Vol. 38, No. 2 ­ Feb. 22, 2010

IGNAL THE HE SIGNAL A STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-CLEAR LAKE

www.uhclthesignal.com

Volume XXXVIII, Number 2

Molds, water leaks prompt SSCB repairs Ashley Webb The Signal Staff Within the next six to 12 weeks, SSCB is expected to undergo renovations due to improper architectural and construction practices, which UHCL is addressing through litigations.

“The university has been vigorously pursuing its claims against the architect and contractor through the lawsuit and intend to do so through trial,” said Daniel Wilson, director of planning, design and contract administration.

Currently the trial has been scheduled for late March

2010. The Student Service and Classroom Building will undergo repairs to address problem areas in its construction.

Built in 2004, the six-year-old building is experiencing a mold and leakage problem. During heavy rains, towels are placed on the floor around the windows near the sliding door entry to soak up the water leaks.

Ward Martaindale, associate vice president of Facilities Management and Construction, stated the upcoming repair work will involve removal of all windows and panels to facilitate the installations of flashings and waterproofing membranes around the perimeter of the building.

ach e r t u ity o 5 n u m Com Pg. 4

day February 22, 2010

Kids 2 College

Mold: continued on page 6

Scholarship application due at the end of week

T

Corey Benson The Signal Staff he 2010-2011 scholarship deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 26.

“This is a one-time-a-year scholarship opportunity for current and continuing UHCL students,” said Leslie Wells, assistant director of financial aid. “Students should receive an award letter in mid-July and funds will be posted to student’s balances ten days prior to each academic term.”

The online scholarship application and a podcast with the process is available on the Office of Student Financial Aid Web site, www.uhcl. edu/finaid.

Financial Aid will hold four hour-long question and answer sessions to assist students in the scholarship application process.

The sessions will be held: noon, Feb. 22, in SSCB 2.304; 6 p.m., Feb. 23, in SSCB 2.201.13; noon, Feb. 24, in SSCB 2.304; and 6 p.m., Feb. 25, in SSCB 2.306.

“Higher education is always worth striving for,” said Dennis McIntosh, applied design and visual arts major. “Applying for scholarships gives rise to potential success.”

A one-to-two-page personal statement and a list of achievements including honors and awards, community service and campus activities, both saved as a Microsoft Word documents, should be uploaded to the scholarship application.

Some scholarships require an additional essay, which should be written in the space provided on the scholarship form.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents must also complete the 20102011 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. “Scholarships do not accrue interest and do not have to be paid back,” Wells said.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid office at 281-283-2480.

For a complete list of all scholarships available, visit The Signal’s Web site at www.uhclthesignal.com.

Milstead Middle School: Courtesy

DeNilson Zetino and Erik Granados freeze leaves with liquid nitrogen.

Class of 2016 sample the college experience transfer advising, led the event that brought the sixth-grade middle school children to campus.

“I was thrilled that all of the schools at UHCL Franklin D. Roosevelt could have had the were able and willing to participate,” Johnson Kids2College program in mind when he stated, said. “The more exposure to different degrees and “We cannot always build the future for our youth, different professions, gives students more options but we can build our youth for the future.” to explore for possible majors in college and In keeping with this same idea, the careers to pursue.

Kids2College belief is that higher education is Kids2College program is funded by a something you can achieve if you plan ahead. partnership of the National Council for Community Planning ahead is just what UHCL did when and Education Partnerships and the Sallie Mae it joined in and hosted the Fund. A course of six inKids2College event Feb. 10-11, classroom sessions were used welcoming a­ pproximately 822 to aid sixth graders in learning sixth graders from Earnesteen about different careers and the Milstead and Carter Lomax importance of being college Middle Schools from Pasadena, ready.

TX. The curriculum is provided Students were not only free of charge to low-income provided an opportunity to visit or minority middle school and tour the campus to get a students to assist in facilitating - Erik Granados feel for college life, but they the program in the classroom.

Milstead Middle School student also participated in small group Students conclude the program lectures given by representatives with a visit to a local university. for the Schools of Business, The Institute for Higher Education, Human Sciences and Humanities, and Education Policy reports that nine out of 10 middle Science and Computer Engineering before being school parents expect their children to attend treated to lunch in Atrium II. college and earn a degree, but only half have started “This is the first time my school has participated planning and nearly two-thirds have not started in the Kids2College program,” said Lakiesha saving.

Talbert, counselor at Milstead Middle School.

These studies have also shown that sixth graders “The program is phenomenal. It gives students the are at a critical point in their education to begin opportunity to explore the possibilities for their preparing them for college before they allow social academic and professional future. The field trip to influences to lead them off the path.

UHCL gave students a tangible learning experience, The partnerships also feel that sixth graders are which allowed them to interact with university still old enough to understand that visiting a college professionals.” campus is a “big deal” and can be more readily Alvin Johnson, Jr., coordinator, academic influenced by the program offered to them.

Kelly Rathbun The Signal Staff

“I want to attend UHCL when I get big.”

Kids: continued on page 6

OPINIONS

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EDITORIAL HE S SIGNAL IGNALSTAFF TTHE Editor Corey Benson Assistant Editor Lindsey Watson Design Editors Stephanie DuBois Kirstin McNeill Assistant Designers Brad Denison Sonya Lynch Videographers/ Video Editors Brian Bohannon Ben Nance David Sager Reporters Ryan Eldred Jessica Jackson Pat Martin Kelly Rathbun Kara Rice Ashley Webb Photographer Alicia Nguyen Ad Manager Stephanie Lee Social Media Manager Jennifer Travis Ad Manager/ Production Assistant Lindsay Humphrey Faculty Adviser Taleen Washington

HE SIGNAL LTETTERS POLICY The Signal is a public forum and will print letters to the editor subject to the following: letters must be no longer than 500 words. Where necessary, letters will be edited for grammar, spelling and style requirements. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s full name, address and phone number. The editors reserve the right to refuse letters, announcements and contributed articles deemed libelous.

Address letters to: The Signal UH-Clear Lake 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Box 456 Houston, TX 77058

Reach the staff: Phone: 281-283-2570 Fax: 281-283-2569 E-mail: thesignal@uhcl.edu Visit the Web site: www.uhclthesignal.com The Signal on Twitter: www.twitter.com/UHCLTheSignal

The Signal on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UHCLTheSignal

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The Signal on Flickr: www.flickr.com/thesignalnews

February 22, 2010

PARENTS HAVE CLASS TOO

University should prioritize child care on campus Young or old, single or married, mother or father, if you are a parent, you understand the importance and difficulty of obtaining quality child care.

As if raising a child was not difficult enough, throw in working and going to school, and the need for child care and difficulty in finding it is increased significantly.

The University of HoustonClear Lake caters to nontraditional students, which means those working, those with families or those returning to school after a break. The average age of a UHCL student is 30.

Many Texas universities such as University of Houston, Rice University, Texas State University, San Jacinto Community College District, University of Texas and Lone Star College offer an on-campus child care program. As a university that accommodates non-traditional students, it only makes sense that UHCL offer the same.

Many of these child care programs are led by the universities’ School of Education and are considered lab schools, where students have some responsibility in administering and running the center in exchange for college credits.

In 2009, UHCL’s School of Education introduced a Bachelor of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree pertaining to early childhood education. This new degree could be the first step on a journey in establishing a child care program

Brad Denison: The Signal

at UHCL because it pertains directly to early childhood education.

UHCL has explored the issue of child care in the past. Each time the university has decided against it for various reasons including costs, the demographics of UHCL and the availability of space. The child care issue was last visited about 10 years ago.

It’s time to readdress it.

An issue that has previously been raised is the ability of UHCL

to provide space for a child care center. The fact of the matter is UHCL is a large campus that could easily house a new structure or at the very least, a portable building with a playground around it. An existing child care corporation, such as Kindercare or the YMCA could possibly assist in providing child care on campus.

Instead of the university viewing child care as a costly project to undertake, it should

view child care as a strong asset to attract prospective students. A new child care program would also give students pursuing the new early childhood education degree some useful, hands-on experience to put on their resume.

UHCL is a great school for non-traditional students, however, administrators are lagging far behind on this issue. Ten years ago students needed child care on this campus. Today, that need is just as great if not greater.

COLUMN

Community service puts you on the road to good karma In life, roadblocks will sometimes send you on a detour filled with so many ruts and pot holes that you have to wonder if you are on the wrong path. Could this possibly be what everyone refers to as karma? I would have to say the best answer I can give, is that “you are experiencing life.”

Speaking of life, remember that board game of the same name we all used to play?

The game simulates situations similar to the real thing, including all the challenge, surprise, and luck you endure along the way. I will admit, however, that the “you’ve hit the lottery” card has yet to show up for me.

Nevertheless, the important thing to realize is that life will knock you down with no remorse. You can either sit there or get back on your feet. Getting back up is the better choice.

While you’re at it, take the time to help someone who is struggling in life. In addition to the great sense of satisfaction that you’ll receive, taking action in helping others will continue to pay itself off for the rest of your life.

My dad has a great quote that I will indefinitely continue to express: “You get everything out of life you want, as long as you help enough other people get what they want.” The first time I heard this quote, I took it in one ear and shot it out the other. However, as I grow older and more knowledgeable, I realize that living by this motto is key to living a life full

of achievement and self content. me what it was like, I always stop and think, In the past year I have been presented with searching for a new way to describe it, but it several opportunities to participate in volalways comes out the same. It was as though unteer events that have changed my outlook I was in a fairytale world. Everyone was on life. The first event was to help an older smiling and excited to take part in an amazing gentleman who had lost both of his legs while experience. serving in World War II. He lives in an older The builders, camera crew, and even Ty, neighborhood that is approximately 60 years the host of the show, all had great attitudes old, and his house had no matter what problem weathered over the arose. The feeling of beyears. The roof over ing able to help was amazthe garage was about to ing, however, what topped collapse, the sidewalks it all, was seeing the were solid black, and family’s expression when all the wood around the they saw the completed house had began to rot. house that was more suitAfter a volunteer able for their needs. The group from Clear Creek look on their faces alone Community Church would have even tugged completed a single day’s the grinch’s heart. work, the house was That bumpy road that safe and more accessible takes a sharp turn to “nofor the lifestyle of an whereville” can seem like Ryan Eldred amputee. This man gave it’s never-ending. HowevThe Signal Staff both of his legs to defend er, with the help of others, our freedom, and having the opportunity of you can chalk it down as a minor setback and giving even a little back was an honor I will keep on truckin. We all need some help in life, never forget. and if you’re willing to give it, then I can asThe latest event I participated in was “Exsure you, you will receive it. treme Home Makeover.” Talk about another unforgettable experience. When people ask

February 22, 2010

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The Signal

FEATURES Pat Martin The Signal Staff Christian theologian and founder of Methodism John Wesley once said, “Make all you can, save all you can and give all you can.”

The most valuable thing a person can give is their time.

This past Saturday more than 130 University of Houston-Clear Lake students, faculty and staff members gave their time by participating in the UHCL Community Outreach Day. Community Outreach Day is sponsored by the UHCL’s center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement, or SLICE. The mission of SLICE is to develop leadership through service to the community.

On Feb. 13, SLICE hosted six different projects throughout the community.

“For many of these students, it is their first time to do community service,” said David Rachita, assistant dean of student life. “This is a great introduction to thinking past yourself for the benefit of the community.”

This year’s projects included building homes for Habitat for Humanity in two different locations, caring for pets at the League City Animal Shelter, providing social activities for seniors at the Mountbatten House, feeding the homeless at the Houston Food Bank and hosting reading parties for underprivileged youth at the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services.

Jennifer Clark, assistant director of student life and SLICE, coordinates

Michhelle Ledoux : Courtesy

Right: Luke Robertson helps clean out the food pantry at the La Porte Neighborhood Center.

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Community Outreach Day. Clark participated at the Mountbatten House, where volunteers socialized with seniors. She explained that it was so nice to see the students jump right in and take initiative with the residents.

There were smiles from the volunteers and even larger smiles from the recipients.

“When we gathered as a group afterwards to reflect on the experience, one volunteer noted that they heard one resident say David Sager: The Signal that it was just so good to hear Top: Students gather mulch for the garden at the Baytown Habitat For laughter coming Humanity home. Pictured from left: Gie Dinh, Hoang Luu, Nirmal Shresfrom inside the tha, Tracy McKinnley. home again,” Clark Bottom: Mountbatten House is an assisted living home for seniors. said. helped out by walking program has offered for Doug Relyea and socializing with the Community Outreach Day. has volunteered with animals.

Monica Millican, It provided an opportunity Habitat for Humanity member of Friends of for faculty and staff to for more than 10 years.

League City Animal participate with students He oversees projects for Shelter, is constantly outside of the normal the Habitat, and has built looking for volunteers to classroom environment. five homes on the plot in come back and help with “I was so impressed Baytown. There are 10 future projects. with our students and how more scheduled to be built “The goal is to get they didn’t hesitate to take in the same area, as well as volunteers engaged and a few hours of their day, a park. hope that they come especially on a Saturday “The UHCL volunteers back and volunteer when they could have been have helped out twice a permanently,” Millican doing anything else,” Clark year and have had a part in said. “Our students are the completion of all five of said.

This semester marked amazing, and they inspire these houses,” Relyea said. the largest amount me everyday.”

Volunteers at the League City Animal Shelter of projects that the

February 22, 2010

Jessica Jackson The Signal Staff

Service learning combines meaningful commu service with academic instruction and reflection to enhance the learning experience. This type of instruction is unknown to many students unless th have taken a class like William Ferreira’s Speech Communication Theory and Practice course.

Ferreira, adjunct professor in communication, has more than 20 years of experience in television production, including five years with NASA television. He also has experience in educational and commercial broadcast, as well as medical and academic programming.

He began teaching at the university level in 1968 for the College of Education at the University of South Florida. He has included service learning in his class curriculum since 1989 at Houston Community College and since 2006 at University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Above: W Ferreira volunteers at Space adjunct co Center Houston as a greeter for the instructor space shuttle, where he presents the flight deck and describes internal operations. He believes that people who can affor give back to the community should do so.

“My thinking is that if you can afford to go to college, you can afford some volunteer time,” Ferreira said.

Ferreira began incorporating service learning i

FEATURES

his classes because he felt it was a lesson that he wanted his students to learn hands-on.

“Most college students know little about the unity needs of the community, much less the unique needs of those of other cultures who are living in this country,” Ferreira said. “Providing a service hey learning component to my classes gives students the opportunity to learn both.”

Ferreira feels that his most successful student , project so far was a few semesters ago. One of his n students knew of a home in Galveston for American children whose parents had been deported.

The parents expected to be able to return legally after obtaining an American visa.

“The home was sorely lacking in books for the children to read,” Ferreira said. “Between the local book stores that were solicited for donations and an on-campus book drive, the student group was able to obtain more than 4,000 books, plus $1,500 in donations that the home’s administrators could use to buy HCCS: Courtesy specifically-needed books that were not donated.”

William Ferriera, Ferreira’s favorite thing about using ommunication service learning in his classes is hearing r students who had never before considered volunteering for anything say that they rd to expected the experience to be dull and boring, but instead had a terrific time and learned a great deal about volunteerism.

Michelle Ledoux, a psychology major, did her project at the La Porte Neighborhood Center. There, in she served as a volunteer helping to organize and

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February 22, 2010

David Sager: The Signal

Above: UHCL student Nirmal Shrestha volunteers for the first time.

distribute food during a food drive. Ledoux was from there, the group decides on a project that lasts already active in community service before Ferreira’s the course of the semester. He allows class time class but still thought it was a wonderful experience. to work on the service projects. At the end of the “I thought it was a lot of fun; it made me feel semester, the groups present their experience to the good about myself,” Ledoux said. “It gave me the rest of class, explaining and showing pictures of what opportunity to show my children the importance of they did. giving back to the community.”

Ledoux and Robertson said they enjoyed Ledoux also said that it was obvious that Ferreira volunteering at the center and thought it was a enjoys what he does and he was “fun and energetic valuable, unique and unexpected assignment. Both with a lot of knowledge to offer.” said they would absolutely do it again.

Luke Robertson, a computer information systems “A lot of times people think that volunteering major, was also a student in Ferreira’s class and a is a large commitment when in reality people make part of the group that volunteered with the La Porte a huge difference by simply volunteering for a few Neighborhood Center. hours on the weekends,” Robertson said.

“The benefits of the project were more than just the personal satisfaction one gets when helping out those in need,” Robertson said. “In addition to the act of volunteering, our group also dove down into the core of what volunteering is and how it affects those in need.

Volunteering for a charitable organization can provide the volunteer with a sense of community involvement, fulfillment and pride. It’s also nice to know that I helped provide the manpower to keep a charitable organization rolling.”

Ferreira gives his students Michelle Ledoux: Courtesy the opportunity to choose the members of their groups and Above: Mason Ledoux helps out with a community service project in La Porte.

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The Signal

February 22, 2010

Mold: continued from page 1 Special precautions will be students, faculty and staff taken to protect the windows utilizing the SSCB,” Wilson said. and interior of the building at Katie Hart, writing center this time. The leaking water has business assistant, reported created a mold problem in some some of the walls in the Writing of the offices.

Center have been conditioned Most types of molds do not with “Kilz,” a primer to keep harm healthy the molds from people, but expanding, “The university has people who and repainted been monitoring the air have allergies or to prevent the quality and has been asthma may be molds from taking all necessary more sensitive growing. The precautions to protect to molds. People office was also the students, faculty with these provided with and staff utilizing the conditions may an air purifier.

SSCB.” experience The skin rash, - Dan Wilson construction running nose, Director of Planning, Design on SSCB is to eye irritation, and Contract Administration be confined to cough and nasal small areas at congestion. a time to avoid People with an immune shutting down the building. suppression or underlying lung UCHL classes are not expected to disease, may be at increased risk be cancelled, but administrators for infections from molds. Any are not sure what effect the noise students who feel threatened by will have. any of these symptoms should see The UHCL Police Department their physician. will work in conjunction with A small number of Hardin Constructions to develop molds produce toxins called a security plan for the pharmacy mycotoxins. When people are and the cashiers’ offices and any exposed to high levels of mold other areas requiring special mycotoxins they may suffer toxic protection. effects including fatigue, nausea, Contractors are scheduled to headaches and irritation to the set up their mobile offices in the lungs and eyes. faculty and staff parking lot A. “The university has been The repairs are expected, but not monitoring the air quality and guaranteed, to be completed in has been taking all necessary 2011. precautions to protect the

Kids: continued from page 1 “The seminar hosted by the School of Science stood out most in my mind and in the minds of many of the students,“ Talbert said. “The students got an opportunity to conduct an experiment with nitrogen gas and a leaf. They are still talking about it.”

During this hands-on demonstration presented

by Lory Santiago-Vasquez, assistant professor of biology from the School of Science and Computer Engineering, Milstead students DeNilson Zetino and Erik Granados were able to use liquid nitrogen to freeze plant leaves.

“I learned that liquid nitrogen can burn you and

Questions answered at Town Hall meeting

Kelly Rathburn: The Signal

it is cold,” Granados said. “I want to attend UHCL when I get big.”

Kids2College has been reaching out to sixthgrade students since 1992. More than 70,000 students have participated the program and it has a proven record of increasing students’ expectations of going to college and encouraging students to stay on a college track.

“It is never too early to start planning for college,” DeNilson said.

For more information about the Kids2College program, visit www.thesalliemaefund.org.

Keep off the grass

Kirstin McNeill: The Signal

Students addressed their concerns regarding university budget cuts, tuition and fee increases, and institutional funding priorities to university administrators last week at a Town Hall Meeting.

Barracades placed in front of the Student Services Class Building prevent students from using a popular short cut between the sidewalk and entrance to the building.

President William Staples began the meeting by explaining the history of tuition deregulation and how it has affected the rising cost of higher education including the 2003 deregulation of tuition. The university is preparing for a potential 5 percent budget cut in response to declining sales tax revenue.

The Student Government Association submitted a proposal last semester for a sidewalk to be built where the grass has been worn down by pedestrian traffic, but so far has not received a response to their request.

February 22, 2010

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The Signal

CAMPUS LIFE

RAD: How to deflect your would-be attacker

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February 22, 2010

Writing Off Polio

Campus Calendar February is Black History Month Feb. 23

“How to Work a Job Fair” Presenter TBD 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., SSCB 3305

Feb. 24

“Interviewing Skills” Julie Johnston, Dickson administrator, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., SSCB 3310

Feb. 25 Julie Smith: Courtesy

The Rape Aggression Defense program, or RAD, has classes available to female UHCL students,faculty and staff March 15-18 andApril 12-15, 6-9:30 p.m. RAD is a nationwide program that was developed to teach women to defend themselves from an attacker. This free class, which is held monthly, teaches women all the basics from protecting themselves from an attacker to home security. “When I first interviewed for the UHCL Police Department I got asked to teach a RAD class and we fell in love with the program and got great responses back,” said Corporal Kyle Pirtle. To sign up, e-mail RAD@uhcl.edu or call 281-283-2225. For more information go to www.rad-systems.com.

Picture: Officer Chris Fultz, UTMB Police Department; Kelley Reid, UHCL Police intern; Melissa Gillis, UHCL alumna; and Pirtle.

Alicia Nguyen: The Signal

Heather Green Wooten, an adjunct instructor in history at UHCL, had a book signing Tuesday, Feb. 9 in Atrium II, where she talked about her new book “The Polio Years in Texas: Battling a Terrifying Unknown.”

Wooten conducted extensive research and interviewed polio survivors and their families over the course of five years. Her book is available in the UHCL bookstore.

“Resume Writing” Michelle A. Baehl, physician at Methodist Hospital Physician Organization & Adrienne Joseph, administrator for Department of Surgery at Methodist Hospital.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m., SSBC 3311

Feb. 26

Scholarship Application deadline

Feb. 27

Lone Star Art Expo The Lone Star Art Expo opened Feb. 5 and features artwork created by art professors from Lone Star College in Kingwood. Among the artists present at the opening were Joe Kagle, Margarita Cole, Rebecca Riley, Mari Omori, and Corey Cryer.The artwork consists of paintings, sculptures, pottery, photos and handmade paper sculptures. The exhibit will be displayed until March 25.

Left: “Building America” and “Life in America” by Joe Kagle, an art professor at Lone Star College in Kingwood.

2010 Spring Open House 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., SSCB

Feb. 27

Learn more about the role of Latin America in the African Diaspora featuring Latin dance and music. Presented by Raul Orlando Edwards. For more info. contact Carole Sylvers. www.SylversC@uhcl.edu 6- 8 p.m., Garden Room, Bayou Building.

March 1

Foreign Language Program English Enhancement Program registration ends.

Session 4, March 1 - April 16

March 4

Alicia Nguyen: The Signal

V-Day campaign raises funds and awareness

TEXAS JOB FAIR HBU - Professional Attire Required. Event sponsored

by HACCC. www.uhcl.edu/ jobfairs

March 5

Application deadline extended for Student Conference for Research & Creative Arts. www.uhcl.edu/ ResearchArtsConference

March 13

Film & Speaker Series “Salt of the Earth” - FREE Presented with Latino Students Organization. Speaker: Adam Hodges.

7 p.m., Bayou Theater

Andrew Robinson: Courtesy

Students, staff and community members performed The Vagina Monologues Feb. 19 in the Bayou Theater. The crew for the Vagina Monologues have been doing all they can to raise money for the V-Day Campaign, a cause to stop violence against women. They have

raised more than $2,500 through bake sales, raffle tickets and selling carnations for Valentine’s Day. All of the proceeds go to the Bay Area Turning Point and the V-day campaign.

For additional upcoming events on campus, visit http://uhcl. premierplanner.com