incident, they can speak with a Haven, a 45-minute online course on the counselor about what to do. awareness and prevention of violence and sex“Our licensed mental-health counselors are ual assault, is available to all Alamo Colleges what we refer to as confidential reporters,” students now and will be required of all incomFloyd said. “They are not obligated to report to ing students after July 1. the Title 9 coordinator.” The course is in response to a Department The coordinator for each campus is the vice of Education mandate requiring all new stupresident of student success. dents after July 1 to take this training, Tracy All other employees must report to the Title Floyd, student conduct officer and District Title 9 coordinator if a student informs them of an 9 Committee member, said March 2. incident, Floyd said. “We’re not limiting it to just new students,” If a student reports an incident, or if a Floyd said. “We are making it available to all of faculty member reports an incident on a stuour students.” dent’s behalf, the deputy The course is accessible Title 9 coordinator will meet One in five collegethrough ACES under the stuwith the student to inform age women will dent tab. the student of their options have experienced After July 1, a hold will and rights, she said. an attempted or be placed on records of new “The power lies with the students if they don’t comstudent,” Floyd said. completed sexual plete the training by the end At the beginning of the assault. of their first semester, Floyd course, students are asked Tracy Floyd, said. questions about their expestudent conduct officer Title 9 is a federal law riences and their current enacted in 1972 to protect beliefs and attitudes. people from gender discrimination at educaAbout a month after taking the course, tional institutions receiving federal financial students are emailed a prompt to return to the assistance. course and take another survey, Floyd said. The “It dealt mainly with gender equity in ath- second survey asks students what they learned letics,” Floyd said. from the course and their current attitudes and The scope of Title 9 has expanded. beliefs on sexual harassment and violence. “Over the course of several years, the defiThe information gathered by the surveys nition of Title 9 has expanded to include any is reported to the college administration in kind of discrimination based on gender,” Floyd generic terms, Floyd said. Administration will said. “That includes sexual harassment, sexual not receive students’ identifying information. assault, stalking, bullying, dating and domestic The information helps administrators identify violence and retaliation.” prevalent issues on campus. Title 9 affects all students, Floyd said. “We get absolutely no identifying informa“One in five college-age women will have tion about a student,” she said. “It sends us the experienced an attempted or completed sexual information about what the students are telling assault,” Floyd said, referencing statistics from us is important.” the National Institute of Health. For more information, call Dr. Lisa Alcorta, Students will not only learn what the dis- interim vice president of student success, at crimination issues are and how to recognize 210-486-1410.
’’
Prem
4 • www.theranger.org/premiere
Above: The EcoCentro building includes a mural, solar panels, rainwater reclamation barrels and cistern, electric vehicle recharging stations, community gardens and composting.
Students use a variety of repurposed materials from bricks to an old bed frame to create plant beds at EcoCentro’s community garden. Photos by Anthony B. Botello
EcoCentro stresses sustainability Center to sponsor three environmental programs April 4. By Travis Doyle
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
S
inkin EcoCentro has helped this college reuse leftover grass trimmings, fallen leaves, coffee grounds from the campus Starbucks and food waste to create compost for the community garden. This is an example of one contribution of EcoCentro, this college’s ecofriendly community outreach center, which does projects and hosts workshops to promote education in environmental awareness and to make a neutral carbon footprint for this college and the surrounding community.
Steven Lewis, the director of the service, trade and industry center, oversees EcoCentro and helps coordinate projects such as a solar energy conversion system that works to power the building, a series of electrical vehicle charging stations, water conservation barrels, composting of food waste, a worm farm and a community garden. “We have 130 solar panels,” he said Tuesday. “The output is hooked up to electric vehicle charging stations that work with the solar panels. Most days, depending on the weather, we produce more energy from the sun than what we consume, except at night, of course,
Right: Justin Duncan of the National Center for Appropriate Technology; Julie Cornelius, continuing education program coordinator; and Steven Lewis, director of EcoCentro, measure and mark plots after a meeting Wednesday at EcoCentro. where we run (the building) off of (solar power).” EcoCentro produces more than three times the energy it consumes, which allows the energy not used by the building or the charging stations to be put back into the power grid. Three workshops scheduled April 4 are typical of the center, which opened in spring 2014 at 1802 N. Main Ave. east of the main campus. • The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Bexar County Master Rainwater Specialists will demonstrate how to make a rain barrel for personal rainwater capture 9 a.m.-noon April 4. To attend the water barrel workshop, participants must be one of the first 30 people who RSVP with a payment of $50 to Angel Torres, matorres@ ag.tamu.edu, by March 30. • The San Antonio chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 4. The event will include a panel discussion on engaging in the political process to respond to global warming, a screening of the film “Fierce Green Fire” starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep and a question-andanswer session on ways the organiza-
Campus book fair to help local elementary
lip a
Remember those times in elementary when the book fair came to school? Well, now students can revisit their inner childhood bookworm. Scholastic’s “Under the Sea” Book Fair will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays Thursday-April 2 in the mall. Student success coordinator Carrie Hernandez said the book fair will donate 40 percent of total sales to Margil Elementary School in the form of free books. “Our goal is to sell as many books as possible,” she said. Staff Council also will be reading books to the children during Fiesta Week at the school. Staff Council adopted the school in the fall for the school supply drive and the Angel Tree program. This was the first year Staff Council had adopted one school for the whole year.
Ne
cherrera151@student.alamo.edu
xan dra
By Cynthia M. Herrera
Jacob-Aidan Martinez, coordinator of student success, said a new school would be chosen sometime in the fall. During Faculty Senate March 4, Martinez and Valerie Hernandez, president of Campus Activities Board, asked the senate to help with the event. The senate and Student Government Association agreed to help with delivering the books to the school as well as overseeing the booth during the book fair. The last book fair on campus took place in 2007 and helped raise about $1,000, Hernandez said. A variety of children’s books will be sold, such as the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul,” “Adventure Time with Finn & Jake” and “Captain Underpants.” Book fair customers also can buy books online at www.scholastic.com/ bookfairs/findafair. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Information on the book fair will be available at the information desk inside the east entrance on the first floor of Loftin Student Center. Call the office of student life at 210-486-0125. Ale
Faculty Senate, Staff Council and SGA are assisting with the event.
tion’s approach to citizen advocacy is stressing managing the risks of climate change. • Volunteers from the Balcones Satellite Group will sponsor a free workshop, Invaders of Texas, 8:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. April 4 that covers how to identify and report invasive plants with the use of a GPS camera and the Texas Invaders mobile app. Attendees are advised to bring a camera and a GPS or a smart phone. Registration is first come, first served. For information, contact Lonnie Shockley at balinvaders@outlook.com. In other activities at the center, Students for Environmental Awareness have presentations open to the public every other Wednesday. The next meeting will be 5–6 p.m. April 1 in Room 103 of EcoCentro. The group also meets 2-3 p.m. every Wednesday in sessions open to the public. EcoCentro frequently meets with the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club and the Tobin Hill Community Association to help this college’s surrounding communities achieve environmental goals. For more information, visit the EcoCentro page, www.facebook.com/ EcoCentro1.
Passport to Fitness encourages activity Open hours in Candler offer opportunities for exercise. By Melissa Luna
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students spend a lot of time sitting in classes and studying. To encourage students to be active, the health promotions office is sponsoring Passport To Fitness through April 30. The program asks students to sign up in the office in Loftin Student Center and agree to complete 30-minute sessions of continuous physical activity and log their efforts on a form. The physical activity doesn’t have to take place on campus. Students must report to student success adviser Mary Dayton or any student life employee on a weekly basis and have them initial each workout for verification. Based on the total amount of physical activity completed, the top five finishers will receive prizes. All participants who complete at least five hours of physical activity will receive a prize. Engineering freshman Justin Davila joined the program because he is a first-time college student and wanted to join an event. “I also like to work out,” he said. “It is easy to sign up for. You sign up, pick up your log and work out. It can’t be easier.” Davila is taking advantage of open recreational hours in Candler Physical Education Center and plans to take a kinesiology course.
Open recreational hours allow students to use the gym, conditioning room and swimming pool without being enrolled in a kinesiology course. Sign language and interpreter training sophomore Sarah Vasquez finds the program “very motivating.” “I have always been into fitness,” she said. “I had to cut back a lot with my schedule.” Vasquez works two full-time jobs and takes three evening courses at this college. “I am not where I used to be fitnesswise,” Vasquez said. “So I decided a competition would be just the push I need to jump back into it.” Students must RSVP on Orgsync and stop by the health promotions office in Room 150 in Loftin to pick up a passport log. “It’s not too late to sign up. Just RSVP and get started,” Dayton said. Gymnasium 2 in Candler is open 2-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 3-4:15 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The pool is open 1-3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 2-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The conditioning room is open 3-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The fitness center in Loftin is open 8 a.m.6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday. Students must present a student ID to use equipment in the center. For more information, call 210-486-0127.
miere
March 23, 2015 • 5
An aromatherapist sprays a scent at Spa Day October 2011. File
Women to be pampered Women’s History Month operates on a $5,000 budget. By Edith Moctezuma sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Register for districtwide 5K Wellness Committee hosts annual run to help participants get moving. By Melissa Luna
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Kinesiology Adjunct Chris Dillon, who is also the district wellness coordinator, is promoting the second annual Alamo Colleges Wellness 5K Run/ Walk. The event starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at Palo Alto College on the city’s South Side. Students, employees, military and members of the community are invited to participate. Registration for Alamo Colleges students, employees and military is $30 and members of the community can register for $35. All participants will receive a free athletic perfor-
Alexandra Nelipa mance T-shirt. Fabrics in athletic performance minimize moisture to keep wearers more comfortable. Children 6-12 years can register for $15, and admission for children 5 years and under is free. The money raised by the run goes to the Alamo Colleges Wellness Foundation, which allows Alamo Colleges employees to enhance their development through wellness offerings, such as participating in local running or walking events, obtaining job-related certifications and training and other activities, according to information from the district public information department. Dillon wants students and the community to “think about the big picture” when it comes to
health and staying in shape. He is requiring students in his kinesiology classes to participate. “It’s not about how fast they do it; I want them to complete it,” Dillon said. Oceanography sophomore Mindy Brazell is enrolled in Dillon’s KINE 1179, Physical Conditioning 1, class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “I’m grateful that we don’t have to finish in a certain amount of time. He just wants us to complete it. I can do that,” Brazell said. Participants can register at www.alamo.edu/5k/. A video of the course can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkBDJ97YeVg. For more information, contact Dillon at 210-4861025.
The first Pamper Our Women Day will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center as part of this college’s observation of Women’s History Month. Student success coordinator Carrie Hernandez said the office of student life has been planning this event since January. Hernandez said the idea originated from the annual Spa Day for students only, which has been provided for 10 years as a stress reliever for students. Spa Day has featured foot massages, paraffin wax, aromatherapy and ambient music. This year’s Spa Day is 10 a.m.1 p.m. Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center. Pamper Our Women Day will offer stations where women can get their nails done by student volunteers. Women also will get makeup advice from a representative from Mary Kay Cosmetics, hair advice from cosmetology students at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Schools and “massages” from relaxing in a massage chair, Hernandez said. “It should be fun,” Hernandez said. “I would hope they will walk away a little happier or more appreciated.” Hernandez said anyone can attend, but the target audience is women. She also said if the event goes well, student life will continue it and probably expand the scope. She said Women’s History Month is funded by $2,500 from the office of student life and $2,500 from the office of college President Robert Vela. For this event, however, student life is spending less than $200 because most of the pampering services will be done by volunteers, she said. Hernandez said if anyone is interested in making the event better, they can e-mail ideas to her at chernandez@alamo.edu. Call the office of student life at 210-486 -0125.
Editorial
6 • March 23, 2015
.org
the
ranger
www.theranger.org/editorial
Editor Katherine Garcia
Managing Editor Mandy Derfler Assistant Managing Editor – News Cynthia M. Herrera Assistant Managing Editor – Features Richard Montemayor Calendar Editor Aaron Martinez Staff Writers Jose Arredondo, Tyrin Bradley, Christina M. Briseno, Eddie Chozet, Kyle R. Cotton, Travis Doyle, Priscilla M. Galarza, Sabrina Griffith, M.A. Horta, Te Keyshia Johnson, Derek Landis, Melissa Luna, Edith Moctezuma, Nathalie Mora, Janelle Polcyn, Karenna J. Reyna, Matthew Reyna, V.L. Roberson, Johann Spiess, Alyssa Zapata Photo Editor E. David Guel Photographer Gwen Garcia Photo Team Cassi Armstrong, Jon Hernandez, Jack Jackson, Tress-Marie Landa Multimedia Editor Daniel Carde Video Team Neven Jones, Rey Ruiz, Taylor Tribbey Illustrators Estefania B. Alonso, Alexandra Nelipa Production Assistant Pam Paz Promotions Manager R. Eguia Distribution Manager Shelly Delgado
@therangerSAC /readtheranger /therangervideo
©2015 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 782124299. 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
New address makes sense Initially, the idea of changing a long-standing address seems bizarre. Forwarding postal service from one address to the same place is amusing, not to mention all of the pre-printed letterheads, envelopes and labels that will be thrown away. The college address changing from 1300 San Pedro Ave. to 1801 N. Main Ave., however, does make a lot of sense. In a meeting in February, adminis-
trators decided to go forward with the change from a 2010 master plan that also includes building a new parking garage, continuing education building and veterans’ center. Access to campus from San Pedro Avenue has been difficult for about 15 years, since Dewey Place, Myrtle Street, Locust Street and Park Avenue were, one by one, closed to through traffic. Tobin Lofts faces Main Avenue, and
New ID cards no benefit to students Change suggested to avoid confusion about district values. By fall 5,000 Alamo Colleges employees will sport new ID cards with a price tag of more than $31,000. The ID badges are horizontal instead of vertical, include a barcode on the front instead of a magnetic strip on the back and have the Alamo Colleges’ mission statement and values printed on them. The mission statement is “Empowering our diverse communities for success.” It’s not clear how this expense will empower our community. Further, “Students First” is the first value listed on the district’s website. Does spending more than $31,000 on ID badges put students first? Perhaps district officials think having the values they consistently contradict listed on employees’ badges puts students first.
The Alamo Colleges Leadership Academy recommended the new badges because of employee confusion about values and mission and vision statements. During the March 4 Faculty Senate meeting, Linda Lowman, early childhood studies professor, said it was absurd the district is paying this much for ID badges when she only uses her badge for copies and suggested the money be used to hire someone. Maybe district officials should have saved money and instead referred faculty and staff to a more user-friendly website, which would list the values and mission and vision statements on the home page for all to see. Oh wait, they already did: Search the words “mission statement” and then find it under “Alamo Way Glossary” on the second page of the results, or visit this website: www.alamo.edu/ main.aspx?id=34085.
a welcome center, a one-stop place for enrollment and registration help, is planned for the same area. Main Avenue is already an unofficial entrance to campus. While tradition and history are important, so is necessary change. The new address will be an adjustment for current campus residents, but the next influx of students — and the community — will find much easier access.
viewpoints online
Get fired from McDonald’s — check Viewpoint by Daniel Carde
My mother and I barely left the drive-thru of McDonald’s in the Rose Park area of my hometown, Salt Lake City, when I created my first list of life goals in response to another incorrect order — to get fired from “Mickey D’s.” I was 15 years old, and I recognized it must be no small feat to actually screw up bad enough to get fired from the golden arches. I witnessed some terrible mishaps from my local McDonald’s crew, yet they never lost their job — challenge accepted. My buddy was working at the Rose Park McDonald’s, so I went to get hooked up with a free Oreo and
M&M McFlurry. That’s when I was sidetracked by the assistant manager. She asked me where I was working. I wasn’t. She asked me to fill out an application. I did. While the manager was speaking to me, I remembered my life goal to achieve the glory, the honor and all of the greatness bestowed upon a McDonald’s employee who can actually obtain what must be a coveted phrase “You’re fired!” Surely not anyone can obtain that honor. Like that, I was hired and on my way to achieving the first of my many life goals.
We are a newspaper, not a public relations firm Letter from the editor Katherine Garcia Two weeks ago, a coach called the newsroom to say The Ranger’s coverage of the women’s basketball team was unfair. She said the players were getting discouraged because we were only covering games the team lost. No reporters could make it to the game on Jan. 31 against St. Edward’s University.
We did cover a winning game on Feb. 4 against Northwest Vista College with photos, although a reporter couldn’t make it. Coverage can be found at www. theranger.org/multimedia-photos/. Also, reporters couldn’t make it to the away games at Northwest Vista College or colleges outside the Alamo Community College District.
Read the complete viewpoints and “Stage 4 or bust? No thanks” by Teresa Talerico on theranger.org.
Anthony B. Botello, Vanessa Frausto,
News
www.theranger.org/news
March 23, 2015 • 7
student
101
Oral hygiene made fun Puppets and posters assist students in teaching proper brushing techniques. By Edith Moctezuma
Students showed the children how to brush their Students from DNTA teeth and get proper nutri1245, Preventive Dentistry, tion, Lovato said. went to 12 elementary The dental assisting stuschools and child-care cendents explained to children ters to teach about 550 chilthe danger of tooth decay if dren ages 4-8 about dental they do not brush their teeth. care during Dental Health They also stressed eating Month in February. nutritious foods and avoidDr. Stella Lovato, chair of ing sugar or brushing teeth allied health, said the 22 preafter eating sugar to prevent ventive dentistry students decay, Lovato said. had to prepare their own Dental assisting sopholesson using more Ruby their own techHerrera said Read “Out of niques, such she taught chilthe office, into as puppets, the classroom” dren to brush books, slide and floss twice online. presentations, a day. posters and Sophomore crafts. Yasmeen Ramirez, demonDental assisting sophostrated brushing teeth in a more Dimond Ray used a circular motion. purple minion from the Students in this course movie “Despicable Me” who have been doing this denate sugar to illustrate bad tal health community projhabits and a regular minion ect for the last 20 years. The who ate healthful foods to course is offered during the illustrate good habits. spring semester, which is sac-ranger@alamo.edu
perfect for Dental Health Month, she said. “The idea of this project started because of a chapter in a book called Oral Health and Preventive Techniques, so the program decided to go to the community to help them,” Lovato said. Lovato said this project helps students practice so when they start working they can teach their clients to take care of their teeth. Students use their critical thinking skills to develop this project and present it, Lovato said. Students also become more confident by being able to share what they learn in class and research, she said. After each presentation, each child gets toothpaste and a tooth brush, Lovato said. These are donated by the company that supplies the dental program at this college. She said the community likes students doing this type of project to help teach children good dental habits,
Make leap from 2- to 4-year school Consult TRAC but also do homework, transfer guru says. By Tyrin Bradley
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
A dental assisting student shows Timmy the Explorer, a tooth who eats an apple at Travis Elementary in March 2008. File she said. Parents should teach their children the importance of taking care of their
teeth and visiting the dentist so they start practicing good oral health at a young age, Lovato said.
Nursing students raise money for pinning ceremony Pre-nursing students are encouraged to join TNSA. By Edith Moctezuma sac-ranger@alamo.edu
This college’s chapter of the Texas Nursing Student Association will sponsor a fundraiser 8-11:30 a.m. March 31 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 1 in the mall south of Loftin Student Center. T-shirts will be for sale from $10-$15, and store-bought baked goods, such as cookies and nutrition bars, will be available by donation. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help pay for a pinning ceremony, a nursing school tradition in which students receive pins after completing requirements for the program, according to the college’s website. Nursing pins are a badge nurses wear to identify the nursing school from which they graduated.
The fundraiser will be organized and run by the new officers of this college’s TNSA, Kalena Gutierrez, the incoming president of the association, said. Gutierrez said the association has a new slate of nine officers because of vacancies left by previous officers graduating. Other officers are Amera Baldwin, vice president; Shelby Blandford, secretary; Paul Thorson, treasurer; Heather Rockstroh, fundraising coordinator; Roxanne Bartlett, media coordinator; Briana Ervin, information/events coordinator; Melanie Rodriguez, volunteer coordinator; and Adelina Jimenez, membership coordinator. TNSA promotes professionalism and leadership for students, representing nurses from across the state preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, according to the TNSA website at www.tnsa.org. The association consists of students in the
ADDRESS from Page 1
will be “a one-stop shop for students in 2010, the education portable to get information on meningitis buildings and the service, trade and vaccines, where to go, student housindustry center will be demolished ing and about the area.” to make way for a veterans center, President Robert Vela said the a new continuing education buildaddress change will remedy confuing and the new mall entry. Mrizek sion about access to this college. said these construction projects “We’ve started the process shouldn’t affect the current park(changing the address) with the city ing situation even of San Antonio,” though the future Vela said. “It was I feel that the campus mall will a response from a address change cut through Lot 16. lot of complaints is necessary so “Part of the from students that it is easier for master plan is who couldn’t find students to find the a new parking their way from San welcome center. garage, which Pedro.” Dr. Lisa Alcorta, should compenVela said, “It’s Interim vice president sate for any loss of not really our front of student success parking,” Mrizek door per se.” said. “Some of the Vela said builds in the master plan may not the change of address wasn’t put happen; we could add another parkto a public discussion because the ing garage. It’s something that’s ever issue “is more of a logistical thing evolving.” for administration to handle to help Dr. Lisa Alcorta, interim vice better serve students.” president of student success, said, “I According to the 2010 master feel that the address change is necesplan, it should take 25 or more years sary so that it is easier for students to to finish all changes. find the welcome center.” “It’s a master plan; you’re never She said the new welcome center truly finished with it,” Mrizek said.
’’
nursing program and pre-nursing students, who are taking prerequisites, Gutierrez said. Gutierrez encourages pre-nursing students to join this association. She said TNSA will open opportunities such as scholarships, create contacts with people in the medical field, help students make good impressions through volunteer work and enhance a résumé. Members of TNSA also will be able to wear a gold cord at graduation after they accumulate 12 points from participating in events. Each event is worth one point, Gutierrez said. “It is an honor to wear,” Gutierrez said. To become a TNSA member, students can go to the National Student Nurses Association website at www. nsna.org and join there. Dues are $40 a year. For more information, call Gutierrez at 210313-4274.
BRIDGE from Page 1 “The bridge is a way to connect us to the park, and it will enable us to be good neighbors to the community while providing easy access to the park,” Vela said. This proposal was aligned with the city bond passed for the 2012– 2017 bond program, which gave San Pedro Springs Park funding for improvements to the park. “At the time Diego Bernal was our councilman for the district area that our college is in,” he said. “He really wanted to do a lot more work on beautifying our city parks.” Since then, Bernal moved on to become a state representative. Vela was scheduled to meet with Bernal’s replacement, Robert C. Treviño, before spring break; however Treviño canceled the meeting and has not rescheduled to get his take on the bridge proposal. Preliminary work for the bridge has started, said John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities operation and construction management “What we’re doing is a certain amount of due diligence that we
need to do anyway to proceed with the project, so that after the elections in May for the new city councilman we can then schedule a meeting with them to discuss the project in order for it to go forward,” he said. Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists was contracted to do the preliminary work, along with geologist David Yelacic, who works for Terracon, Strybos said. Yelacic was assigned to monitor the geotech borings conducted at San Pedro Springs Park because of the historical value of one of the oldest parks in the country. “Geotech borings were conducted and completed in accordance with the city of San Antonio permit and the state of Texas permit,” Strybos said. “In order for the project to move forward, it will need city funding because part of it is on city property.” “We would have to have a interlocal agreement between the city of San Antonio and Alamo Colleges to define who is responsible for what and who pays for what,” Strybos said. As of now the project is on hold.
As sophomores undertake their final semester at this college, the next step for some will be to transfer to a four-year university. But transferable credits dramatically vary by university, and the task of transferring can prove daunting. To help make the process as smooth as possible, transfer adviser Cassandra Segura gave some advice and resources. Always be proactive and persistent, Segura said, noting that numerous universities change the courses that are accepted as transferable — sometimes per semester. “The equivalency guides are different,” said environmental biology s o p h o m o re Hillary de la a Nelip O, a prospecndra Alexa tive Texas A&M University-San Antonio transfer. “For instance, UTSA accepts more (transfer classes) than smaller schools with a limited amount of degree plans,” she said. To stay abreast of these changes, Segura urges students to meet with an adviser on a regular basis. “Once a semester … at minimum, (once) every other semester,” Segura said. Students also should doublecheck requirements by going “to the source,” she added. With universities changing their transfer requirements so frequently, it’s a good practice for students to keep up with university requirements as it is virtually impossible for advisers to be aware of every change that occurs, she said. This can be done by using SAC TRAC on this college’s website at www.alamo.edu/sac/ transfer-center/. SAC TRAC, short for San Antonio College Transfer and Career Center, offers a plethora of tools and information for prospective transfer students. They can find resources such as an agenda to follow to ensure a smooth transfer, a calendar of universities visiting this campus and, in conjunction with transfer101.org, direct links to several Texas universities that display current lists of classes that will transfer from this college. Segura said she believes students who put these actions into practice will be better prepared to transition from this college to a four-year university. For more information, students can visit TRAC on the first floor of Moody Learning Center.
News
8 • March 23, 2015
www.theranger.org/news
Mortuary science unveils high-tech 3-D anatomical table Students in program still study three cadavers every semester. By Eddie Chozet
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
As of this semester, this college’s mortuary science department is using the Anatomage table, which allows students to study 3-D digital images of real-life cadavers. The table is the latest piece of equipment adopted by medical schools, simulation centers and physician assistant programs, said mortuary science Chair Felix Gonzalez. His department is among 110 institutions on six different continents using the table. “We are very excited to have this table at San Antonio College,” Gonzalez said. “We are one of the few to have them in the area.” According to student success generalist Cynthia Escatel, the Perkins Fund, a federal grant, covered the table’s entire expense of $79,000. About the size of an operating table, the Anatomage is the only system that can display life-size images of human gross anatomy, according to the manufacturer, Anatomage Medical, based in San Jose, Calif. The table connects to a projector and lets instructors demonstrate procedural material
Mortuary science Professor Mary Martin shows mortuary science sophomores Shantasky Washington, Brenda Alvarez and Joaquin Zuniga the direction of blood flow in the human body using an Anatomage table in Nail. E. David Guel and engage students. The table is also available to medical assisting and emergency medical technician students.
In February, Gonzalez demonstrated the table during an interview with The Ranger. “This was a real person,” he said as he
tapped the table’s touch screen and pulled up the body scan of a 33-year-old man from Korea. The man’s family donated his body to Anatomage after his death, Gonzalez said. The table stores about 120 different pathology scans, he said. The device is based on Anatomage’s radiology software, Invivo5. The software application can load any patient scan data — such as MRI or CT scans — and has been cleared by the FDA for the display and 3-D visualization of medical image files. “In addition to the two standard options of a male and female body scan, there is a library of different diseases with what people died from,” he said. “You can look up anywhere from an enlarged heart to an enlarged liver. You can actually go in and see what the pathology looks like.” Mortuary science sophomore Elvis Razo said he would rather work on a cadaver. “Don’t get me wrong, the Anatomage table is great with technology, but I feel like you really get the most experience working with a corpse,” he said. “The arteries are quick to find on the machine, (but) with the body, you have to search for it. Although you do get unlimited number of trials with the table, there’s limited bodies that we work on.” The department gets three cadavers to study every semester, Gonzalez said
Anthropology considers launching student colloquium Department looks at extracurricular option to expand experiences. By Janelle Polcyn
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Presenting research papers at a conference outside of class typically doesn’t happen until at least graduate school, but a professor at this college hopes to offer that experience for students in her department through a campus colloquium. Anthropology Professor Elizabeth de la Portilla said she got the idea from a former student, who suggested it so students could share their research and get feedback from peers and faculty. “One of the things I’ll be spearheading, so hopefully we’ll have it at the end of this semester or in the fall,
TRANSPARENCY from Page 1 someone for their college when they are capable of doing it themselves. Leslie defended his decision to discuss the “lean” number of full-time faculty, 38 percent, at Northwest Vista College, with President Rick Baser. Leslie said he sometimes meets with college presidents to help manage employees to ensure the colleges maintain a 50-50 ratio of full-time to parttime faculty. He encouraged Baser to move funds within the college’s budget to increase the faculty ratio. Baser hired two math professors. Snyder said 80 percent of the college budgets and 59 percent of the district budget go to personnel. District 7 trustee Yvonne Katz defended Leslie’s actions, saying the ratio prevents college presidents from hiring too many employees using “soft money,” such as grants that will run out within two years. Alderete said not hiring hinders student success, while
is a conference where our students will be able to present papers they have been working on so folks can get kind of an understanding of what it’s like to present a paper at a conference,” de la Portilla said. The colloquium would be open to students in the department of history, economics, anthropology and political science, she said. Every year the American Anthropological Association has a similar meeting where anthropologists share their research. “I think it’s a great opportunity to exchange ideas, and research is really good for anthropologists in general,” Joslyn Osten, marketing communications manager for the association, said of de la Portilla’s idea. “Exposure of the students’ research really helps students con-
Leslie said having too many employees strains the budget. District 2 trustee Denver McClendon said he was confused about the conversation and saw no problem. He said to Alderete, “The title said ‘budget adjustment,’ and you started off by saying, ‘No we don’t want to talk about budget.’” Alderete said he meant to talk about who controls the budget, not the numbers. District 8 trustee Clint Kingsbery echoed Alderete’s concerns, saying the trustee thought colleges weren’t entrusted with the full budget amount and giving the money back to district negatively impacts student success. Snyder explained the THECB requires information technology and communications costs for the district to be charged back to each college and listed on the budget. She said when the budget is made for a college, the money for IT and communications is loaded into a separate account to be spent only on
nect with one another. … It’s really helpful to have supporting material of where you’ve been published.” Whether students are looking for affirmation or networks, a meeting of like-minded intellectuals is a place where many professionals go for a start. “This would be a way for people to share each other’s work and for our department to see what our students are doing — also, for students to get some practice,” de la Portilla said. “This is just something we’ve been talking about doing.” Students would choose one topic and research it fully, she said. “It’s original research, so this would be their research on a topic that’s of interest to them or a topic that’s been covered in class, and the paper would have to be about eight to
those departments. Pamela Ansboury, associate vice chancellor of finance and fiscal services, explained IT supports each college institution with instruction, student services and academic support. She said it’s charged that way so the Coordinating Board knows how much IT costs per college. Alderete said the funds are not really the colleges’ because the IT funds are going back to the district. “That is my concern because you’re falsifying public records,” he said. Other committee members disagreed. District 6 trustee Gene Sprague said the cost of IT should be split among the colleges because the cost is incurred by the colleges. “There’s nothing underhanded, there’s nothing mysterious; it’s like white on black, it’s so simple. It’s just another category,” Sprague said. Leslie said the issue wasn’t trust or transparency, but
12 minutes long,” de la Portilla said. The association has three ways to present research: a panel of two to four people who collaborated, a roundtable of anthropologists who study a similar topic and discuss their findings, or a solitary presentation. Each format includes a questionand-answer segment, Osten said. De la Portilla and the department want students to do solitary presentations. The goal is to get them learning how to research, present and publish a paper for their future careers. “To gain that name recognition is really useful when you’re applying for a Ph.D. program,” Osten said. “It helps with funding for potential research. If they choose to go a path that’s nonacademic, just having that name recognition is really helpful in the workforce. If you are a known expert in a
particular field, you are more likely to be hired to do a particular job.” De la Portilla said the department will have to look at a “date that’s feasible.” “Probably sometime in April … but before everybody gets real busy with finals,” she said. “This could be something that people are using toward their final. We can have a colloquium so that they can see if they can get feedback on their material.” De la Portilla said she and her department have some work to do before they can host the colloquium but they have the idea and are spreading the word. “Our students are smarter than they think they are,” de la Portilla said. “It really is about the students. (They) really are the most important aspect.”
Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration, explains the 2016 fiscal year budget during the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee meeting Tuesday at Killen. Snyder suggested implementing a hiring chill or raising taxes or tuition to replace a potential $2 million shortfall. Katherine Garcia rather making sure every level — from district to the colleges — was accountable for their actions. Alderete said, according to Thomas Cleary, vice chancellor for planning, performance, and IT, among the Top 10 community college districts in Texas in producing graduates, Alamo Colleges ranked sixth. Leslie told Alderete the Alamo Colleges ranked second and having to back up the numbers because people don’t
believe them costs the district. Alderete said Alamo Colleges may be second in number of graduates to Lone Star Community College, but when comparing the number of graduates as a percentage of the student population to other large community colleges, the district ranks six of 10. Alderete promised to return with data. District spending can be found at: www.alamo.edu/district/fiscal-services/reports/.
In the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee meeting that evening, Snyder presented the baseline budget for 2016. In early estimates, Snyder said hiring chills, or not filling positions after an employee retires or leaves a job, may be an option if the college does not receive the full amount of funding from the state. She is estimating expenses totaling $312.5 million but revenue of $309.8 million, leaving a $2.7 million shortfall. State appropriations are expected to decrease by $3.2 million from last year’s $63.4 million to $60.2 million. Snyder said the early estimate of the budget is the worst-case scenario of zero percent enrollment growth, which would yield reduction in state appropriations. Another way to counter the shortfall is to raise property taxes or tuition. The committee forwarded the budget to the full board, which meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Room 101 of Killen Center.