September 14th , 2004

Articles

photo by Jerry Carver North Campus: Debris is scattered all over North Campus. photos by Jerry Carver Oceanway: Frances leaves widespread flooding throughout the city photo by Maria Connor Fort Caroline: Tree falls on house.

By Michelle Attia The impact of Hurricane Frances rippled across Florida during the first weeks of September. A triangle of damage and power outages can be drawn to encompass the entire state. Floods, downed power lines, gas shortages, and no phone lines were a common thread tying Floridians together. Education across the state came to a screeching halt for about three to seven days. In Jacksonvil le, Duval County public schools were closed Friday, Sept. 3 through Thursday, Sept. 9. FCCJ joined the closings on Fri. Sept. 3 until Monday, Sept. 6 and canceled classes on Tuesday, Sept. 7. Don Green, the college's executive vice president, said that FCCJ made the decision to close based on information from the Emergency Operations Center in Duval County. Green said that there are state-wide policies pertaining to natural disasters that all Florida schools follow.On Tuesday, Sept. 7, classes were canceled, however the college was open. The decision to cancel classes but open the college was made because there was no longer any danger to the school, but officials felt that many faculty and students may have had trouble getting to the campuses. Many students were confused as to the college's status on Sept. 7. Green assured students that new ways of communicating college closings are being developed. The last time FCCJ was closed due to weather conditions was for Hurricane Floyd in 1999.With Hurricane Ivan churning its way toward Florida, FCCJ stands to lose a significant number of days to foul weather this year."I think that there is a good possibility of school closing for Ivan," said Green. The college is still analyzing the costs of Frances, Green said, however, most of the damage was to landscaping, due to water and wind. Fortunately, there was no structural damage on any of the campuses. "Students should do things to keep themselves and their family safe; that is the number one priority," said Green, "and hopefully they won't have to study by candlelight." photo by Jerry Carver Oceanway: Old tree uprooted. photo by Jerry Carver Northside: Gas station awning destroyed. photos by Jerry Carver Oceanway: Homeowners clean up mess

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Literacy exit exam required

BY Maria Connor

New students enrolled at FCCJ this fall must pass an information literacy exam to satisfy completion requirements for an associate degree, according to college administration.Students enrolled at FCCJ prior to the current semester and students not pursuing credit courses, such as those in certificate programs, will not be required to pass the information literacy exam.This requirement was implemented in response to the burgeoning Information Age. "Technology has become a prevalent part of every day life, and industry expects that college students will have these skills," said Dr. Jack Chambers, director of program development for instructional technology."This has been an evolution, not a revolution," Chambers said. "It needs to be common knowledge for everyone."The Association of College and Research Libraries defines information technology as the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information. These critical skills are necessary in order for students to become independent lifelong learners.Students should understand that information literacy is not the same thing as computer literacy, Chambers said.The test, available at FCCJ assessment centers, is made up of six modules, said Kristin Kubly, librarian at the Deerwood campus.First-time test takers will not be charged, Chambers said. With proof of remediation, a specific form requiring validation, failed modules can be repeated free of charge. Students who are repeatedly unsuccessful in passing the exam will be charged a fee.There is no limit to how many times the test can be taken, Kubly said.Students have a variety of resources available to them to prepare for the information literacy exam, Kubly said.Written information can be accessed on Artemis. Once signed in, look for LIS1002 under the college resources category.A one-credit course, LIS1002 Information Literacy, is offered to students. The class is taught by FCCJ librarians."Learning to Learn", by Ann Marlow Riedling, is the textbook used in the course. It is available to students at campus libraries or bookstores.

These same resources may be used for remediation if a student fails any module on the examination.While students are eligible to take the test as soon as they register, Chambers suggested they prepare by at least reviewing the information on Artemis.Chambers emphasized that FCCJ librarians are the most valuable resource students can avail themselves of."Librarians at each campus are more than happy to help individuals," Kubly said.LIS1002, which was first offered in 2002, was developed by Kubly, with input from FCCJ library staff."This is an excellent program," Chambers said.Students are not required to take the course, but many students have found it worthwhile.There are definite advantages in taking the information literacy course, Chambers said. The techniques taught to students can be applied not just in the academic setting, but in the workforce also. As college graduates, employers will expect students to be able to evaluate situations in order to take that information and apply it elsewhere.

Kubly said several students expressed regret that they had not taken the class earlier. Many said the skills would have been helpful in their other classes.From the six modules, students learn how to identify the need for information, select the most appropriate information retrieval system, acquire pertinent information, evaluate the information obtained, manipulate the information in a usable form, and communicate the information. Some of the topics covered under the modules include use of Internet search engines, basic software usage, citing sources, and computer security.Components of the information literacy program - both the instructional course and the written exam - are based on standards established by the Association of College and Research Libraries, Kubly said.An information literacy committee wasestablished to generate a means of ensuring that FCCJ students had information literacy skills.Chambers has chaired the committee for a number of years. Members include representatives from liberal arts, workforce development, assessment center management, and the library."The concept of information literacy and requiring it is not a new idea," he said. "In the past, it has only been required at the master's level."Colleges across Florida, indeed nationwide, are looking at this issue.
According to the college publication On the Record, college and universities across the U.S. are adopting similar programs."FCCJ is ahead of the curve," Kubly said. "They have been pioneers." FCCJ faculty members attended workshops that were developed to educate them on information literacy requirements and how these standards can be incorporated into classroom curriculums.

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Welcome back students

BY Maria Connor

Most folks associate the start of a new school year with a traditional Northern autumn: Students walk under trees colored golden, russet and crimson. Leaves crunch underfoot. Football games take place on frigid Friday nights, and the crowd's cheers are carried on foggy puffs of breath. New clothes consist of sweaters, corduroys and sturdy shoes. Not in Jacksonville, Florida.The start of school takes place in the heavy humid air of September. Students strap backpacks and book bags over their tank tops. They shuffle between classes in flip-flops. Sports fans try to maintain their cool with bottles of water and homemade fans. Welcome to the fall 2004 semester at FCCJ!New students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the many services and programs offered at the college. Get acquainted with teachers and other students. Pick up a free copy of the 2004-2005 Student Handbook; it includes a handy planner as well as invaluable information about FCCJ. Make a mental note to stop by the Student Activities office to get a student identification card.Returning students are invited to reacquaint themselves with services around campus and on-line. There have been changes to both locales. Touch base with a guidance counselor to make sure degree requirements are being meet. Check out the list of clubs and organizations provided in the 2004-2005 Student Handbook and consider joining one.Good luck to all of this year's students. May your homework load be light and your teachers blessed with a sense of humor.

photo by Jerry Carver Downtown: students head to class.

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Endless search
for a lost item

By Michelle Attia

I spent the evening in a fervent search; it was a misplaced item that I sorely needed. At any other time it would have been in my way, yet tonight it eluded me.
Of course, as it always is, I found many other objects that I had long since forgotten. Most of these had once been the topic of a search much like the one I was presently conducting. However, those searches left me without my end gratification of finding that which I sought. Tonight's search would most likely end just as unfruitful. These newly found treasures, however, left me in a bit of a quandary. I had to decide what to do with them. In most cases I had found a way to live without them. Either I had replaced the item or innovatively come up with an alternative. So, I was faced with three options:

1. I could leave the item where I had found it. It hadn't been a problem up to this point.
2. I could throw out the item. After all, it had been LOST all this time.
3. I could keep the item and put it somewhere I would be sure to find it. You never know what you may need later; a friend might even need it.

Of course the pack rat in me wanted to keep it, but then I had to decide whether to put it away or leave it where I found it. On the other hand there was the spouse-induced twelve-step recovering pack rat in me saying to discard unused, unnecessary belongings. But they are mine and you never know! But they cause clutter; I am trying to do away with clutter!In the end I made decisions on a case-by-case scenario, which is a list long enough that I am left with no desire to expand my explanation.Throughout my hunt, other thoughts bounced around inside the maze I like to call my head. Such as how you never lose something until you really need it. And on the flipside , you never need something until you lose it. And how you never find what you need until you no longer need it. So I decided that from this point on, any time I have a belonging, which I cannot find a use for, but am unable to depart with, then I shall simply misplace it, making it instantly indispensable.And then, when I cannot locate that which I require, I shall immediately replace the item, making it a breeze to find the one I lost. For a short period of time I considered myself brilliant and patted myself on the back for the ingenious realization I had come to which would be the perfect way around my having to throw out items that I didn't need, nor use, but still wanted. Until common sense slapped me in the face and made me realize that this plan would leave me with two of an item that I'd had no apparent purpose for in the first place.Oh the vicious cycle that is the life of a conniving pack rat.Not to mention the financial factor of my plan. I was making these grand realizations as if there is a money tree, growing an endless supply of its desirable fruit, planted in my back yard.So in the end I discarded my plan and went on with my search, this time pondering how people always say that something is in the last place you look. Well that would make sense, considering the fact that only a fool would continue to search for something they had already found. And no, I never did find what it was I was looking for; I assume I will replace it and then trip over it as I return home from the store.

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Celebrities Recruit
Voters

By Lisa McCombs

The 2004 presidential election is sure to be a tight race between Republican President George Bush and Democrat John Kerry. Adding to the hype in what is already a highly publicized election is a big media push from celebrities and entertainers for everyone to come out and have a voice.Declare Yourself, a voter awareness organization, is conducting a music tour across the country in hopes of creating a higher voter turnout. Rock the Vote, a non-profit, non-partisan group, is organizing campaigns through street teams from coast to coast. There are numerous websites to help new voters register, meet with others, and understand the voting process. Many target specific audiences. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) created "Smackdown Your Vote!" to encourage wrestling fans to exercise their right to vote. Their website is Vote.WWE.com. There is an organization specifically for the Latino community called Voto Latino, and one for lovers of hip hop music called the Hip Hop Action Summit. These websites can be accessed at www.Chooseorloose.com on the Vote Smart page.There is much hope that this increased awareness and advertising will persuade more Americans to come out and vote. Florida voters should note that they must be registered in the county where they live 29 days before the election. In order to cast a ballot for Bush or Kerry, Floridians must be registered by Oct. 4. The Florida Department of State Division of Elections website, http://election.dos.state.fl.us/index.html, provides specific information on voting concerns and procedures for Floridians.More information on the organizations mentioned in this article can be obtained at www.Rockthevote.com and www.Declareyourself.com.

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Computer deals for staff and students

By Roxanne Roumell

FCCJ staff and students can purchase low cost computers at a sale scheduled for Sept. 25 at City Rescue Mission Bargain Center at 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
There will be approximately 125 computers for sale, ranging from $80 to $120. Each set up includes a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Speakers will be available on a first come, first served basis. All computers have sound, video and ethernet cards installed. Dial up modems are not included in the package. Computers may also include games, screen savers, multimedia tools, and other software. Buyers will be required to present an official FCCJ student identification card. Schedules, driver's licenses, or bookstore receipts will not be accepted. ID cards can be obtained at the Counseling and Advising office or Business office at each campus. There is no charge for this service.The City Rescue Mission Bargain Center is located at 5343 Normandy Blvd. If the weather is clear, buyers will enter the store on the Normandy boulevard side. If it is raining, the main entrance will be used.In order to keep the sale moving quickly, shoppers will be asked to limit the number of persons accompanying them to two adults.Computers do not come with any warranty or technical support. For more information please contact Ron Attaway at 632-3227.

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Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:
Students may not realize it, but they may have the power to determine the results of this presidential election. In the 2004 election, there are about a dozen states that pollsters have declared "too close to call". The 537-vote margin of victory in Florida in the 2000 election is evidence that every vote does count. In 2004, the election may be determined by the 18-24-year-old vote, the group that traditionally has the lowest voter turnout in elections, but also has the most at stake in the results of an election. My advice to students is this: If you have not already done so, register to vote, now. If you come from out-of-state (especially if it is not a battleground state), make sure you register to vote using your college address. By registering and voting in a battleground state, your vote is actually more important than it would be at home. Your vote can help sway all of the electoral votes of the state to one of the two candidates.

I plan to vote for Senator John Kerry and urge you to do likewise. I have met Mr. Kerry a dozen times, and he is a thoughtful, intelligent man who deeply loves his country. There is no doubt that John Kerry, as president, will defend us from threats, both domestic and abroad, while defending our rights as American citizens. I am troubled by the war in Iraq, a war that we were told was begun because of the clear and present danger that Iraq posed to us because of their possession of weapons of mass destruction and their ties to terrorist organizations. We were even told that the U.S. knew exactly where these weapons were. Well, more than a year later, we have found no weapons of mass destruction, nor have we found evidence of any links between Saddam Hussein and Al-Qaeda. I am troubled by the corruption in our current administration, in that it allows vice president Dick Cheney to continue to make millions of dollars in profit because his former company, Halliburton, receives billions of dollars of no-bid contracts from the government. I am also troubled, as I have seen George Bush and Dick Cheney dismantle much of the environmental protection that both Republicans and Democrats have constructed over the past fifty years. John Kerry, on the other hand, has worked tirelessly for nearly 20 years to protect our air, water, and natural resources.

He knows that our economy, environment, and quality of life cannot and should not be sacrificed for the sake of some corporate polluter. If you can find time in your schedules, I urge you to volunteer for the Kerry-Edwards campaign. They are looking for anyone who can put in a few hours here and there. If you can't volunteer, you can still make sure that you vote. Don't let any papers or projects or tests get in the way of your constitutional right to determine who will lead this country. Remember, if only 538 more college students in Florida had voted for Al Gore in 2000, there would be no Patriot Act, we would not have the largest deficits in history, and we would not have lost nearly 1,000 men and women in a needless war in Iraq.

Sincerely,
Dan Bouvier

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Make a note: Free handbooks

BY Thomas Kai Toteh

FCCJ, in its effort to help students succeed in their endeavors, provides several ways and means aimed at narrowing the dilemma faced by many students in coping with both academic and personal schedules. One of the valuable tools put in place to help students succeed in achieving personal, educational, or career goals is the student handbook.Connections 101 student handbook 2004/2005 offers a wealth of resources and opportunities at the college. Part calendar/planner and part information, it is of immeasurable value to students.Handbooks are free of charge and available for pick up in various locations on campus.

photo by Jerry Carver south campus: Renee Shackford, a business major at South Campus, takes some down time to fill her student calender.

The head of the marketing and publication department, Tracy Pierce, said the handbook is intended to provide easy reference to college resources that can benefit students. There are several useful features contained in the 200+ page handbook. The planning calendar runs from Sept. 2004 to Aug. 2005. Maps to campus and center locations begin on page 194. Stickers located in the back of the handbook are helpful reminders for exams, birthdays, and projects. Important numbers are listed on pages 4-7. Pierce said the handbook itself is a success resource with tools and information to aid students with planning and time management; common characteristics of highly successful students.The leader and vision in this project, Pierce said, has been Gary Harr, a counselor at South Campus, in partnership with the college's marketing communications team. Pierce noted that this is the second year "we have produced a handbook of this caliber." Pierce said Harr was also instrumental in the development of the newest student success publication, Career Goals, a workbook and web resource to help students in the career planning process.Positive feedback was received on the quality of this publication. Pierce said the number of reply cards received from students has been overwhelming.Pierce also said utilizing the stickers on the calendars seems to be a very popular feature.Pierce said they had to do a second press run to meet demand and this year doubled the original quantity from last year."We know that the handbook will be beneficial to many students in different ways. It is designed to be highly versatile in providing students with a little, or a lot, of help, depending on each student's individual needs. Versatility in adapting to individual students is the hallmark of the community college," Pierce said.

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Making the Grade

By Maria Connor

Making the College President's List at FCCJ is about more than just grade point average (G.P.A.). According to Lori Collins, enrollment services and student system manager, students who make the College President's List open themselves to success in future educational pursuits and careers. "A higher G.P.A. makes it easier for students to get into the college of their choice," Collins said. "Especially programs like engineering, which are highly competitive." Walking into a job interview with a degree in hand isn't necessarily enough to outrank other applicants. Some employers may look at a student's history. "If they see a high level of academic achievement, they will want the candidate who excelled in school," Collins said. Grade point averages are frequently a factor in awarding scholarships, Collins added. In order for students to qualify for the College President's List, they must score a term G.P.A. of 3.75 or higher. Term G.P.A. refers to class scores for a specific semester. Students who may have transferred lower grades or not performed so well one semester have a new opportunity to make the list each term. According to Collins, 2,516 of the 14,125 students enrolled in summer 2004 semester made the College President's List. That represents 17.8% of the student body. Students who achieve a term G.P.A. of 3.5 to 3.74 qualify for the dean's list. For more information on criteria used to recognize academic excellence, check out the 2004-2005 catalog or the FCCJ website (http://fccj.edu/resources/catalogs/2004_2005/academics/grading system.html).

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Clubs on campus
Baptist Campus Ministry

By Jessica Ray

The Baptist Campus Ministry at FCCJ offers students social interaction and fun activities as well as religious guidance and a network of Christian friends. Specific denominations aren't an issue for club members. The group welcomes anyone interested in participating. The club meets every Wednesday morning at Kent Campus for food, fellowship, and fun. Meetings begin with casual conversation, telling the joke of the week, and then transition into sharing how God is working in the lives of the students. Adam Peterson, president of the Baptist Campus Ministry, believes the club is built on prayer and encourages students to live out their faith by praying for their fellow classmates. The Baptist Campus Ministry has specific goals that they work towards achieving. Besides regular student-led Bible studies, the organization holds outreach events, fall and spring festivals, and ministry projects such as car washes, mission trips, and visits to the children's home. Elika Sosa, a regular attendee, said that other students seem open to and appreciative of the Baptist Campus Ministry's outreach programs. Tom Burke, the club's faculty advisor, said the FCCJ administration is very supportive of their organization and gives them the same respect as they do to the secular clubs on campus.
Students can obtain more information on the Baptist Campus Ministry by contact Tom Burke at 388-8531.

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FCCJ Women's Volleyball team Begins with a bang

By Lisa McCombs

The FCCJ Women's Volleyball team began its season with a great showing at the Hillsborough Community College Tournament. The competition was held in Tampa on Aug. 27 and 28. The team finished 3-1 and tied for second place. Having ranked in the National Top Ten for the last five seasons, there are high hopes for the remainder of the season, which ends in early November. The outlook for the team's continued success is to win the conference and go on to regionals, Coach Mary Andrew said. That doesn't seem like a far stretch for this group of girls who, according to Andrew, have seven sophomores who persistently do great. Their last few games were cancelled due to the hurricanes that recently ravaged Florida. Students can look forward to seeing amazing things when the team next plays Lake Sumter at home on Sept. 14.

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Talent needed

By Pette Peterson

FCCJ's WebRadio station is in the process of providing students and staff with continuous music 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, as well as keeping them informed with the latest news and updates. To make this task an easy and effective process, WebRadio is currently seeking volunteers for on-air personalities and DJs. They are also accepting all genres of music from local artists. You ask...how can I get involved? What process do I need to take to get a show? How do I submit my music?
There is a simple process. Complete and fill out an application that can be obtained from the WebRadio office, located at South Campus in the Student Activities area. The student program manager will conduct interviews with those interested in hosting a show. Basic training is provided by the music program director and office manager. Performers can drop off their music at the Student Activities office. It will be reviewed by the music department to make sure it is radio friendly. Volunteers are also needed to help in the promotion and music departments. For more information or any questions, contact (904) 646-2246 or fccjwebradio@yahoo.com.

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Ear Opener: Successful season for singers

By Aura Faison

Heads nodding rhythmically; eyes closed in concentration. A room filled with 35 to 45 students sitting stadium style around a piano. They listen, so quietly that a sneeze would seize the moment. This is their victory. Listening to the sounds of their accomplishments, the FCCJ choral imaginatively relives their performance as the only community college to perform at the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) state convention. Sitting off to the side with his legs crossed, eyes closed tightly and head down, Chorale Director Wayne Bailey is slowly soaking up the classic, poignant sounds of the choir. After which Bailey concluded how amazing the national trip was. "One of the finest performances I ever been associated with. It was a supreme performance that received a wonderful standing ovation." Though the ACDA convention was a huge accomplishment for the students and Bailey, it only scratches the surface of what the chorale has been involved with this year. "It has just been an incredible year for the chorale, all our hard work and dedication is getting recognition, and the students are truly having their time to shine," Wilson said. Some of the other accomplishments of the chorale were being invited to sing the National Anthem for a Jaguars game back in October and singing the anthem for FCCJ's basketball teams and women's volleyball team. The Men's Chamber Choir members were in a Krystal's restaurant commercial that aired in the United States. Choir member, Steven Abb, said that the choir was headed to Burger King, but were drawn to Krystal's bright lights instead.

photo by Aura Faison South Campus: Chorale Director Wayne Bailey directs a musical rehearsal.

A lady with a headset on saw their tour bus and asked if they wanted to be in a commercial. "The lady asked us to sing a song, the director thought of lyrics, and the students came out and did the commercial," Abb said. Besides commercials, football games, and conventions, the chorale sang at the kick-off of the Jacksonville Landing Renovation Project. All of which were contributions to the building of life long relationships. "We have one thing in common: unity," said chorale student Joceslyn Gerronimo. "Feels like a blessing from God to be here, [with] my new family," said student Christopher Jackson. Of all the things that could be said about the chorale, member Ruth Wilson summed it up best. "We are all a big, big, big family; that's all we really are."

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Going once,
Going twice...

By Aura Faison

Come one, come all to FCCJ's surplus property auction. Everyone is welcome: students, family, friends, even bums. Anyone who has money. Picture a classic movie auction scene: The auctioneer stands at the podium and opens up bidding. "Humdula humduma humdula … $20 …20 … we have a 20 … do we have a 25 … 25 … 25 … 30 … a 30 … we have a 30 … do we have a 35 … oh a 40 … 40 … do we have a 45 … a 50 … 50 going once, going twice. Sold to the man in the blue hat!" The auction starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18. Bidding starts at 9 a.m. Interested shoppers can preview items on Sept. 17 from noon until 4 p.m. Both preview and auction will be held at the FCCJ warehouse located at 35 West State St. A wide variety of items are up for auction. Everything from '96 Dodge vans, Yamaha motor scooters, commercial restaurant equipment, and ice machines to audio visual equipment, cabinets, desks, tables, pottery kick wheels, and more.
Laptop and desktop computers, monitors, and printers will also be auctioned off. Caution to the buyer! Equipment may not be in working order and all items are sold as is. No guarantees or warranties are issued. The auction ends when everything is sold, or the auctioneer is sick of rambling so the more people who attend, the merrier. Contact Ron Attaway at 632-3227 for additional information.

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	All That Glass	photos by Jerry Carver
	The Downtown Campus held its first art gallery opening for the semester on Sept. 1. They showcased the stained glass creations of local artist Harold K. Johnson. Johnson became interested in stained glass art after he attended a class on installing stained glass windows. His ideas come from everyday life and photos that his mother has from his childhood. Above: Harold Johnson (right) and his parents, Andrew and Dorthy Johnson.

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