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ranger Serving San Antonio College and the Alamo Colleges
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Volume 91 Issue 1 • Sept. 12, 2016
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
New department plans outreach efforts Faculty, staff in Fotoseptiembre exhibit at EcoCentro
A new master plan awaits bond election.
Chancellor pay up 6 percent
By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
See VISION, Page 7
Architecture students build for charity event in North Star Mall Page 3
online now
New college vision seen
This college should be a place where the surrounding community is always engaged with this campus, President Robert Vela told faculty and staff Aug. 16 at fall convocation, where he shared some of his vision for the next few years. In a one-on-one interview with The Ranger Sept. 1, Vela expanded on his vision including the importance of the capital improvement projects bond, his outreach initiatives and involvement of the surrounding community. “The thing for me is to ensure that our community, our backyard knows that SAC is here for them, and part of that is creating opportunities either through construction, redesign or collaborative shared spaces like more pocket parks or green areas so that we can partner to let our community know that we are here for them,” Vela said. “We need to create more opportunities that we can collaborate with our community so that our students know that on weekends or whatever they’re welcomed here. … Right now we have very rigid structures around SAC, so these spaces, especially like a front door needs to be an open area.” Efforts to create an entrance for this college include the welcome center, the victory center for veterans and active military and a proposed shared green space where Vela sees a farmers market or showcase of students’ talents regularly. The green space will replace student parking east of Moody Learning Center. “I want to create more of a collaborative environment for our community and the college,” he said.
Canstruction
By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
Flip Parkour Club President Edwin Velazquez demonstrates a flip Wednesday at the organizational showcase in the mall. The club has seven members and meets 12:30-1:30 p.m. Mondays in the craft room of Loftin. Alison Graef
A renewal to Chancellor Bruce Leslie’s contract includes a base salary of $403,123 — almost 25 percent more than the chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District. Joe May, chancellor of DCCCD, one of the community college districts that the Alamo Colleges continue to compete with, according to District 1 trustee Joe Alderete, has a base salary of $300,000, according to his 2014-2017 contract. Leslie’s contract included a 6 percent raise, a monthly automobile allowance of $1,500 and a monthly cell phone allowance of $166. Along with Dallas County Community College District, The Ranger acquired chancellor contracts from two other college districts in Texas — Tarrant County College and Houston Community College. Cesar Maldonado, chancellor of Houston Community College District, earns a base salary of $310,000 according to his 2014-
See CHANCELLOR, Page 7
Chancellor pushes transfer success Alamo Colleges credentials still important, chancellor says. By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree, rather than just receiving an associate degree or transferring, is another area of focus at the Alamo Colleges moving forward, Chancellor Bruce Leslie said. Leslie discussed his vision during district convocation Aug. 15, which involved not just shipping students out, but assuring they’re prepared to complete a baccalaureate at the transfer institution. “I’m trying to change our thinking on this,” Leslie said in a phone interview Aug. 31. “We’ve always looked at transferring as something that we want to achieve, but after transferring, we tend to forget about them.” Leslie said students who achieve a successful transfer to a university might be forgotten because they are no longer the college’s students, and therefore, no longer the college’s responsibility. “To be honest, we haven’t really cared about how successful they are once they’ve transferred in the past,” Leslie said. Leslie said it’s not that transferring isn’t important — in fact, increasing the percentage of students who successfully transfer is one of the Alamo Colleges’ goals. Leslie said the main idea is to change the thought process a little bit — it’s not just the transfer; it’s the baccalaureate completion. The transfer may have been the focus for administrators, but faculty don’t need to change their thinking. Although transferring is a goal, history Professor Mike Settles said the major goal has always been making sure students are successful after they leave the Alamo Colleges. Settles said faculty should be concerned with the students while they’re here and after they leave, not forget them once they’re gone. “Our purpose is to prepare these students to be
successful once they leave our classes, successful in life and successful in the academic levels and challenges beyond here,” Settles said in an interview Sept. 7. Settles said with productive grade rates as another area of focus for faculty, he believes administration’s goal of graduating more students is actually hurting them after they leave. “We’re pressured to pass people whether they learn anything or not,” Settles said. “You can put a nice high grade on their transcript and a smile on their face while sending them on to the next level, but if they can’t compete there then you’ve done them no favors whatsoever; you’ve just set them up for failure.” Settles said he wants to see his students achieve good grades, but they must earn them. Other than preparedness, Leslie said there are other issues that cause students who transfer not to be successful. Students may take too many hours at the community college level and some of the courses may not transfer, which equals time and money lost, Leslie said. “In some cases, students may lose their Pell Grant funding due to this,” Leslie said. There is only so much money in the Pell Grant that students can have before turning to loans if necessary, Leslie said. Many students don’t know about the three-peat rule, which forces students to pay out-of-state tuition for classes on the third try, Leslie said. These reasons, among other fiscal-related issues, may create obstacles for students that make the path to a bachelor’s degree more difficult or halt their progress altogether. Leslie said, the Alamo Colleges need to take the advice and message it gives to high schools that funnel into the colleges. “We need to produce students who are collegeready, meaning they’re capable of completing college, not just coming here,” Leslie said. “We need to
See TRANSFER, Page 7
Visual arts Professor Debra Schafter explains that her proposal for the visual arts program should be funded at the student activity fee meeting Sept. 1 in the president’s conference room because the guest speaker, Ricky Armendariz, a UTSA professor and local artist influenced by Mexican-American mixed media, would be beneficial for art students. Deandra Gonzalez
Activity fee funds 3 By Brianna Rodrigue
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Three organizations received funding at the semester’s first Student Activity Fee Committee meeting Sept. 1 in the president’s conference room in Fletcher Administration Center. The two faculty members and five student members awarded $9,521 of the $43,000 the committee can spend this academic year. The $43,000 is a portion of the proceeds from the student activity fee for which students pay $1 per semester hour. The American Institute of Architecture student club was awarded $6,000 to attend the AIAS Forum hosted by Wentworth Institute of Technology and Massachusetts College of Art and Design Dec. 28-Jan. 2 in Boston. The Beta Nu chapter of Phi
Theta Kappa received $2,800 to attend the Phi Theta Kappa Regional Conference at East Texas Baptist University Oct. 7-9 in Marshall. The visual arts program’s Film and Lecture Committee was awarded $721 to host a lecture by artist and UTSA Professor Ricky Armendariz 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. Oct. 27 in Room 120 of the visual arts center. Mark Bigelow, interim director of student life, chaired the meeting. Only two of the four faculty representatives attended — English Professor Laurie Coleman and American Sign Language Instructor Brian Barwise. The five student representatives are all members of the Student Government Association
See FEE, Page 7
People
2 • Sept. 12, 2016
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Mega lab
Computer science sophomore Tony Moyoral prints a report for a Texas government class with the assistance of lab work-study Anthony Agozie Tuesday in the student mega lab on the fifth floor of Moody. The lab is open access to students and offers PC, Mac and iPad workstations, printing and scanning, technology training, MLA and APA style formatting help, software support, ACES and registration assistance among other services. Printing is done through GoPrint. Black-and-white pages cost 10 cents, black-and-white double-sided costs 8 cents per side, color costs 50 cents and color double-sided costs 45 cents per side. The lab is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Alison Graef
Weight training
Above: Biology sophomore Jordan Seams prepares to do a sumo dead lift of 160 pounds during kinesiology Instructor Medin Barreira’s Weight Training 1 class Tuesday in the conditioning room in Candler. Students who were doing the sumo deadlift had to do three sets of 20, first with 100 pounds, then with 160 pounds. Recreational days in Candler are Monday-Thursday. The swimming pool hours are 1-4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 3:15-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Basketball hours are 2-4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday in Gym 1 and 2-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday in Gym 2. The conditioning room hours are 2-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Aly Miranda
Tennis anyone? Left: Grace Toman, Alamo Heights Junior School eighth grader, practices her tennis skills Tuesday on the tennis courts during sunset. Tennis courts are open weekdays until 4 p.m. Josue Hernandez
tues
Deadline: Fall 2016 16-week, last day to withdraw for a 70 percent refund.
fri
sat
Deadline: Fall 2016 16-week, last days to withdraw for a 25 percent refund. Continues through Sept. 19.
NLC Sports: Coed three-on-three basketball registration deadline in Room 131 of student commons. Call 210-486-5404.
Event: Meditation in the Japanese Gallery. 10:15-11 a.m. at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. Call 210-978-8100.
PAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio recruiters 9 a.m.-noon in the student center. Call 210-486-3131.
SAC Event: Donut Tuesdays 9-10 a.m. at the information desk in Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
Event: Mil Guitarras para Víctor Jara. 2-4 p.m. at Esperanza Center. 922 San Pedro. Call 210-2280201.
SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 210486-0864.
SAC Event: National Society of Leadership and Success orientation 10 a.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0134.
SAC Event: Fall 2016 Flex 2 new student orientation 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on the first floor of Loftin. Visit orgsync.com/25432/events/1531083/ occurrences/3510895.
SAC Event: 9/11 memorial ceremony 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210486-0137.
PAC Event: U.S. Constitution and Citizenship Day celebration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the student center annex. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. while supplies last. Call 210-486-3125.
SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon-1 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0133. SAC Meeting: Campus Activities Board 1-2 p.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
Event: “Patrik Elgström: Obstacle” photography exhibition 1-5 p.m. in Room 110 of the Dicke/Smith building at Trinity University, Tuesday-Saturday. Continues through Oct. 15. Call 210-999-7682. SAC Meeting: College Council 2 p.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Call 210-486-0957. PAC Event: Mascot tryouts 2-5 p.m. in the performing arts auditorium. Call 210-486-3125. Event: Lennox Series Lecture with Erin Saltman “From Neo-Nazi to Jihadist: The Allure of Violent Extremist Propaganda Online” 7-9 p.m. in Room 142 of Chapman Center at Trinity University. Call 210-999-8153.
wed
PAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-San Antonio recruiters 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the student center. Call 210-486-3131. SAC Event: Volleyball bash students vs. staff 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Event: National Society of Leadership and Success orientation at 1 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Continues Thursday. Call 210-486-0134. PAC Event: Table tennis open 1-3 p.m. in the gymnasium. Call 210-486-3805. SAC Meeting: Future Teachers Organization 1:45-2:45 p.m. in Room 108 of Gonzales. Call 210486-0658. NLC Sports: Women’s volleyball tryouts 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the wellness gym. Continues through Sept. 16. All three days are mandatory. Call 210-486-5405.
thur
SAC Meeting: Parkour Club “New Blood” day for those interested in joining 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of Loftin. Bring comfortable clothes and running shoes for a run. Call 210-7928659. SAC Event: “Compositions of a Found Mind” art exhibition and breakfast reception by Katherine Brown 10 a.m.-noon on the fourth floor of Moody. Continues through Dec. 2. Call 210-486-0554. PAC Transfer: Texas State University recruiters 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the student center. Call 210-486-3131. SAC Event: Pingpong tournament 2-4 p.m. in the game room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
Event: Fiestas Patrias De Mujer Artes exhibit plus art sale. 5-8 p.m. Casa De Mujer Artes, 1412 El Paso. Free. Continues through Oct. 15. Call 210-228-0201.
sun
Event: Gallery Talk: Museum Highlights. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. Call 210-978-8100.
Event: “On the Cusp of Change” gallery talk by Latin American art curator Marion Oettinger Jr. 6:30-8 p.m. at the San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. $10 members, $20 nonmembers. Call 210-978-8133. Illustrations by Alexandra Nelipa
today
SAC Event: Zumba 3-4 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Bring towel and water. Call 210-4860125.
For coverage in People, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
News
www.theranger.org/news
Sept. 12, 2016 • 3
Architecture students build Greek god Atlas with cans By Miranda A. Holden sac-ranger@alamo.edu
This college’s chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students is the only participating college in Canstruction, an annual charity event in which architectural firms create structures using cans. This year marks the 11th year of the event, and the team of architecture students can’t wait to begin the project, sophomore Shane Anderson, AIAS president, said Aug. 27. Canstruction is a trademarked charity that hosts competitions, exhibitions and events showcasing colossal structures made out of full cans of food. The results will be displayed through Sept.
24 in North Star Mall. Cans will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank Sept. 25. Anderson said the cansculpture this year will be Atlas, the Titan god who held up the world as punishment by Zeus for leading the war between the Titans and Olympian gods ,according to greekmythology.com. The idea came from architecture sophomore Kylar Flores, head of the build team. Instead of the world on his back, this Cansculpture god will be holding a big bowl of chili, hoping to “raise the world against hunger,” the slogan for the entry. “We’ve never gone this big for a structure we’ve built,” Anderson said. The sculpture will be 8 feet tall and 10 feet
wide and consist of 1,975 cans. “Our standards trying to design something that used as many cans as we could considering they all go toward the S.A. Food Bank,” Anderson said. All can donations were from Trader Joe’s, which gave them a 10 percent discount. Luby’s provided $2,500 as a sponsor. The team of about 10 architecture students has dedicated four to six hours Fridays and Saturdays to work on the project. They planned to install it in North Star Mall a few days before the event opens, he said. “We just wanted to find another way to help the community; it’s rewarding in itself and it’s also a fun activity for upcoming fresh-
men to come and help us with,” he said. The students used SketchUp to create the design. SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program used as a drawing application for architectural designs. They printed templates and placed them on boards to help build the structure. The actual assembly will be at the mall. All Cansculptures will be eligible to receive a “People’s Choice Award” presented inside the mall 6:30 p.m. today. Vote for your favorite Cansculpture before 6 p.m. today by voting in person or by “liking it” on Facebook. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.canstruction.org.
Zika testing to begin with blood donations By Mario Parker Menchaca III sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The office of student life is sponsoring the next campus blood drive Sept. 19-20. South Texas Blood & Tissue Center will have mobile collection buses parked in the mall 9 a.m.-3 p.m. both days. All donors will receive a free red T-shirt as well as a wellness checkup. Visits take only about 10 minutes, and each unit donated can help save up to three lives, according to the center’s website at www. southtexasblood.org. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and present a photo ID before donating. Campus blood drives are vital because more than 27,000 units have been donated from students, which represents 22 percent of the yearly total blood collected, according to information on the website. “Blood types O negative and AB negative are the most needed,” said mobile recruiter Michelle Stout Sept. 2 in a phone interview. O negative is a universal blood type and can be used with the most patients in need. AB negative is the rarest of blood types; many patients in need of this have a harder time acquiring this blood type, she said. Donating blood is important because it is used for patients undergoing surgeries and transfu-
Kinesiology freshman Alejandra Amador donates blood with the assistance of mobile phlebotomists Michelle Perez and Ariel Lopez from South Texas Blood & Tissue Center as education freshman Erika Atilano, also a donor, watches Aug. sions as well as recovering from traumatic injury and cancer treatment, she said. The center will test all dona-
30 during a mobile blood drive in the mall. Thirty-seven people attempted to donate, and 27 were accepted. Starting this month, all donors must consent to be tested for the Zika virus before giving blood. Alison Graef
tions for the Zika virus after the drive. Zika is a virus that can be spread through mosquito bites and sexual transmission.
If a pregnant woman contracts the virus, her fetus may be infected as well. This can lead to major birth
defects in newborns but only minor symptoms, including rash and fever, in adults. “People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. Once a person has been infected with Zika, they are likely to be protected from future infections,” according to the website of the Centers for Disease Control. “The FDA requires all donors to sign a consent form to be screened for the Zika virus; however, there is little risk of a widespread outbreak in the South Texas area,” Stout said. “This is a precaution; we can never be too safe.” Stout added that if a blood sample does come back positive for Zika, then the donor would immediately be notified and referred to a physician for further examination. The center wants to have blood on hand year-round in case of tragedy. After the domestic terror attack on the Orlando nightclub Pulse June 12, some 28,000 donors, the most for a single event since the attacks of 9/11, lined up at collection sites for several hours to give blood for the shooting victims, according to Time Magazine. “We need to donate before such tragedies occur,” Stout said. “Blood needs to be collected, prepared and ‘on the shelf’ ready to deliver in times of need.” More information can be found at the center’s website and by calling 210-249-4483.
Honor society to welcome new members By Emily Garcia
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students with a 3.5 grade-point average who have completed 12 college-level credit hours are eligible to join the Beta Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. The society recognizes students for their academic achievements and gives students the opportunity to do service projects to help this community and this college, astronomy Professor Roger Stanley said Aug. 29. Stanley is the adviser of Phi Theta Kappa. Developmental courses do not count toward the 12 college-level credit hours needed to join. Students also must be enrolled in at least six credit hours this semester at this college. There is a fee of $100 to join. “Students will receive an e-mail from Phi Theta Kappa headquarters notifying
them of their eligibility to join, or they can petition me in case they haven’t gotten an e-mail yet,” Stanley said. E-mails for this semester have not been sent, but Stanley is in the process of certifying the list of students who are eligible. Students who join will be inducted at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. The four hallmarks of this organization are leadership, fellowship, scholarship and service opportunities, Stanley said. “Phi Theta Kappa also gives students a network to learn about scholarships and the skills needed for the workforce, like how to get along with others and getting stuff done on time,” Stanley said. The work the organization does is not for a grade, but students learn how to be self-driven rather than being driven by a teacher, Stanley said. Students involved in this organiza-
tion also participate in competitions and can run for leadership positions in the organization. “They can run for regional or international office so there’s a lot of leadership opportunities,” Stanley said. Biology sophomore Debra Williams is the vice president of fellowship for the campus chapter. “I joined to be an officer to actually better myself in college and try to learn how to be more organized and be more of a leader,” Williams said. “Right now, we have a college project we’re doing to help tutor kids, and we have a community-based project where we’re trying to help people have healthy body images,” Williams said. This organization meets at 2 p.m. today and alternating Mondays in the craft room on the second floor of Loftin Student Center. Stanley can be reached at 210-4860058 or gstanley@alamo.edu.
Samantha Davis, former Phi Theta Kappa president at this college and American Sign Language sophomore, welcomes new member accounting sophomore William Hernandez during the 2015 spring induction ceremony March 18 in McAllister. File.
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More than food, music and dance Professors suggest students participate in events to gain information. By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to draw attention to the history of Hispanic culture and to make more people aware, an English professor said. The celebration extends Sept. 15-Oct. 15 and recognizes contributions by Hispanic Americans to the United States while celebrating their heritage and the culture behind it. Professor Mariano Aguilar, chair of the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, said those who participate in events at this college will receive information that they probably wouldn’t be provided at any other place at any other time. “Ideally, we wouldn’t have Hispanic Heritage Month; we wouldn’t have Black History Month or Women’s History Month because all these groups would be given the attention they deserve, so we wouldn’t need to create these types of days, weeks or months,” Aguilar said. Lisa Ramos, Mexican-American studies professor, said it’s powerful to know that there are people with your background who have contributed to this country. “I’ve heard college students of Mexican descent say, ‘I grew up feeling like I don’t belong in this country, I grew up feeling like my ancestors didn’t contribute to this country’,” Ramos said. She said students attend events to learn about civil rights activist Cesar Chavez or the Battle of the Alamo and realize, “Wow, people like me, who had last names like me, who looked
like me; they were contributing to major battles at the Texas discriminated against. They wanted Mexican-American revolution.” studies programs; they wanted to stop being punished Aguilar said events during the celebration include activists for speaking Spanish, he said. who are in their 70s or 80s who have been around for such a “Some people may know of the California walklong time and have seen and contributed to the history. outs but not know of the walkouts that happened “My uncle, who was one of many activists, died last fall,” in this city,” Aguilar said. “Students walked out of Aguilar said. “At his rosary, there were members who attended Lanier and Edgewood high schools in the late ’60s who hadn’t seen each other in 20 years. in protest, just like in California.” “They say so-and-so is dying, soGrowing up, Aguilar and-so is sick, and they’re realizing that said both of his parents were Wow, people like me, who their stories are going to disappear if Chicano activists, but they had last names like me, who raised him and his sister to they don’t get it out there, Aguilar said. looked like me; they were The month is also a time where peobe almost apolitical. contributing to major battles ple can be informed about minorities “We grew up in the late and their contributions, Ramos said. ’70s and ’80s, in Reagan at the Texas revolution. “We assume people of color — Lisa Ramos, America, where Hispanic minority groups — are so oppressed became the term. They went Mex-Am studies professor that they weren’t able to achieve much. from being Chicanos in the They think that they didn’t do any1960s-70s who had these little kids thing,” she said. who became Hispanic in the ’70s and ’80s and didn’t teach us People who know that Mexican-Americans have contrib- about the history.” uted to society don’t really know just how many different ways Aguilar said it might have been a generational situation, they’ve contributed, Ramos said. saying the difference in generations can play a big factor in The events at this college are for students to gain knowledge what parents teach their children. and an understanding of the history and culture of Hispanics. Ramos said there’s a reason behind children not learning Aguilar said some events in the past, such as walkouts, may Spanish. be noted during some lectures and they were a statement in Parts of those walkouts were because teachers were not the civil rights era. allowing their students to speak Spanish during class. If you There were California walkouts where Mexican-American did, you would get hit and punished, Ramos said. students walked out of their schools because they were being “It was ingrained in my parents who grew up in the ’50s and
’’
New Mexican-Ame gives unique persp Professors stress importance of understanding the culture and heritage for the workplace. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
Mexican-American studies at this college helps not only those who are looking to understand their roots, but also gives people who aren’t Latin-American a new understanding. The Mexican-American studies program began this semester after receiving approval from the district board of trustees. The 2016-17 college catalog lists the new program as offering an Associate of Arts Field of Study degree. Field of study is a specific course of study approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that requires public four-year universities to accept 12 or 15 semester credit hours. The courses are from the his-
tory, English, programs. The progra are HUMA 1305 American Stud Mexican-Amer 2311, Mexican 2351, Mexica SPAN 2312, In SPAN 2315, Sp 2; and HUMA Fine Arts Appre “The progra Aguilar, Mexi professor, said as a field of stu in May, so w together from thing we want give attention activists of the ignored by hist Aguilar said lege’s Mexicanwill be intervie “Eventually down the line,
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Sept. 12, 2016 • 5
College transmits Hispanic heritage through events Academic and cultural programs abound. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
The Hispanic culture has had a huge impact on how San Antonio has developed over the last 300 years. With that rich history to draw from, this college will be hosting 13 events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, to honor that influence. The opening reception will be at noon Thursday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center with guest
speaker Maximo Anguiano, a local actor and activist, along with musical performances by El Tallercito de Son, which performs son jarocho, a form of traditional Mexican music developed in Veracruz, Mexico. Mariano Aguilar, MexicanAmerican literature professor, said Son will intersperse their performance with information regarding the history of son jarocho, which Aguilar said is a precursor to mariachi music. Speakers from K-12, community college and university levels will participate in a panel discussion
’60s, that speaking Spanish was inferior, that it’s bad and something bad would happen to you if you did,” Ramos said. Now, it’s not because children are going to be slapped, but they may be made fun of or acquire an accent, even potentially struggling with two languages growing up, she said.
Illust
erican studies program pective of culture humanities and language
am’s field of study courses 5, Introduction to Mexicandies; HIST 2327 and 2328, rican History 1 and 2; GOVT n-American Politics; ENGL an-American Literature; ntermediate Spanish 2, or panish for Native Speakers A 1311, Mexican-American eciation. am is brand new,” Mariano ican-American literature d. “We were only approved udy by the Alamo Colleges we are putting everything m absolute scratch. One t to try and emphasize is to Chicano and Chicana ’60s and ’70s who’ve been tory.” d every semester this col-American Studies’ classes ewing Chicano activists. y, three, four, five years , we’ll have enough inter-
views so that we can compile a book on that and we can give them the attention they haven’t had all this time,” he said. Dr. Lisa Ramos, Mexican-American history professor, said one of the things she wants to do is help students realize how it important it is understand Mexican-American history if they are going to work in the San Antonio area, which is predominantly Hispanic. “These classes aren’t just for people who want to learn about their parents and grandparents. ... It’s actually going to help you in the workforce today because this population is 66 percent Mexican descent, so you really need to understand the history of the people you’re working with to be the best possible employee. Aguilar said having this understanding could give students the edge when competing for jobs, Ramos said. For those majoring in MexicanAmerican studies, Ramos said it will make a difference by helping businesses, politicians and others understand MexicanAmerican culture as well as themselves.
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of “Who’s Telling Our Story?” about the controversy surrounding the proposed Mexican-American studies textbook, “Mexican-American Heritage,” for K-12 education. The discussion is at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 in Room 218 of the nursing complex. “I don’t know how much they actually read into that book; there is an entire chapter that is more anti-communist in Latin-America propaganda than it is anything about Mexican-American studies,”
Alexa
ndra
Aguilar said. “The word Mexican or Mexican-American is not mentioned in that chapter at all.” Aguilar said there is also a quote in the text that depicts MexicanAmericans as lazy. Other academic events include a Mexican-American studies open house at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 4 in Room 100 of Chance Academic Center and a Mexican-American Studies Chicano research presentation by students in ENGL 2351, MexicanAmerican Literature, at 11 a.m. Oct. 10 on the fourth floor of the library in Moody Learning Center. The students will present research on lesser-known individuals who fought for Mexican-Amer ican rights.
Aguilar said this is an ongoing project and eventually each of the student’s projects will be compiled into an anthology. Cultural festivities include “Bailando con Sabor,” a flamenco dancing presentation 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Fiesta Room. Hosted by student life, the event will feature Teresa Champion, mother of dance Adjunct Annette Flores, teaching how to flamenco. The Antojitos Festival and Hecho A Mano arts fair is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 28 in the mall. The annual event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with music, fun activities, food and lowrider cars. All proceeds from food sales help student organizations. For more information on these and other Hispanic Heritage Month events, call Carrie Hernandez, senior student success specialist, at 210486-0128 or Aguilar at 210-4860651.
Nelip
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Hispanic Heritage Month events Thursday Opening reception noon in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Music and free food while it lasts.
Sept. 23 “Requiem of the Oppressed” by Maximo Anguiano 7 p.m. in McCreless theater.
Oct. 4 Mexican-American Studies open house 5:30 p.m. in Room 100 of Chance.
Sept. 20 Bailando con Sabor, a flamenco presentation by Teresa Champion 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin.
Sept. 28 Antojitos Festival & Hecho a Mano Arts Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall.
Oct. 5 Painting with a Hispanic Heritage Twist 2-4 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin.
“Who’s Telling Our Story?” panel discussion 7 p.m. in Room 218 of the nursing complex.
Oct. 10 Mexican-American Studies Chicano history research presentation 11 a.m. on the fourth floor of Moody.
Sept. 21 “Cesar Chavez” film screening 10:50 a.m., 1:40 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Sept. 22 “The Panza Monologues” by Virginia Grise and Irma Mayorga 7 p.m. in McCreless theater.
Sept. 29 Open mic night highlighting Latino poetry 6-9 p.m. in the cafeteria of Loftin.
Oct. 13 “Despierta!” film screening 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister.
Call student life at 210-486-0125 or Mariano Aguilar at 210-486-0651
6 • Sept. 12, 2016
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Editor Wally Perez
Managing Editor Kyle R. Cotton Staff Writers Bismarck D. Andino, Raven Arriaga, Yessenia Arroyo, Nicole Bautista, Valerie Champion, Rachel Cooper, Michelle Delgado, J. Del Valle, James Dusek, Christian Erevia, Estefania Flores, Emily Garcia, Miranda A. Holden, Mario Parker Menchaca III, Felicia Mora, R.M. Ozuniga, Ryann Palacios, William A. Peters, Maritza Ramirez, Sasha D. Robinson, Brianna Rodrigue, Christy Romero, Zachary-Taylor Wright Visuals Editor Brandon A. Edwards Photographers Alison Graef, Aly Miranda Photo Team Yvonne Gonzales, Deandra Gonzalez, Josue Hernandez, Daniel Martinez, M.J. Martinez, Melissa Oblach, John Ortega Illustrators Estefania B. Alonso, Alexandra Nelipa
@therangerSAC /readtheranger /therangervideo
©2016 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-3941. 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 classes in the Journalism Program 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, Journalism Program, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-3941 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.
Alexandra Nelipa
Leslie paid more than Obama For 10 years, Dr. Bruce Leslie has served as chancellor of the Alamo Colleges. In that time his leadership has improved some areas, such as increased graduation rates, but also included some questionable judgment calls, such as being caught on his phone during commencement at this college and Palo Alto College. No matter how good a job trustees believe he does, he is not worth more than the president of the United States in the base salary that was approved at the Aug. 16 board meeting. Leslie’s base salary is $403,123, and includes an additional monthly $1,500 automobile allowance and a $166 cell phone allowance. President Barack Obama’s base salary is $400,000.
viewpoint
Every trustee but District 8 representative Clint Kingsbery and District 3 representative Anna Bustamante voted in favor of the raise. Leslie keeps watch on progress at the Dallas County Community College District as an incentive to this district, but this raise puts Leslie out in front of Dallas’ chancellor by more than $100,000. The board has always stressed paying competitively to the market for every position outside contract work, which is taken on a case-bycase basis. In fact, the most recent raise for faculty and staff was based on a scale where each person fell in the competitive workforce market for their position. How is it fair to hold the employees to a different standard than the chancellor?
But the most egregious thing about Leslie’s new contract is how it was approved. After issuing a verbal reprimand for his commencement behavior, District 7 trustee Yvonne Katz, who serves as board chair, called for a vote for a contract in the vaguest of terms and without discussion in open session. That is unacceptable behavior from board members, the elected officials who lead a college district. Where’s the transparency trustees and the chancellor are always trumpeting? They ought to try modeling that behavior for students. No student would ever be allowed a performance like that in a classroom — at least not if a passing grade was expected.
Olympics good for travel, patriots
At Olympics, friends show up at games and in the streets. First item on our list was to visit the Christ the Guest Redeemer viewpoint statue. We by Philip called Ubër to Taele take us there, but our driver sac-ranger@ alamo.edu said we had to either take a train ride or a tour van to the top. The driver took us to the vans where we continued our journey. You could see the majestic beauty of Rio as we traveled higher up toward the statue. It was a high traffic area on a really narrow road as tourists and taxis were going back and forth on the path to Jesus, but only the tour vans could stop at the very top. You knew in the pictures that the statue was massive but to see it right in front of you was unbelievable. Visitors from all over the world showed up with their country’s flags in honor of the Olympics. Even ESPN analysts Dan Patrick and Cris
Collinsworth, along with Dhani Jones, were there to view the majestic city; we had to take pictures with them. With pride, I opened up my American flag in front of big Jesus and took plenty of pictures with fellow Americans. At that moment, I knew that I was more than just a tourist and Olympic spectator. At that moment, I knew that I would be representing the United States of America throughout my stay. The opening ceremony was one of the biggest moments that I was looking forward to. There was a big gathering for the viewing party in what appeared to be downtown Rio. On a giant screen, we got to see the countries walk out one at a time. When Team USA came on screen, I was overwhelmed at the opportunity to yell the USA chant in front of everyone along with other Americans spread out in the crowd. We had a few Danish guys sing along with the
Above: Taele and the Hurley sisters Right: Taele and ESPN’s Dan Patrick at Christ the Redeemer statue U.S. national anthem, out of key, but all in fun. As we were leaving, I ran into a flag-carrying man from India who wanted to take a picture of me holding my flag. I told him that I was from San Antonio and he told me he was a huge Tim Duncan fan. Every day after that, it was always a tough decision: enjoy Rio or enjoy the Olympic Games.
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Sept. 12, 2016 • 7
Transfer center invites students to set up degree plans By Michelle Delgado sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students will have the opportunity this week to meet with university representatives, set up degree plans and enjoy doughnut holes and coffee while getting on the right track to transfer. The Transfer and Career Center will host an open house for students, faculty and staff 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday on the first floor of Moody Learning Center. “A lot of students say, ‘Oh wow, I didn’t know this even existed,’” said transfer adviser Jessica Gonzalez. “We just want to bring awareness to the transfer resources that this college offers.” Students can get familiar with the TRAC
From CHANCELLOR, Page 1 2017 contract, while Eugene Giovannini, chancellor of Tarrant County College, earns $297,000 according to his 2016-2019 contract. May, Maldonado and Giovannini all are offered a type of deferred compensation, as part of their contract, which is performance based, unlike Leslie, whose contract has no mention of a deferred compensation. Maldonado’s contract details compensations of $10,000 in 2015, $15,000 in 2016 and $15,000 in 2017. May’s deferred compensation includes $50,000 per year as long as May complies with the terms and conditions of DCCCD’s supplemental executive retirement plan. Giovannini’s compensation is earned through a performance incentive pay plan. On or before the first six months of his employment, Giovannini and the TCCD board will develop goals to be met annually. According to his contract, the incentive pay shall not exceed $50,000. Leslie and Maldonado both receive a monthly vehicle allow-
ance of $1,500; May receives $1,350 a month for business or personal expenses, and Giovannini receives $800 a month for travel and/or cell phone use. Unlike Maldonado and May, who are reimbursed for their cell phone payments, Leslie receives $166 a month for his cell phone. All four chancellors are reimbursed for reasonable business lodging, travel, meals and entertainment expenses. Leslie’s contract also describes a termination without cause scenario: “… In the event of this, ACCD agrees to pay a lump sum amount equal to the lesser of salary that would have been earned through the end date or 24-month’s salary. Leslie shall also be entitled to reasonable outplacement services for a period of the lesser of 12 months or until Leslie secures comparable employment.” Only District 3 trustee Anna Bustamante and District 8 trustee Clint Kingsbery voted against the raise. Bustamante said she was unhappy with increases to his perks in addition to the raise. Kingsbery agreed with Bustamante and said it should have been a flat rate increase.
From FEE, Page 1 — psychology sophomore Harley Williams, president; pre-pharmacy sophomore Quintin Longoria, vice president; psychology sophomore Brett Douglas, historian; financial services sophomore Christopher Scoggins, treasurer; and computer science sophomore Sergio Calderon, member. The AIAS Forum will have keynote speakers, workshops and seminars for the students, said architecture sophomore Ian Amen, vice president of AIAS. AIAS will take six students and one adviser to the forum. “We hope to be funded because we have always been funded, and also we always help the community back such as with fixing houses and hosting Canstruction,” said architecture program Coordinator Dwayne Bohuslav,
From TRANSFER, Page 1 take responsibility, as we’re asking the high schools to take, in making sure our students are ready and prepared to complete and receive a bachelor’s.” Ruth Dalrymple, associate vice chancellor for academic partnerships and initiatives, said the focus has been and continues to be increasing the number of students who graduate from the Alamo Colleges. “Over the last couple of years,
staff, learn about the different resources they offer and find their transfer degree plans. Attending this event will help students make sure they are following the right transfer plan and taking courses that will count at their university, Gonzalez said. This is the second year of the event; however, this time university officials will be there to answer students’ questions. Universities attending include the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M-San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word, St. Mary’s University, Texas State University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas Tech University, Wayland Baptist University and the University of Texas
’’
I don’t understand why a $1,500 vehicle allowance is needed; that’s $48,000 a year on top of his salary. Tony Villanueva, President, AAUP
Tony Villanueva, president of the American Association of University Professors at Palo Alto College, believes Leslie’s salary is relatively standard. “I don’t understand why a $1,500 vehicle allowance is needed; that’s $48,000 a year on top of his salary,” Villanueva said. “In the last three years, there have been students protesting his resignation, reaccreditation issues and faculty concern for administration,” Villanueva said. “It would be nice to have public opinion on matters like this.” Villanueva said Googling the Alamo Colleges and Leslie results in a lot of websites that give plenty of reason to pause and say, “Shouldn’t we allow the community to say something?” Alderete said Leslie is in the middle of the pack of other community college chancellors in
adviser for AIAS. The committee voted unanimously to approve the funding. Phi Theta Kappa adviser Roger Stanley asked for $3,562 to take 10 students and the adviser to the regional conference, the third year PTK will attend a regional conference. After some negotiation, members also voted unanimously to award the society $2,800, and members will fund $762 for food and gas. Visual arts Professor Debra Schafter asked for $721: $400 for Armendariz’s one-hour lecture and $321 for a reception. Members questioned the fee for a local speaker, but Schafter explained he is an internationally known artist. “I understand he is a local artist and professor, but will he be able to come if there was
we’ve seen our graduation numbers improve,” Dalrymple said. Although a focus may be a student achieving a bachelor’s degree, Dalrymple said goals still include students obtaining an associate degree or similar credential at Alamo Colleges. “We want to make sure students leave us with courses that will count toward their university degree plans as they work for that bachelor’s,” Dalrymple said. Dalrymple said sometimes
Health Science Center San Antonio School of Nursing. Transfer adviser Yesenia Caloca said, “Students should come prepared with the intent to transfer and be open to doing career and personality assessments to help them know more about themselves in a more structured format.” Career quizzes will be offered to students who are undecided about their major or career goals. The quizzes will give students information about their personality and suggest possible career matches. The event will include door prizes and light refreshments. TRAC helps students with taking classes
that will transfer and also provides help from start to finish when applying to a university. “We are just support for the students as they are progressing through college and moving on to a university,” Caloca said. “We’re kind of tucked away in the corner so we want to raise awareness to let students know we are here.” The Transfer and Career Center is located on the first floor of Moody Learning Center and is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday . It stays open until 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Walk-ins are welcome, but students may also set up an appointment with a transfer adviser. For more information, call 210-486-1500.
terms of salary and benefits. “We increased our numbers in graduates, certifications and licensing immensely, and the Alamo Colleges just won the Texas award for performance excellence; that in of itself is an award that is amazing,” Alderete said in a phone interview Sept. 6. Regarding the recent criticism of Leslie’s phone usage during Palo Alto College’s commencement in May, Alderete said, “He has been disciplined, and it was a matter that was beyond us. “He was reprimanded by the chair, and that’s as much as we can do with that. We just don’t want it to happen again.” Community members publicly voiced their disapproval of Leslie’s actions and the lack of punishment. Leslie was recently verbally disciplined by Yvonne Katz, District 7 trustee, about his phone use during the commencement. Katz said in an email Aug. 18 that Leslie was given a pre-level verbal counseling session. In the email, Katz continues, “If someone continues to commit the same problem then you start a much more defined level.”
a discounted rate?” Coleman said. Scoggins asked if visual arts thought about fundraising. “I have always been funded by the student activity fee all years I have been here, and I do not think that the academic department will fund us,” Schafter said. Williams supported the funding because it will help students learn from a well-known local artist. Five people approved funding the total amount, but three opposed. Clubs and organizations interested in being funded by the student activity fee can apply at SAC student activity fee in orgsync, which is available in the student tab of ACES. The next meeting will be 3-5 p.m. Oct. 6 in the president’s conference room on the third floor of Fletcher. The meetings are open to the public.
students hear their courses will transfer, but don’t hear that those courses may not count toward their bachelor’s degree program. For students who just want an associate degree, Leslie said the immediate goal may not be a bachelor’s, but the likelihood at some point that a student will pursue one is very high and very real. Leslie said a student might go into the field of aerospace engineering through the Alamo
Academies program and go on to work for Lockheed Martin; then they may say, “We want to hire you, but you’re going to need a bachelor’s.” “We need to prepare students for even the possibility of moving on for a bachelor’s, but if they’re not interested then that’s fine, there’s no problem with that.” Leslie said in some cases today a lot of careers are paying more to students with an associate degree than a bachelor’s degree.
From VISION, Page 1 Part of the vision includes what Vela calls a “need list” for the upcoming capital improvements bond of $450 million that will be voted on in May. There are no tax implications for voters, Vela said. “Our need list is longer than what we can afford to cover from SAC’s vantage point because we have four other colleges plus the district operations that need to share the money. ... A good portion of that is going to reflect our needs, but there is a seven-year plan that we can utilize other funds within the preventive maintenance budget to deal with the renovations that we need like McAllister or like Gonzales,” Vela said, noting the need for maintenance on the buildings. “So, yes, it’s a good portion of our CIP, but we also have the seven-year model to hit all the renovations, not just certain buildings,” he said. “This is going to be, if approved, a sevenyear project for SAC to get all of these facilities renovated.” The requests on the upcoming bond include $18 million to renovate the first, second and remaining portion of the third floor of Fletcher Administration Center and adding a fourth floor to be a one-stop location for enrollment services; $26 million for a parking garage with office space at the San Pedro entrance at Park Avenue; $77 million for maintenance of the various buildings around campus; $34 million for a STEM center in Chance Academic Center and a law enforcement center. Vela said if the bond passes, the construction of the green space, Fletcher renovations and the parking garage would all be done at the same time. “There will be phasing because there are other things in the bond, but this is the first thing out of the gate,” Vela said. Vela said the college may have to look at ways to offset the loss of parking. “I realize we are going to lose some parking, and it could be that we partner with our local businesses and shuttle people in like when the other construction was happening. If we have to do that, we’ll do that so it doesn’t create a mess for students,” Vela said. Vela said all of the buildings listed in the bond are past the point where they need attention, according to the district’s facility index, noting each one has unique problems, such as Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues and general wear. “That’s why it’s a seven-year sort of process because every building will have unique needs,” Vela said.
News
8 • Sept. 12, 2016
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a ra Nelip Alexand
student 101 College can be challenging Specialist reassures students they can handle the workload.
Student clubs offer valuable experience Membership benefits include scholarships and connections. By Ryann Palacios sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Engineering sophomore Victoria Fernandez just wanted to be a part of something on campus. As a military dependent, she found a home with the Student Veterans Association, one of the 40 active clubs at this college. “I joined a club because I was tired of not knowing anyone on campus,” Fernandez said. Now she does and feels more
connected to the college and sees familiar faces on campus. Jason Varkey, cyber security sophomore and president of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Club, says being a part of a club is a great way to become more involved in college. “I started off as a normal member, but over time I gained confidence and learned to become a leader,” Varkey said. “I’ve had so much fun and have made so many friends through the club.” Not only are school clubs a great way to make new friends on campus, studies have shown
student 101
Students eligible for VIA bus pass Campus access fee pays for pass and parking. By Bismarck D. Andino sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students can get a free semester pass for VIA Metropolitan Transit at the business office, Room 201 of Fletcher Administration Center. The pass is free for students because they Photo illustration by Alison Graef pay a $25 campus access fee each semester. The fee went into effect on May 6, 2013, allowing students to park at any Alamo Colleges campus. The revenue collected, according to the Alamo Colleges website, is dedicated to parking facilities, construction, and maintenance improvements, and, at board option, for student scholarship funds. Part-time and full-time students are eligible and can take advantage of unlimited rides all semester, including free 4G LTE Wifi on every bus. On the other hand, drivers have a few things to keep in mind when it comes to parking and their safety. Deputy Police Chief Joe Pabon advises students to park their vehicles in student parking lots. “Students can park in any parking lot that says that it is for students, and if you look at the signs on the light poles, it tells you if it’s for students or staff/faculty.” “Campus parking citations are $16 with a maximum of $27, depending when they are paid,” Campus Coordinator Adrianna De Hoyos said. If not paid, a hold can be put on the student’s account, she added. Those parking in spaces for people with disabilities must have the correct plates or placard. “If you are the registered owner of the vehicle and have the handicap, of course you’re going to park on the handicap spot as long as you have the plates or the placard indicating the person is handicapped,” Pabon said. Pabon emphasizes that violations will not be taken lightly because the spaces are reserved for people with disabilities. Fines are handled by a magistrate at the San Antonio Municipal Court, 401 Frio St., and the citation “ranges up to $250,” he added. Anyone can park anywhere after 5 p.m.
that students who are actively involved with organizations tend to be more successful in their college careers, said Mark Bigelow, interim student life director. Most clubs share the common goal of raising money for scholarships available only to members. Club membership can even benefit students applying for jobs, Bigelow said. Employers want to hire someone who can work in a team, manage their time and, above all, be responsible. Through involvement in a club, students obtain these skills and become a most desirable candidate.
“The most successful clubs on campus are those related to majors or religious beliefs,” Bigelow said. “Those clubs tend to have the most members.” But there are different types of clubs out there. This semester, Bigelow received two new club applications, including a Quidditch club for Harry Potter fans that is awaiting approval. Registered student organizations are listed on Orgsync, which students can access with their ACES ID and then search for clubs. For more information, visit orgsync.com or call 210-486-0125.
Making sleep a habit Psychology professor gives advice for improving sleep.
head to bed earlier if they have trouble falling asleep at night. The most important thing, Wallis By James Dusek said, is getting on a regular sleep sac-ranger@alamo.edu schedule. Students should try to head Maintaining healthy sleep habits is to bed and wake up at around the same far from the first thing on most college time every day, even if their schedule students’ minds. They have too much does not require it. to deal with — classes, homework, “The brain likes predictability,” relationships — and jobs are all too Wallis said. Within one to two weeks of unpredictable for a set schedule. sticking to a schedule, students’ brains Marc Lopez, a music educawill get used to the routine and mantion freshman, said he gets irritable age their internal clock so the student and lethargic when he does not get spends more time each night in the enough sleep. “I just feel like I have deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. slow reflexes,” he said. “And my mood “It’s really about making sleep a kinda changes a lot. … For all of us, I habit,” Wallis said, “and allowing the just think we become an angry bear.” brain to know ‘OK, we’re about to go to Getting the proper amount of sleep sleep, shut everything down.’” may be difficult for students but can Wallis also advises that caffeine can vastly improve many aspects of their make students unable to sleep at night, lives, said psychology Professor Dehlia further affecting their routine. Some Wallis, who studied sleep during her people can handle a cup or two earlier undergraduate in the day, Wallis said, but drinkeducation. ing it throughout “If you’re the day will prevent sleep deprived, the student’s brain your body goes from shutting into almost a down at the right survival mode,” time at night. said Wallis, also Other helpful Honors Program tips include coordinator. turning off As the name electronics might suggest, it is 15-20 minutes much harder for stubefore bed, dents’ brains to focus and avoiding on calculus class spending time Alexandra Nelipa when they are in ‘surin bed when not vival mode.’ When a student is in this sleeping. state, Wallis said, “your whole cognitive If a student is having trouble sleepprocess is delayed. ... Going to class, ing, Wallis advises that they reach out trying to study, all those things are not for help before it starts negatively going to be effective.” impacting their life. Getting too much sleep is just as “Sleep affects every element of your detrimental as not getting enough. life — from, you know, being more “You don’t want to take a nap lonsusceptible to disease and illness, to ger than 20-30 minutes in the middle not being your sharpest,” she said. “It of the day,” Wallis said. affects memory, it affects learning, it Longer than that, and students start affects your relationships.” falling deeper into their sleep cycles, If students think they may have a which affects their ability to sleep later serious sleep disorder, the counselthat night. Wallis recommends stuing center on the first floor of Moody dents try to cut out naps entirely and Learning Center offers counseling.
By Christy Romero sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The biggest difference in high school and college classes is the amount of responsibility and self-sufficiency required of college students, registration Specialist Joe De La O said. De La O, a pre-nursing sophomore who works in Duran Welcome Center, said when he helps prospective students register for their classes, they often get apprehensive. “I see a few students who come in a little nervous. Usually high school teachers scare them a little bit. They’re a little nervous about File the first day, not knowing where to go, if they need their books or not,” he said. “We try to reassure the students that they can do it. It’s not going to be extremely hard, maybe a little challenging, but it’s not going to be anything that they can’t handle.” Contrary to the popular belief, De La O says a lot of incoming students are excited and ready to get started to get to classes and study. He also said college students are expected to have the tools to face their new challenges such as turning in their assignments on time. “The assignments are on the syllabus that is given at the beginning of the semester,” he said. “There really aren’t a lot of reminders. You just do your essays and turn them in on time. Some professors will let you turn things in late; others won’t accept late work, and you won’t get any credit for it.” He said students have to study harder for classes many students find difficult. Because students attend class only twice a week or less, students have to master material not covered in class on their own. “The hours you spend studying depends on the classes,” he said. “Some classes are a little harder than other classes. You have your science, math classes where you want to spend the majority of the time studying. You have classes like history and English where as long as you read the chapter, you’re good.” If students have trouble understanding the material, there are places at the college to get help besides flooding a professor’s email before an exam. “Each department has a tutoring service,” he said. “The math department has math tutors, the English department has English tutors, and biology has a Biospot for students to get help.”