Mustang Magazine Volume 7, Issue 3

volume seven | issue three | may 2012

Credits LAYOUT DESIGNERS

Laura Amaro

DMDT

Amber Gutier rez

DMDT

EDITORS

Melani Zuniga

Coordinator of Publications

Cathy Maples

Interim Director of Marketing

STAFF WRITER

Dave Ralph

Communications Writer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Credited

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Credited

GenTX Day

Photo by: Freddy Rodriguez, Desktop Publishing Specialist Story by: Dave Ralph, Communications Writer

A crowd of TSTC students and employees clad in colorful TSTC apparel gathered to support the second annual GenTX Day to increase college enrollment. For more information, visit www.harlingen.tstc.edu/newsandevents.

Want to be a part of this publication?

Send us your creative work!

For more info: 956.364.4260 phdclub@gmail.com

A PRODUCTION OF THE

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phdclub@gmail.com 956.364.4260

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

JUNE DEADLINE:

MAY 18 1902 N. Loop 499 Harlingen, TX 78550 1.800.852.8784 www.harlingen.tstc.edu

TSTC Harlingen is a two-year higher education institution emphasizing courses of study in technical education for which there is a demand within the state of Texas.

Equal opportunity shall be afforded within the Texas State Technical College System to all employees and applicants for admission or employment regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age or disability. TSTC will make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

Contents ON CAMPUS 04 Campus Events Calendar 05 Meet Your New SGA Officers 06 Student Guide 18 Learning Resource Center 23 Intramurals

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COLLEGE RESOURCES 07 Campus Map 08 Valley Metro Bus Routes 09 Department Contacts 10 Student Success 22 The Military Shift

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SPECIAL FEATURES 12 SGA Banquet 2012 ENTERTAINMENT 11 Sudoku 14 Film Review:The Darkest Hour 17 What’s New in Film and Gaming

Connect with us!

Read the magazine online at: www.harlingen.tstc.edu/mustang

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2012

MAY C A M P US C AL E N DA R

Welcome Week

First Day of Summer 2012

Memorial Day Flag Tribute

01 02

03 04 07 09 10 14 15-17 18

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Dual Enrollment Deadline

(Summer 2012)

Payment Deadline for Summer Classes GED Registration Housing Move In Day (15-Week) GED Registration First Day of Class (15-Week) Begin No Show Entry (15-Week) Housing Move In Day (12-Week) First Day of Class (12-Week) Welcome Week 4 on 4 Indoor Soccer Rosters Due

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

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26 28 29 30

11th Class Day Official Record Date (15-Week) HigherOne Refunds (15-Week) Housing Begins Prorated Rent 9th Class Day Official Record Date (12-Week) Pre-Loan Session SGA Memorial Day Flag Tribute Saturday Classes Meet Memorial Day Holiday HigherOne Refunds (12-Week) Second Installment Payment Due (15-Week)

MEET YOUR NEW

2012-2013

SGA OFFICERS

From left to right: Historian Priscilla Cano, Treasurer Angelica Castillo, Secretary Jose Alaniz, Parliamentarian Alex Palacios (re-elected),Vice President Coretta Miles (former secretary), and President Ruth Trevi単o (re-elected).

From left to right: SGA Officers for 2011-2012 Coretta Miles, Alex Palacios, Shwaun Dizayee, Carlos De Leon, and Ruth Trevi単o.

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

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Student Guide IMPORTANT OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION LRC

Cool Room

ID Center

Game Room

Bookstore

Student ID Center | 956.364.4352 Monday - Friday: 8AM - 5PM Game Room | 956.364.4352 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM Cool Room | 956.364.4352 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM eSpace Cafe | 956.364.4352 Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM

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Mustang Magazine | May 2012

Cafeteria / Dining Area 956.364.4450 Monday - Friday Breakfast: 7AM - 10:30AM Lunch: 11AM - 2PM Check out the weekly menus in the Mustang e-Blast.

Wellness & Sports Center 956.364.4340 or 956.364.4341 Monday - Thursday: 8AM - 9PM Friday: 8AM - 2PM

Learning Resource Center 956.364.4608 Monday - Thursday: 7:30AM - 8PM Friday: 7:30AM - 5PM Saturday: 10AM - 4PM Sunday: 1PM - 4PM College Bookstore | 956.364.4441 Monday - Thursday: 7:45AM - 5:30PM Friday: 7:45AM - 5PM

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Auxiliary

AG

Agricultural Technology

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Corporate College Building

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Office Occupations Building

CAC

Cultural Arts Center

CCP

Central Chiller Plant

D

Biomedical / Dental Lab

E

Transportation Technology

ECC/HS

Early Childhood Center / Head Start

F

Autobody Collision Technology

FS

Fuel Station

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Computer Science Programs

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Building Systems Technology

HO

Housing Office

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Administration / Industrial Technology

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Chemical/Environmental Technology

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College Readiness and Advancement

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Health Information Technology

LRC

Dr. J. Gilbert Leal Learning Resource Center (Library)

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Advanced Manufacturing Technology

ME

University Center

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Tech Prep Building

PM

Engineering Center

PB1-8

Portable Building

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Early College High School

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George F. Young Engineering Technology

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Student Center

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Student Services Building

SSC

Service Support Center

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Aviation Technology Building

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Senator Eddie Lucio Health Science Technology Building

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Representative Irma Rangel Science and Technology Building

WSC

Wellness & Sports Center

DORMS

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Employee Parking Student Parking

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

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TSTC students have more public transportation options as the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council expands existing bus routes to directly service the college.

Extensions to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s bus routes through western Cameron County and San Benito allow students originating in La Feria, Santa Rosa, Los Fresnos and San Benito to take direct trips to the TSTC campus. The new system will improve students’ ability to make bus connections throughout Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.

Students taking advantage of the route extensions will be able to board buses on any of the routes each day. The western Cameron County and San Benito routes will use the new bus shelters in front of the college’s new University Center on Loop 499.

Students who present valid college identification pay 75 cents and transfers are free; adults pay $1.50 per ride.

Riders should pay with exact change.

Frequent rider discount passes are $10 for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and veterans, and $20 for adults. Twenty trip passes can be obtained by calling 800.574.8322, and the passes are sold in the TSTC Bookstore. All buses are wheelchair accessible and some are equipped to carry bicycles.

Cost to Student: $.75 per ride Cost to Adults: $1.50 per ride

*Riders should pay exact amount

Bus route maps and bus stop schedules are online at www.lrgvdc .or g/valleymetro. Brochures are available in the Student Government Office in the Student Center. A large bus route map is located in the Housing Office on campus.

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The LRGVDC phone number is 800.574.8322 and the e-mail address to send questions to public transit is riotransitcenter@yahoo.com.

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

instructional &department

contacts

TECHNICAL & ACADEMIC DIVISIONS Allied Health Computers Engineering General Education Industrial/Manufacturing College Readiness & Advancement

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Academic Core Field of Study: Business Field of Study: Communication Agricultural Technology Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology Associate Degree Nursing Prep Courses Associate of Science Degrees Biology Computer Science Engineering Health Professions Mathematics Nursing Preparatory Auto Collision Technology Automotive Technician/Ford MLR Aviation Maintenance Technology Biology Biomedical Equipment Technology Building Science Technology Business and Behavioral/Social Science Business Management Technology Chemical/Environmental Technology Communication and Humanities Computer Drafting & Design Technology/GIS/GPS Computer Networking and Security Technology Computer Systems Management Technology Culinary Arts Dental Assistant Dental Hygiene Dental Laboratory Technology Developmental English Developmental Math Digital Media Design Technology English Game & Simulation Programming Health Information Technology Machining Technology Math/Physics Mechatronics Technology Medical Assistant Medical Information Specialist/Transcriptionist Nurse Assistant Spanish Surgical Technology Education & Training Telecommunications Technology Vocational Nursing Welding Technology Wind Energy Technology

DIRECTOR

PHONE

Jean Lashbrook Dr. Edna Claus Fernando Figueroa Nicki Cone Adan Gutierrez AVP Javier de Leon

956.364.4797 956.364.4819 956.364.4978 956.364.4820 956.364.4860 956.364.4530

Nicki Cone John Garrett Felicidad Balcos Armando Duarte Ruben de la Rosa Paul Leonard Nicki Cone Paul Leonard Rene Garza Fernando Figeroa Paul Leonard Fernando Figeroa Paul Leonard Jose Vargas Abel Castillo Tom Cross Paul Leonard Robert Rivera Hugo Ortega John Garrett Elvia Silva Robert Hernandez Felicidad Balcos Hector YaĂąez Cesar Ibarra Alex Alcoser Carl Eads Eva Euler Raquel Rico Randy Bauer Billie Becker Michael Murphy JJ Vavra Nicki Cone Tony Lozano Deborah Woods Ricardo Limas Fernando Figeroa Adam Hernandez Melissa Nieto Deborah Woods Jean Lashbrook Mariano Gonzales Robert Sanchez Dr. Tony Desjardins Juan Villarreal Susann East Kenny Moore Enrique Carrillo

956.364.4820 956.364.4760 956.364.4711 956.364.4639 956.364.4667 956.364.4678 956.364.4820 956.364.4678 956.364.4783 956.364.4978 956.364.4678 956.364.4978 956.364.4678 956.364.4659 956.364.4576 956.364.4787 956.364.4678 956.364.4674 956.364.4770 956.364.4760 956.364.4650 956.364.4717 956.364.4711 956.364.4695 956.364.4799 956.364.4685 956.364.4753 956.364.4704 956.364.4702 956.364.4726 956.364.4710 956.364.4878 956.364.4721 956.364.4820 956.364.4686 956.364.4768 956.364.4632 956.364.4978 956.364.4982 956.364.4879 956.364.4768 956.364.4797 956.364.4837 956.364.4805 956.364.4747 956.364.4843 956.364.4751 956.364.4814 956.364.4733

CHAIR

PHONE

Admissions & Records ................................................................................956.364.4320

Student Services ...........Monday - Thursday 8AM - 6PM | Friday 8AM - 5PM | Saturday 8AM - 12PM

Adult Continuing Education.......................................................................956.364.4606

University Center .........................................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Bookstore ..................................................................................................... 956.364.4441

Student Center Fall/Spring Semester ............................Monday - Thursday 7:45AM - 5:30PM | Friday 7:45AM - 5PM Summer Semester (hours may vary)...............Monday - Thursday 8AM - 5PM | Friday 8AM - 1PM

Student Receivables.................................................................................... 956.364.4409

Student Services Building.........................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Cafeteria.........................................................................................................956.364.4450

Student Center ....................................................................Breakfast 7AM - 10:30PM | Lunch 11AM - 2PM

Career & Placement Services................................................................... 956.364.4106

Student Center ..............................................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Cashiers......................................................................................................... 956.364.4414

Student Services ...........Monday - Thursday 8AM - 6PM | Friday 8AM - 5PM | Saturday 8AM - 12PM

College Information Office (New Students)......................................... 956.364.4117

Student Services ...........Monday - Thursday 8AM - 6PM | Friday 8AM - 5PM | Saturday 8AM - 12PM

College Housing .......................................................................................... 956.364.4235

Dorm G-2.........................................................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

College Police ............................................................................................. 956.364.4220

Auxiliary Services Building.......................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

College Police, Emergency ( After 5 PM & Weekends).......................... 956.364.4911 Counseling & Testing................................................................................... 956.364.4310

Student Services Building .....................................Monday - Thursday 8AM - 6PM | Friday 8AM - 5PM

Curriculum Office ....................................................................................... 956.364.4604

Administration/Industrial Building........................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Dual Enrollment .......................................................................................... 956.364.4188

Corporate College Building....................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Financial Aid.................................................................................................. 956.364.4330

Student Services Building.........................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM ...........Monday - Thursday (Counter Only) 8AM - 6PM | Saturday (Counter Only) 8AM - 12PM

Help Desk (Technical Support)................................................................ 956.364.5000

.............................................................................................Monday - Thursday 7AM - 6PM | Friday 7AM - 5PM

Human Resources....................................................................................... 956.364.4042

Service Support Center ...........................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Intramural Sports ........................................................................................ 956.364.4340

Wellness & Sports Center................................................................................Monday - Thursday 8AM - 9PM .......................................................................................................................................................................Friday 8AM - 2PM

Learning Resource Center........................................................................ 956.364.4608

Monday - Thursday 7:30AM - 8PM | Friday 7:30AM - 5PM ..................................................................................................................Saturday 10AM - 4PM, Sunday 1PM - 4PM

President’s Office ........................................................................................ 956.364.4021

Industrial Technology Building ................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Marketing Department .............................................................................. 956.364.4111

Service Support Center ..........................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Student Health Services

Student Center ...............................................................................................................................................956.364.4305 .......................................................Monday - Thursday 8AM - 10PM | Friday 8AM - 12PM | 1PM - 5PM Student Housing Office..............................................................................................................................956.364.4235 ...........................................................................................................................................Monday - Thursday 5PM - 9PM

Student Life Office ...................................................................................... 956.364.4304

Student Center ............................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 12PM | 1PM - 5PM

Support Services ......................................................................................... 956.364.4520

Student Services Building .....................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 12PM | 1PM - 5PM

Student Success ........................................................................................... 956.364.4109

Corporate College Building .................................................................................Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

TSTC Operator........................................................ 956.364.4000 or 1.800.852.8784

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

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Office of Student Success P RO G R A M S

Tutoring

Tutoring is available each semester to help students improve their academic performance. Our tutors participate in classroom observations and then conduct tutoring sessions outside the classroom. Students in the observation classes who receive tutoring on average earn a 2.0 GPA or above in the course. Keep in mind that to avoid going into financial aid or academic suspension, students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA or above for the semester. All tutors are required to have earned an “A” in the course they tutor and are also recommended by instructors. We offer tutoring in academic (including developmental courses) and some technical courses.

You can visit our Web site for more information or to view our tutoring schedules at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/Tutoring_Information.aspx. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Linda Barron at 956.364.4170.

General Studies in Technology Program

The GST Program offers advisement for students in college for the first time and who are enrolled in a technical program; students who are in the “Pre-Requisite” phase of an Allied Health program like Surgical Technology and Dental Hygiene; students beginning the semester outside of the program cohort start date, and students entering college with a GED.

GST General Studies in Technology

This program consists of the following advisement components: • Assisting Transfer EA students who have an Associate Degree and are working toward a Bachelor degree • Assisting Allied Health (pre-dental hygiene and pre-surgical technology) students in scheduling, career preparation and experiential learning opportunities • Assisting GED recipients who wish to major in a technical field of study

For more information, contact Jennifer Porras at 956.364.4181.

You can also visit our Web site at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/GST_GeneralStudies.aspx.

Mentoring

Access to Success: Career Discovery Through Mentoring This program was created for local middle school students to explore information about technical education and careers. Activities are centered around college and technical education and are conducted as part of the after school programs at middle schools, as well as during our Summer Tech Camps.

Access to Success Peer Mentoring Peer mentors are available to help students who may have a little difficulty adjusting to college life or students who are just in need of someone to guide them through the college experience. If you are new to the area or new to college life and need a little guidance, come by the Academic Achievement Center in Building D, Room 138, or the Student Success Office, Room 121, and find out how you can reach your full potential! For more information on any of the Access to Success Mentoring Programs, please call Jorge Alanis at 956.364.4164 or visit our Web site at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/Mentoring.aspx.

HATSS The HATSS program provides academic support and guidance for students that are on academic and financial aid suspension at TSTC. This program aims to improve academic standing through mentoring.

For more information on the HATSS Mentoring Program, please contact Norma Salazar at 956.364.4557, Shannon Mette at 956.364.4163, or visit our Web site at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/HATSS_Program.aspx.

Achieve Texas Program

The Achieve Texas program is designed to enable students to achieve success by preparing them for secondary and post-secondary opportunities. Achieve Texas advisors help local high school students who have an interest in a technical program by providing them with information on 6-year college plans.

For more information, contact Alfredo Espinoza at 956.364.4569.

You can also view college plans by visiting our Web site at www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss/AchieveTexas_new.aspx.

All Student Success services are free!

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College Readiness & Advancement Building B, Room 101 | 956.364.4163 | 1.800.852.8784 | www.harlingen.tstc.edu/oss

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

Check out what the Mustang Magazine staff is currently listening to!

The Academy Is “Checkmarks” From the album: Almost Here

Death Cab for Cutie “I Will Follow You into the Dark” From the album: Plans

Death Grips “Cuture Shock” From the album: Exmilitary

Sudoku puzzles are provided by www.sudokuoftheday.com Visit them and get a new puzzle every day!

Solution:

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

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Students Honor Top Clubs & Individuals

Story by: Dave Ralph, Photograph by Freddy Rodriguez

GLAMOUR

and excitement tingled in the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) as student leaders and volunteers arrived on the red carpet for the Student Government Association (SGA) annual awards.

Paparazzi targeted Texas State Technical College Harlingen (TSTC) stars and guests as they entered the CAC while belly dancers symbolized the Arabian Nights theme for entertainment before the banquet April 19. The surprising results did not disappoint the sophisticated crowd nattily attired for the formal occasion. Lissete Zavala Muñiz, supervisor of Student Activities, provided the first breath-taking moment as hushed gasps emanated from the crowd after she announced that student volunteers performed 5,056 hours of community service during the past three semesters.

“It’s because of you that we have such a vibrant college community that has a tradition of social, cultural and learning opportunities,” she told more than 200 students, staff, faculty, administrators and guests.

Angelica Castillo of San Benito, founder and president of the Paranormal Research Club (PRC) and newly elected SGA

treasurer, earned the Student of the Year award. The PRC also gleaned recognition as New Student Club of the Year and one of its members, Jackie Chaqueño, received the title Rising Star.

“We want to capture videos, photos or voice recording evidence that there’s something out there beyond human life,” Castillo explained.

Potential evidence of paranormal activity and stories about the quest to find such intelligence or life are shared at club meetings. The PRC assisted with campus activities and the Service Project of the Year, Rockapalooza, organized by the Role Play Gamers Society (RPGS).

“The ideas behind Rockapalooza were to put together a charity concert by bringing together the best local talent,” an RPGS member said.

“We thought that all the music talent would inspire more talent and unify people to make a big effort toward a worthy cause,” another RPGS member added. A band from San Antonio joined several local bands for the concert that raised $562 for the Rainbow Room, a resource center for Child

It’s because of you that we have such a vibrant college community. . .

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Mustang Magazine | May 2012

“

“

Protective Service case workers to obtain supplies for youngsters removed from their families due to abuse or neglect.

Hector Hernandez, a co-founder of RPGS who has served the club as an officer in numerous capacities, stood with his peers to celebrate the achievement. “I didn’t know anybody at TSTC when I first came here,” he recalled, “but on that first day here I made a ton of friends. The club has grown because everyone shares their interests and their strengths.”

The RPGS Club studies and performs the roles of characters in games such as Magic: The Gathering, Hero Clicks, Pokemon, Star Wars and more.

Vice President for Student Development Cathy Maples administered the oath of office to SGA officers President Ruth Treviño (re-elected), Vice President Coretta Miles (former secretary), Secretary Jose Alaniz, Treasurer Angelica Castillo, Parliamentarian Alex Palacios (re-elected), and Historian Priscilla Cano. Officers leaving the SGA include Jose Gonzalez, treasurer; Shwaun Dizayee, vice president, and Carlos De Leon, historian.

Results for the club participation competition during three semesters were announced. The semester and rankings included Summer 2011 – 1. Vocational Nursing, 2. Auto

Collision Technology (AUB) SkillsUSA, 3. Students Promoting Anime and Manga (SPAM); Fall 2011 – 1. AUB SkillsUSA, 2.

Dental Explorers, 3. SPAM; Spring 2012 – 1. RPGS, 2. AUB SkillsUSA, 3. SPAM. The AUB SkillsUSA Club achieved Student Club of the Year honors and its advisor, AUB instructor Donald Wilt, was Club Advisor of the Year. The SGA set new attendance records for its meetings, too.

Treviño handed special recognition certificates to Student Center custodians Jose Chapa, Marta Lumbrera and Milo Rodriguez, who received a standing ovation. Presidential awards also went to the Marketing Department, Narciso Zapata, Jose Padilla, Jose Gonzalez (outgoing SGA treasurer) and Zavala Muñiz. Guests of honor were Maples and TSTC graduate Aline Zamudio.

For more information about SGA and student organizations, please contact Student Life Director Adele Clinton (956.364.4302 or adele.clinton@tstc.edu) or go to http://www.harlingen.tstc.edu/studentclubs/index.aspx.

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

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F I LM R E V I E W 14

The Darkest Hour “Panic-filled, suspenseful ride...”

by Patrick Rodriguez, CSMT

» Director “The Darkest Hour” is a science fiction, post-apocalyptic themed Chris Gorak

film directed by Chris Gorak. It revolves around the story of two

» Actors best friends Sean, and Ben, who travel to Moscow in hopes of

Emile Hirsch Olivia Thirlby Max Minghella

» Release Date 25 December 2011 » Genre

Action Horror Sci-Fi

» Running Time

89 minutes

» Parental Rating Rated PG-13

(for sci-fi action violence and some language)

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

selling awesome social networking software. Unfortunately for them, an invisible invasion was about to take place all over the world. The film then kick starts the panic-filled, suspenseful ride of the night.

I honestly don’t understand why the movie did not fare well with critics. In my opinion, I believe that people have grown too demanding for what they see on film; it will be impossible to please everyone. I feel that the audience focused too much on the “budget” of the film, hence calling it “mediocre” in its special effects. *SPOILER ALERT* The concept of having invisible invaders that appear to be manifestations of biometric energy (but really aren’t) is completely original. *SPOILER END* I see more and more films about invaders taking the traditional approach: They come from outer space and try to annihilate the human race for whatever supposedly logical reason. We’ve seen it in “Independence Day,” “War of the Worlds,” and this summer’s “Battleship,” only here they use another commonly used place to start – the ocean.

“The Darkest Hour” has its faults. The character development was minimal and didn’t let you truly bond with any character. Hence, when certain characters were dealt with, I could have cared less and sometimes even rooted for their demise (as cold hearted as it may sound).

once to finally have a movie that engages the audience in a rather intellectual manner by constantly having the audience ask, “Why did this happen?” “Why didn’t that happen?” “Why?” You always find yourself trying to figure out the invaders just as much as the characters are trying to resolve their dilemma. This was probably the strongest point of the movie.

“The Darkest Hour” is not by any means the movie of choice for those who only watch The script is actually not too bad. There are some academy award-winning material with great, inidiotic moments that merit a face palm. What depth character development and mind-blowing strengthens the script is that the DVD has a mock visuals and a solid script. No, this is a film that moviegoers will love, especially if you’re very prone “survivors” video in the special features that to having get-togethers at a host’s house to watch provides an extension of the story beyond the main characters. The bonus material was very a handful of movies on the weekend, like I do. I entertaining to say the least – yes, the least. know what you’re thinking – having most of the Honestly, even though this film in peril by invisible film was released in 2011 it enemies sounds pretty lazy wasn’t until this year I went on the visuals department. I “What strengthens the against the critics and understand. I thought this, decided to give the film the too, when I started to script is that the DVD has a benefit of the doubt. Let’s watch the film. There was mock ‘survivors’ video in just say I hope there will be initially an outcry in our a sequel with a larger group due to this, but here the special features... ” budget and bigger all-star is where the movie makes cast. So, by all means I say up for its faults. renting the film won’t hurt The film presents several life-threatening situations anyone. I just don’t see how some people claim to only have watched it halfway through the film. So, that conveniently allow the characters to slowly go ahead and play the devil’s advocate like I did. but surely discover the “limitations” of these You can check out this film at one of those pretty invaders; thus, it allows them to determine what red kiosks around town. What’s it going to hurt? the invaders can and cannot do which, of course, gives the survivors a bit of an edge as far as survival is concerned. It sounds like Arnold’s first muddy encounter with his buddy Predator in 1987.

JUNE DEADLINE: The concept of why the invader appears to be invisible is heavily explored during their journey home and I must say it was exciting to finally make use of the things I learned in school, particularly electricity, biometric energy, and grounding. Mind Send us your review! you, by no means am I saying this knowledge is phdclub@gmail.com generally useless, but I am saying that it felt nice for

MAY 18

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

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2012

MAY E V E N T C A L EN DA R

Trapt

God Module

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Graveside: The Cemeteries of Brownsville Photography Exhibit Tuesday, May 15 | 10:00AM - 4:00PM Old City Cemetery Center | Brownsville Rainbow Room Zumbathon Saturday, May 19 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM Sun Valley Mall | Harlingen Movies in the Park Saturday, June 2 | 8:00PM Archer Park | McAllen 2nd Annual Mid Valley Literacy Fair Saturday, June 2 | 12:00PM - 4:00PM Weslaco Public Library

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

Music/Comedy

Family/Art

Tracy Lawrence

Trapt Monday, May 14 | 7:00PM Pharr Event Center Tracy Lawrence Friday, May 18 | 7:00PM Pharr Events Center God Module The Seance Tour with Mordacious and Twitch The Ripper Sunday, May 27 | 7:00PM Chapas Bar: The Pit | Brownsville

What’s New? TH IS MON T H I N F I L M A N D G A M IN G

04 | The Avengers FILM | Unrated | Action, Sci-fi Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow to help save the Earth.

09 | Minecraft X360 | Rated RP (For Rating Pending) Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition brings the global phenomenon to console gamers for the first time. Play alone or play with your friends. Explore, build and conquer! At night monsters come out, so make sure to build a shelter before that happens.

11 | Dark Shadows FILM | Unrated | Fantasy, Comedy A gothic-horror tale centering on the life of vampire Barnabas Collins and his run-ins with various monsters, witches, werewolves and ghosts.

15 | Game Of Thrones X360 | PS3 | PC | Rated M (for Mature) Created in partnership with author George R. R. Martin, this roleplaying adventure is inspired by the author's award-winning, international best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series (better known under its first book's title, A Game of Thrones.)

15 | Max Payne 3 X360 | PS3 | Rated M (for Mature) Still haunted by the memories of his traumatic past, Max Payne begins a new life working private security protecting a wealthy family in Sao Paulo, Brazil. When gangs target the family under his protection, Max is forced to fight to save his clients and rid himself of the demons that have tortured him for far too long.

18 | Battleship FILM | PG-13 | Action, Sci-fi Based on Hasbro's classic naval combat game, Battleship is an action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.

18 | What to Expect When You're Expecting FILM | PG-13 | Romance, Comedy The story follows the relationships of seven couples as they experience the thrills, terrors, surprises, aches, and pains of preparing for parenthood.

25 | Men in Black 3 FILM | PG-13 | Action, Sci-fi, Comedy Agent J will have to travel back in time to save Agent K, the agency, and the future of humankind.

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The LRC

DR. J. GILBERT LEAL LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

LRC Hours: Mon. - Thur.: 7:30AM - 8PM Friday: 7:30AM - 5PM Saturday: 10AM - 4PM Sunday: 1PM - 4PM

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the following is designated as directory information and may be made public unless the student desires to withhold all or any portion of it: name, local address, classification of coursework level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of college attendance, degrees, certificates and awards received and most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.

student provided the parent can establish this dependency as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, section 152. This request must be made in person at the Office of Admissions and Records by providing a copy of the most recent federal income tax return and required picture identification.

A currently enrolled student may prohibit the release of directory information by completing an appropriate request form in the Office of Admissions and Records during registration or within the first five (5) class days of each term. Under the Privacy Act of 1974, official records are not open to the public and will not be divulged without consent from the student.

1. the right to inspect and review the academic record.

Minors attending the college have the same right regarding their records as adult students. If a student is still a legal dependent of a parent or guardian, the parent has the right to access the records of the dependent

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TSTC Harlingen complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and informs students of their rights under the act. Student’s rights covered by the act are as follows: 2. the intent of TSTC Harlingen is to limit the disclosure of information contained in a student’s academic record under the following circumstances: a. with the student’s prior written consent; b. as an item of directory information which the student has not refused the college to disclose; or c. under the FERPA provisions which allow a college to disclose information without the student’s prior written consent.

3. the right of a student to consent to the release of semester credit hours taken at other institutions to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

4. the right of a student to petition TSTC Harlingen to amend or correct any part of his/her academic record which is believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student. When the college decides it will not amend or correct a student’s record, the student has the right to a hearing to present evidence that the record is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student.

5. the right of any person to file a complaint with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605, if TSTC Harlingen violates the FERPA. If you have any questions concerning disclosure of information, contact the Office of Admissions and Records at 956.364.4320.

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Financial Aid Information

S cholarships

Plan now to complete your TSTC Scholarship

AES Engineering Solutions is pleased to

Application for the Fall 2012 – Deadline June 22, 2012.

Need assistance with the application process? Attend the June 6th Scholarship Workshop from 3:00pm to 5:00pm – Financial Aid Office, Student Services Building. Begin now to gather information of honors, awards, activities and achievement you have received. Work on gathering your thoughts for the 200 minimum word essay that will address your personal background, academic plans, and career goals. Review available scholarships: http://harlingen.tstc.edu/FinancialAid/Scholarships.aspx

be able to continue offering scholarships to motivated students to help in the furthering of their education!

Deadline is October 5, 2012. Students submit essay of no more than 1000 words for the following question: What are your dreams for your future? When you look back on your life in thirty years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? Submit essay to: scholarships@aesengineers.com . For additional information: http://aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm

Beginning the 2012-2013 Academic Year, a Pell Grant recipient’s maximum terms of eligibility will be reduced to 12 semesters, from 18. In 2008, DOE changed the lifetime limit for the 2008 and future recipients to 18 semesters. Now, we are down to 12. Why is this important? Students need to graduate, before they exhaust their eligibility.

Lifetime Eligibility Used: The Department keeps track of your LEU by adding together the percentages of your Pell Grant scheduled awards that you received for each award year.

Federal Pell Grant

Students

need to review their degree plan and stay on track. The goal is to graduate before exhausting Pell Grant eligibility. A scheduled award is for one academic year.

Funds will be transferred to pay for tuition 10 days prior to the start of the class. Enrollment status will determine how much is released.

Example: Student registered for 6 credits at the beginning of May and 6 credits at the beginning of June.

Student will have only half of Pell Grant released 10 days prior to the May start date. The other half will be released for tuition payment 10 days prior to June start date. The release of funds is only to the TSTC student receivable account, NOT to the TechOne account 20

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

Welcome

the new Financial Aid Director, Mr. Federico (Fred) Pena! Mr. Pena is returning to his home, the Rio Grande Valley. For the past 6 years, he was the Financial Aid Director at Temple College.

Students who do not attend class will lose financial aid eligibility. Class participation is required to remain eligible for financial aid programs. Students are responsible for dropping classes that they do not need or want.

Students flagged as a “No Show” in one or all their classes will not receive a refund until the “No Show” and enrollment flag is cleared.

S tudent Loans

First Time Borrowers:

Deadline

First time TSTC Federal Direct Loan borrowers will need to attend a pre-loan counseling session before you can complete the loan process. First time TSTC loan borrowers will need to register and attend a pre-loan counseling session. For more information and registration visit: http://fas.harlingen.tstc.edu/moodle/

for the Summer 2012 loans is May 31, 2012. Disbursements for new borrowers are scheduled 30 days after the semester first class day. Funds will be transmitted to the students Student Account, and then to the Student Receivable Department will transmit remaining funds to the TechOne accounts, after payment of tuition and housing.

for mini-sessions only. Students should be enrolled in a 15 or 12 week term for loan processing.

have borrowed a Direct or FFEL loan, are required to complete a loan exit counseling session before graduation. http://www.nslds.ed.gov

No loans will be processed if a student is registered Summer 2012 TSTC candidates for graduation, who

E x i t Lo a n C o u n s e l i n g M e e t i n g

Students who have received a Federal Student Loan at any time during their enrollment at TSTC must complete

a student loan Exit Counseling session before leaving TSTC if:

•The student is graduating • The student drops below 6 credit hours (half-time enrollment) • The student withdraws completely • The student does not plan to enroll for the following semester • The student is transferring to another school

Only students who have received a Federal Student Loan must complete the Exit Counseling requirement. Not

complying with the Exit Counseling requirement can cause a “hold” to be placed on your academic transcript. The student can go to www.nslds.ed.gov to complete the Exit Counseling requirement. Please stop by the financial aid office if you have any questions.

If you did borrow a Federal Student Loan, you are required to complete an Exit Loan Counseling session. On June 13th there will be a live, in-person Exit Loan Counseling meeting.

• When: • Time: • Where:

Days

June 13, 2012 3:00 – 5:00 pm Service Support Center, conference room

Please contact us if you have any questions Texas State Technical College Harlingen Office Hours Office of Financial Assistance Open Closed

Monday - Thursday 8 AM Customer Counter 5 PM Friday 8 AM Saturday 8 AM (Closed hoiday weekends)

6 PM 6 PM 5 PM 12 PM

956-364-4330 financial.aid@harlingen.tstc.edu

TSTC Harlingen Federal School Code:

009225

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Attendance Verification Form

An attendance policy is required for institutions offering courses for veterans or other eligible persons enrolled in undergraduate/certificate degree programs approved under Title 38, United States Code, 3676.

Veterans enrolled in undergraduate degree/certificate programs will be interrupted for unsatisfactory attendance when accumulated absences, tardiness, and class cuts exceed twenty (20) percent of class contact

hours or 5 consecutive class days. Enrollment interruptions will cause an overpayment and the veteran will be responsible for repayment to the VA Education Department. Students are required to submit a Veterans Attendance Verification Form signed by their course instructors by the last business day of each month.

Types of VA Benefits Through TSTC’s Financial Aid Office

• Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30) • Veteran's Educational Assistance Program (VEAP or Chapter 32) • Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) • Dependent's and Survivor's Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35) • VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) • Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) • Montgomery G.I Bill for Selective Reserves (Chapter 1606) • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607/REAP) • Hazelwood Act For more information:

http://harlingen.tstc.edu/FinancialAid/veteranaffairs.aspx 22

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

Are you a veteran in emotional distress?

Visit veteranscrisisline.net to chat online one on one with a counselor, take a distress self-check. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK and press 1 for a confidential toll-free hotline.

INTRAMURALS

Come Join Us at the Wellness and Sports Center

WSC Sports Day Choose your sport!

May 16 | 10AM-1PM | Student Mall Area

Sign up for 4 on 4 Soccer, 5 on 5 Basketball, and 4 on 4 Volleyball!

For more information: 956364.4344.

Hours of Operation Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Contact Jose Garza, Intramurals Supervisor Phone: 956.364.4340 E-mail: jose.garza@harlingen.tstc.edu

Mustang Magazine | May 2012

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