Edwards asks what you will do now
By Joel Winters
Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards spoke at South Campus on Thursday, April 12.
Edwards was invited by FCCJ’s Student Government Association, and with a little coaxing, and a fundraiser party by local attorney Wayne Hogan, the event was set.
The crowd of about 300 spilled over into aisles and out into the hallway of the Wilson Center, when South Campus President Denis Wright introduced Edwards. Edwards immediately reassured the crowd that his wife Elizabeth, who is fighting cancer, is doing well.
Edwards briefly discussed his position on a broad spectrum of talking points including: genocide in Sudan, global warming, health care, income inequality, financial aid, and the war in Iraq.
“We need to look at ourselves through the world’s eyes, and this is what they see. The most powerful nation on the planet several years ago declared there was genocide going on, and then just stepped back and watched,” he said, referring to Sudan. “The world sees us as selfish, and as a bully.”
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Photo by Ricardo Rivera
John Edwards speaks at South Campus Wilson Center. |
Edwards said that Americans make up only 4 percent of the world’s population, but produce 25 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning.
“We have to start now,” Edwards said. “We need a global solution to a global problem, and we have to start acting right now.”
He then said that America should put a cap on carbon dioxide emissions and bring the cap down every year. The goal is to reduce emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050.
Also, Edwards proposed that America should outright ban the building of new coal burning energy plants. He then said that he wished the current administration would ask Americans to be passionate about something other than war.
“We can’t solve this problem by just using alternative resources; all Americans are going to have to contribute.”
Edwards called the American health care system “dysfunctional.” He said that he is the only candidate, Democratic or
Republican, that has a very specific plan to improve health care. He said that there are 47 million Americans who currently do not have health insurance, and that premiums have risen 90 percent over the last few years.
“This has to change,” he said. “There should be no such thing as preexisting conditions.”
Edwards proposed to roll back the tax break for the top 1 percent, and put that money into a universal health care system.
Edwards said that everyone will be covered, and those who can’t afford traditional coverage can get coverage from the government. He also noted that in his plan, mental health will be treated as an equal with physical health.
Edwards said that the top 300,000 money makers in America made more than the bottom 150 million.
“I want everyone to have the chance I’ve had,” he said. “We need to embrace diversity and equality.”
Edwards spoke of a program that he runs in North Carolina in which scholarships are granted to underprivileged students, and all of the money has been raised personally by Edwards.
“We ought to make it easy for our kids to go to college,” he said. “I want every American to have the chance that I’ve had.”
The crowd roared in approval as Edwards declared that America needs to pull out of Iraq. He said that America needs to engage the Iraqis and nearby countries, and let them join in the aid of restoring peace to the region. Edwards has been criticized on this standpoint because he originally voted for the Iraq war.
The crowd fell totally silent as Edwards asked a question that sounded a lot like John F. Kennedy.
“Now what are you going to do?” he asked. “I can’t do this alone, and the government can’t do this alone. So I have to ask you…what are you going to do?”
College first in digital
Florida Community College at Jacksonville has taken a first-place ranking (of colleges with more than 7,500 students) in the annual recognition by the Center for Digital Education and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
The annual survey examines how colleges are deploying technology to streamline operations and better serve students, faculty and staff. This is FCCJ’s third time to be ranked first in the nation, scoring the top position in 2003 and 2004 as well.
Student makes a stunning comeback
By Mary Ellington
With his bleached blonde hair fashionably waxed into tiny spikes and his red skateboarding shoes, there is little to distinguish Craig Walker from the sea of students on the South Campus.
Looking at him, it is not easy to tell but Walker is a walking miracle.
On April 18, at South Campus, Walker was presented with an award for the highest GED exam score in 2006-2007. The award culminates a year of hard work for the quiet, yet determined, man who admits he still has a long way to go.
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Photo by Mary Ellington
Linda McClelland presents Craig Walker with an award. |
For Walker, a framing contractor with a wife, family, and home he built with his own two hands, March 23, 2006, is a day he will never forget. With a wry smile, he’ll be the first to tell you his memory is not what it used to be.
On that spring day last year, Walker climbed onto his roof to do some routine maintenance; something he had done a hundred times before. Walker is still not sure what caused him to tumble. One minute he was standing on the roof two stories up, and the next he was on the ground.
Although his shoulder broke the fall, his face and head took the brunt of the impact. From that point on, life would never be the same again for Walker and his family.
Walker was flown to Shands Hospital where he was on life support for several days. When he regained consciousness, he faced the slow and arduous process of rehabilitation. Walking, talking and daily tasks that most of us take for granted were daunting challenges for Walker. Eager to get back to doing the things he especially loved to do--drive a car, read a book, ride a bike, or play the guitar-- Walker faced every task with true grit.
While working construction jobs Walker was known for his impetuous attitude. However, the task of learning to speak again was a tedious and often depressing, process.
“We knew he was going to be okay,” said his wife Pam, “when he asked for a writing pad.”
Craig Walker is a man who loves words. He has been writing in one form or another for most of his life. So when he could not say the words he needed to communicate with others, he wrote them.
Writing helped me reinterpret my world said Walker.
It is his love of writing that led Pam to suggest he use his spare time to go back to school.
In the early 1970s, Walker dropped out of Jacksonville’s Central Adult High School. The young and adventurous Walker did what other wannabe hippies of that era did -– he thumbed his way to California and back.
Once home, with a wife and family to support, Walker knew he’d have to get serious. He began a career in construction and soon had his own framing contracting business. While he was never without a journal, going back to school was far from his thoughts.
After the accident, however, he had time on his hands. The irony of the situation is that the same desire to be unfettered and experience new things that caused him to leave school in the first place, is the very thing that brought Walker back to an academic environment. At a particularly low point in his life, Pam’s suggestion didn’t seem all that farfetched.
To humor her, Walker took the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test at FCCJ where he began the journey, not just to getting his GED, but to making a new life.
Along with the award for the highest GED exam score in 2006-2007, Walker will also receive both the Foundation
Scholarship and AHS/GED Scholarship. With GED in hand, he has already registered for summer classes, and looks forward to being a full-time student in the fall.
When asked about his academic goals, the admittedly “kinder and gentler” Walker wants to put his writing skills into practice as a freelance journalist.
If there is a message in all this, said Walker, it is that anyone can start over. “It’s never too late to get a GED for any reason.”
Walker also wants people to know that he could not have gotten this far this fast without a lot of help. From the moment he fell, Pam has been by his side. Her love and support have never wavered. And there have been others all along the way. In particular, FCCJ faculty members like Professor of Adult Studies, Dr. Linda McClelland, and members of the testing department have been his constant cheerleaders or angels as Walker calls them.
“This is not just my heroic quest to come through a brain injury,” Walker said. “I’ve been propelled by people who supported me and enlivened me.”
It is still hard for Walker to accept that his days of construction work may be over forever. However, he is looking forward to replicating in his college career, the success he’s come to expect of himself.
For more information contact the Adult Studies Program at any FCCJ campus.
Politicians: For the greater good?
By Fatima Hussein
On the rare occasions that I watch television, my set is permanently tuned to C-SPAN in hopes that I may witness one of the many political debates that resemble school children in a shouting match, rather than representatives of concerned Americans.
This can develop into deep-seated depression as time passes; simply because, as our country divides into multiple factions, each side equally distressed about the state of American politics, nothing is done by the ones we entrust our voices to in order to alleviate our frustrations.
As history progresses, the truths that entail it become more evident; the American political process has become disturbingly efficient at being inexplicably inefficient.
For instance, while the system of checks and balances was established to regulate the powers of the government, and a certain degree of inconsistency may be good for democracy, this system should be subject to criticism when it has achieved nothing.
In the end, the issues that plagued our parents are the same issues that our grandchildren will have to face. Therefore, it is clear that the ideal of accomplishment has been annulled out of the virtues of United States lawmaking.
Many aggravated Americans no longer attribute justice and liberty with the House, Senate, and other ruling legislative powers. Rather, they are considered to stand alongside Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Bill O’Reilly and Tucker Carlson; all talking heads making a mockery of what Americans truly cherish.
Until genuine reform can be made upon not only United States law, but the lawmaking bodies themselves, their status as the proverbial rock of support of the people will descend to a governmental sponge, sucking democracy out of the political process.
Citizens of the United States have segregated themselves into multiple political parties, each disagreeing to varying extents.
The ONE very important similarity between these groups is that they are all concerned deeply with the interests of their homeland. While Conservatives and Liberals may never agree upon the timeless controversial issues, there is one matter both parties can find concurrence upon: the refusal to allow this country to be governed by officials capable of doing a sub par job at best. And that is what we call bipartisan politics.
Frank-ly Speaking
Are you ready for upcoming graduation? |
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Editor’s Note: Frank Heinze is an adviser at Deerwood Center.
If you are an associate of arts student ready to graduate who has completed the checklist written in my last column, then it’s time to transfer to a university and seek your bachelor’s degree.
The transfer process will vary depending upon each university and can be confusing at times.
Although by the time graduation is near, and all the prerequisites for your major should have been met, you can check the requirements of a particular major at any Florida state university by going to the “fccj.edu” website.
By clicking on “Student Resources,” then Counseling/Advising,” at the left navigation bar, second from the bottom, you will find “University Prerequisites.” That link will take you to a page that lists all the state universities. Click on the “Transfer Manual” link for the university in which you are interested then follow the links to the college and major of your choice.
Note that you are seeking admission to a college within the university, not just the university.
For example, UNF has five colleges – the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health, the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Computing and Engineering, and the College of Business. Your goal is not only to complete your AA degree, but also to complete all of the prerequisites to enter your junior year in the college and the program of your choice.
Once you have selected the college within the university on the University Transfer Page, click on the “Transfer Manual” for that college. You can then choose a major and see the prerequisites for that course of study. Courses taken at the community college, your freshman and sophomore years will begin with a “1” or “2,” and the upper level courses will begin with a “3” or “4.”
Some of the universities transfer manuals will just ask for your major rather than having to click on the college within the university, but in any case, you are looking for those courses you need to take at FCCJ before you transfer.
You will also need to have taken a foreign language as an admission requirement to Florida state universities. To complete the requirements two years in high school or two semesters of college level foreign language are acceptable. Three semesters of American Sign Language will also satisfy the language requirement.
FCCJ has a great transfer guide at the “fccj.edu” web site. Click on “Student Resources,” then “Counseling/Advising,” and on the left navigation bar, third from the bottom, you’ll see “University Transfer Guide.” Clicking on that link provides a complete guide in preparation for transfer to a Florida state university, including a check list to guide you through each step of the process.
When transferring without an AA or with an AS degree, you really need to speak with an advisor. You may have figured out by now from reading my columns that I want you to see an advisor every semester to make sure you’re on track.
For instance, the state has changed the requirements for the Elementary Education program. Those changes are not yet reflected on the transfer manuals I mentioned above, but we have that information and it is current.
It’s been great sharing information with students over the past couple of semesters. If you’re graduating and leaving us, best of luck in your new venture; if you’re coming back next semester – see you on the flip-flop.
Kenneth’s Voice
Take time for yourself |
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Do you fantasize about spending a relaxing vacation on a deserted island, kicked back, sipping cool coconut concoctions, watching the waves chase each other? If you answered affirmatively, then you are not alone.
The problem with the scene I described is that not many of us have the resources and/or time to fly to Cancun in the middle of the week; if you can, please send me an email and let’s talk. For the rest of us, we can create our own little piece of paradise…in our minds.
With the pressures of school, work, family and extracurricular committments, it’s little wonder why so many of us are susceptible to becoming burned out. We go and go until we can’t go any further. Most of us can bear witness that our weekends are as packed full of activities as the workweek; then we’re back to square one on Monday morning.
What’s one to do? A piece of advice to you is to chill out. Very often, this phrase bears a negative connotation, but from this moment on, when someone tells you to chill out, take them up on the offer.
What makes you feel at ease? What gives you a few moments of complete, unadulterated relief? Is it a quiet afternoon matinee between classes? How about a nice stroll through the park, feeding the ducks and watching the kiddies as they see-saw and monkey climb?
For some people, baking a batch of cookies—allowing the sweet scent to fill the house— relaxes them (if this is you, you may also email me). Others like to sit outside on their balconies, porches or front lawns, write in their diaries (guys call them ‘journals’) and watch time slow down.
I also found an interesting online article a few weeks ago (www.ehow.com) that might be of some help to you as it offers tips and suggestions on how to relieve stress at work.
• Take a few deep breaths, allowing your rib cage and belly to expand as you inhale. Exhale slowly.
• Seek a change in venue. Getting away from your work station, even for a walk to the water cooler, can help you collect your thoughts and refocus on the task at hand.
• Laugh! Read one of your favorite jokes or simply laugh aloud.
• Play with a stress-relieving toy or game like a mini-basketball hoop, dart board, foam stress ball or punching bag.
• Close your eyes and listen to soothing music.
• Visualize yourself relaxing at your favorite vacation spot or completing the big presentation with ease.
• Add helpful reminders to your screen saver, such as, “Take a deep breath,” or add a phrase or joke that makes you laugh.
Whatever your delight is, do it. Take time for yourself. If you’re ever given the opportunity, lie back on the grass (you may need a blanket or quilt) and just watch the clouds parade in front of you.
It seems a little silly at first, but the benefits more than make up for your initial skepticism. It’s the ultimate great escape provided by nature...and it’s free! You’ll see how big and wonderful the world really is, and how small and miniscule your own self-afflicted pressures can be.
Let’s face it, you can’t give 100 percent if you’re tired, grumpy, overtaxed and overextended. If you’re like me, you are dedicated to various associations— all inconveniently located on opposite sides of town, mind you. You owe it to yourself—and to those with whom you associate to take time out and relax…chill out.
Downtown considers policy for wearing IDs
By Vanessa Gordon
Changes may be approaching in the way students will conduct themselves on Downtown Campus.
The Campus Cultural Committee is in the process of brainstorming ideas to improve the campus atmosphere.
“We are looking for a way to inform the students that this is a place of civility, higher education and a learning community,” said Stephen Piscitelli, FCCJ professor of American history and education, and also faculty head of the Campus Cultural Committee.
This initiative is not in effect yet; this is an idea that could help change the campus culture.
“Students complain about unauthorized visitors, and student behavior prompted this initiative,” said Velma Hill, Downtown Campus, Student Government Association president.
Because Downtown Campus has an urban location, security is a priority for students, staff, and faculty. There is also concern about protection from people being on campus that are not enrolled at FCCJ.
One issue suggested is to require a specific ID worn visibly for the students.
“Based on a survey in which we solicited the students’ opinions, they feel wearing the IDs will help identify individuals that are on campus not in pursuit of an education. Our students feel that this will better aid security in eliminating loitering, solicitation and others forms of harassment….As student body president, I support the students in all initiatives and try to carry out their requests,” said Hill.
Some students on Downtown Campus reacted to the proposed fall semester initiative.
∙ “I feel that it is unnecessary and we should do what we’ve been doing, just flash it [student ID] and keep it moving,” said Tyneshia Matthews.
∙ “I feel that it is high school all over again. I know my name and I’m sure others do too, and I feel that it’ll be something else to add to our forget list and get in trouble for,” said Dana Curry.
∙ “I feel that the whole situation is just out-of-line. Why should we have to do something based on what other students caused. This needs to be thought through for a better solution,” said Claudina Roberts.
∙ “I feel that we should not wear IDs. It should be okay as long as we show our schedule. Wearing IDs is another way for the security guards to stop people.” said Devon Quinten Davis.
This is a suggestion by the Student Government Association which they presented at one of their monthly open forums and is “not set in stone”. The SGA asks students to voice their opinions at their open forums as well as in writing. The SGA office at Downtown Campus is located in Building C and can be reached by phone at (904) 633-8272. The next open forum is Thursday, April 26 at 1 p.m. in Building A.
What do you think about this possible ID initiative? Write The Campus Voice a “Letter to the Editor” c/o The Campus
Voice at 101 West State Street, Jacksonville, Florida, 32202.
Virginia Tech tragedy provokes discussion about campus safety
We asked some FCCJ students, staff, and faculty what they think could be done to better protect our students, and if they feel safe on campus. This is what they had to say:
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Jennifer Weeks, South Campus student, age 26
“Since one professor at Virginia Tech knew about the problem student and reported it, something could have been done. At FCCJ, there needs to be more security. Walking through certain areas of campus I feel unsafe.”
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Tobias Williams, South Campus student, age 26
“It would be like preparing for a thousand grizzly bears to attack. You can take reasonable steps but it’s not reasonable. There isn’t always a reason.” |
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Rico Meade, student worker, Downtown Campus
“More security; security doors where students, faculty and staff would have to swipe their cards to enter a building, a color-coding system which can differentiate student from faculty, and eliminate the lifetime membership.” |
Edwin Lockley, Downtown Campus student, age 19
“FCCJ is doing a good job with the security. However if we have more security and supervision this will improve the safety of FCCJ.” |
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Frank Nanie, Deerwood Center student
“I think we need to be more aware of the people surrounding us. We need to notice and report any unusual behavior. This could happen to anybody.”
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Sandra Willis, Dean of Student Success, Downtown Campus
“Better communication. When a student, staff, faculty member, or administrator sees something unusual, bring it to the attention of security or administration immediately. Sometimes we do not want to get involved, but we are involved when it affects our school.”
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Carol Gladstone, Student Learning Specialist, Deerwood Center
“I feel extremely safe at Deerwood. We have a great security team here. When something happens like what happened at Virginia Tech, it makes you pay a little more attention to the unthinkables.” |
Jerry Shawver, Professor of Mathematics, Deerwood Center
“Deerwood is one of the best-protected campuses I’ve ever worked at. I taught high school for 11 years, and there wasn’t even a cop there until Columbine. We also have the pull-cord security system in place here to get immediate help.” |
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Mariah Café, South Campus student, age 23
“More apparent security; not everyone would like it but in the end, it would be safer for everybody.”
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President Wallace on campus security
In the aftermath of Monday’s horrific events at Virginia Tech, it is only natural that members of our college community may have questions about the level of safety and security at Florida Community College.
While we are very confident that we have a comparatively good security situation, continuous improvement is, and will continue to be, our goal.
Accordingly, we are reviewing at this time our critical incident response and communication procedures with particular attention to what can be learned from the disaster in Virginia.
It is important that you know that our college substantially elevated the protection of our campuses and centers when we implemented significantly-enhanced security measures about two years ago. Our current security plan includes the presence of armed sheriff’s officers whenever students are in our facilities. It also involves a very considerable investment in more – and higher level - security personnel, along with an extensive new program of training and performance standards.
Our commitment to the provision of a safe and secureenvironment will continue unabated. We appreciate your support of these important efforts.
In the near term, however, our thoughts and prayers go to the students, families and our colleagues at Virginia Tech as they
deal with Monday’s [April 16] tragedy.
Crisis Awareness
By Elizabeth Kiser
In light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, students are asking questions about how to spot and survive a crisis. The Campus Voice went to Counselor Amy Perkins, faculty member at Downtown Campus, for answers.
TCV:What are some of the warning signs that may indicate a student is in trouble?
Amy: Emotional signs can be something as obvious as crying, or as subtle as a change in posture, or tone of voice. Sudden changes in appearance, grades, sleeping, and eating habits are also something to note. Another sign could be a student who suddenly stops coming to class.
TCV: Do many students come to the counseling office here on their own, or are they referred?
Amy: Some do. We have also had professors refer students to us, or even walk a student down to us themselves, and sometimes they stay to talk also, with the student’s permission.
TCV: If a student notices another student’s behavior that seems out of character, or odd, what should they do?
Amy: If you feel comfortable, reach out student-to-student. Let the person know you’re there if they want to talk; that you care. You might also ask if there’s a trusted person they can talk to, like an adviser, friend, counselor, or professor.
TCV: If a student feels like he/she is in trouble, what should he/she do?
Amy: There is at least one counselor at all FCCJ campuses, although there are none at the centers at this time. It is also okay to go to a trusted person that you feel safe with.
TCV: Have there been any incidences of violence against students at FCCJ?
Amy: There have been weapons on campus before, but no mental health-related violent incidences that I am aware of. Schools are usually the safest places to be.
TCV: What kind of steps do you take when a student in trouble is brought to your attention?
Amy: We have several in place. We start with FCCJ security, then they have the option to contact the police if they feel it’s warranted. We want to be sure that the student has plenty of supportive sources, like social workers, therapy, or family and friends available.
TCV: What resources are available to students?
Amy: Sometimes we use bibliotherapy, which means we may suggest certain books that may be helpful. There is also the United Way of Northeast Florida’s First Call website, which is a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week information and referral service if you need help.
I think it’s important to mention that we are a community, and we need to be talking, looking out for each other, and helping each other.
Brain Bowl captain ranked third in state
By Matthew Richardson
Making an improvement from last year’s tournament with only one game won, FCCJ’s Brain Bowl team won five games this year at the state tournament. Even though they improved greatly, they came out in fifth place.
“If we would have won the last game, we would have made it into the circle of death because there would be three or four different teams with the same record, and one of them could make it to the finals. We were very close to making it to the finals,” Team Captain Admir Jani said.
FCCJ’s Brain Bowl record for the state tournament was 5-4. The only game they lost was to Gulf Coast Community College.
The state tournament was held at Panama City Beach and was also hosted by Gulf Coast.
Jani, who has been with the team for 2 years, mentioned that there was a wide variety of questions at the tournament to test the competitor’s wide range of knowledge.
“We had questions in there about ballroom dancing and salsa,” Jani said. “When I started on the team, the only questions I could answer were science, mostly physics, chemistry, and math. Now I can expand a little more so I can pretty much answer all kinds of questions, but geography is mostly my new area of expertise.”
Jani, who was the highest scorer on the team, is majoring in mechanical engineering, and he’s also taken all the prerequisites for chemical engineering.
John Kennedy, a fellow team member for FCCJ’s Brain Bowl, mentions how enriching the experience was for him.
“I think it was a great experience. Just getting out and traveling with the team and being with other motivated students and enjoying an extra-curricular activity has definitely had its rewards for me, especially since it got me a talent grant,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy’s major is also mechanical engineering. His strong points on the team are math, science, philosophy and psychology.
Next year, the Brain Bowl team hopes to continue their improvement and win the championship.
“I think next year the team is going to do really well because we have two good players from this year; Jeremy and Amy. I think students from this state championship will use this experience for next year and I think they will keep the momentum,” Jani said.
All ages enjoy summer fun at various camps
By Christina Garmon
FCCJ offers a variety of camps and programs to keep kids busy during summer vacation.
This means numerous students, pre-kindergarten through high school, will be wandering around with nothing to do for the next two-and-a-half months.
Most of the programs are for kids ages five through 14, and include various activities they might want to join. But, there are also camps for children over 15, and a couple for older children.
One camp designed for the mainly younger half, is the Chappell Child Care/Summer Camp program. This program combines caring for younger children, ages five and six, with fun and exciting summer activities.
The activities that the attending children will enjoy include, but are not limited to, picnics, water play, music, computers, and performing arts. The cost of the camp ranges from $100 to $105 depending on the campus. The camp starts on May 29 and ends on August 17.
Another camp that kids may be interested in is the new CSI Camp. This camp focuses on what happens at crime scenes.
Attendees will learn how to develop their ability to use logic and apply strategies to problem solving and develop analytical and reasoning skills.
The camp cost $350, which includes all supplies, snacks, and lunch. There are two sessions, one from June 11-15, and another from July 16-20. Both are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For those who wish to do something with their kids or do not wish to separate them, there is the Aviation Math and Science Camp located at the Cecil Commerce Center.
There are sessions for children from fifth grade into adulthood. It cost $325 to attend most of the camps for two weeks of participation and instruction. One free camp is the Soaring Scholars Camp that is for rising tenth-graders only.
Participants are taught a myriad of things, from project design and construction, to laws of mathematics and science.
Students will also get to take field trips and use actual training flights and flight simulators during the camp.
“Aviation Summer Camps offer a rewarding mix of fun and academics, said J.B. Renninger, director of the Aviation Center of Excellence. “This will be the highlight of their summer vacation.”
So if you are the parent of a child, ages five through 18, go to fccj.edu, and type FCCJ Summer Camps into the search engine and see which camp is right for your child.
AITP rocks Motown at national IT conference
By Andrea Thrift
Six FCCJ students participated in a competition at the 2007 Association of Internet Technology Professionals National Collegiate Conference.
Eric Bundy, Je’jhorna George, David Schropp, Andrea Thrift, Curtis Weinman and Scott Weinman are members of the FCCJ student chapter of the AITP. They and their faculty sponsor, Professor Richard Chambliss, traveled to Detroit, Michigan on March 29 through 31 for the conference.
The purpose of the trip was to compete in the 12th annual AITP conference as representatives of FCCJ and to meet like-minded students and faculty from all over the nation. It was an opportunity for competing graduate and undergraduate
AITP members to build professional relationships and exercise their information technology skills for a national audience.
“I was particularly pleased with the effort on the part of the students in their preparation and commitment to work to get themselves prepared to compete,” said Chambliss.
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Photo courtesy of FCCJ AITP student chapter
FCCJ’s AITP student members attend national conference. |
The conference was attended by 731 people including 556 students, faculty, and information technology professionals.
There were 68 colleges and universities represented but only four of those were community colleges.
Information technology corporate scouts and representatives from major employers AT&T, Microsoft, Wal-mart and others attend this event each year.
Students were able to meet and discuss the finer points of careers in information technology with representatives from the corporations and distribute resumes to match the companies’ job listings. Prizes for winning competitions and raffles were also sponsored by the corporations for students.
Some members of the FCCJ student chapter teams this year plan to participate again in the 2008 AITP National Collegiate Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.
“I will probably compete next year and plan to be an active member of the AITP,” said Curtis Weinman, who was involved in the Business Intelligence competition.
“I would like to thank Professor Chambliss for being our mentor and also our college for supporting our expenses for the trip to Detroit,” said Computer Tutor David Schropp who participated in PC trouble-shooting competition.
Many hours of practice were logged by the competitors and professors including Steve Mannion, Walter Lara and Mike Jenkins, who contributed their time and resources mentoring the participants.
The group’s next meeting will be held on Friday, May 4, 2007 from 6p.m.-7p.m. at South Campus in room G-105.
For more information on membership or to complete the AITP membership application online, visit the website www.aitp-fccj.org.
For additional information on the FCCJ student chapter and the 2008 AITP national collegiate conference in Memphis, Tennessee, please contact South Campus Professor Richard Chambliss at 904-646-2435 or via email chamblis@fccj.edu.
One last push for ILAS before graduation
By Kassandra Elizee
According to Director of Learning Services at South Campus, Denise Norris, a total of 473 students who are scheduled to graduate this May have not yet taken the ILAS test, which is one of the graduation requirements.
These numbers are somewhat high, but have gone down in the last couple of weeks from the 700 students who initially hadn’t taken the test.
We send postcards to our students, reminding them that they have to take the test, it’s posted on our website, and it’s also in the college catalogue, said Norris.
The ILAS requisite was printed in the 2004 catalogue school year. Therefore, Norris said, this is the first class to actually graduate under this requirement.
There has been a lot done to make sure students have all the preparation possible to take and successfully pass the ILAS test, said Norris.
According to Norris, workshops have been put in place in the libraries of many FCCJ campuses and centers.
She says that these workshops started at Deerwood on March 28. There was one at South Campus on March 31,
Nassau on April 11, Kent on April 14; and workshops are also scheduled at North Campus for April 21, and Downtown Campus on April 28.
These workshops are geared towards helping students efficiently review the information literacy modules that are available through Artemis.
Workshops are held in the campuses’ libraries by librarians who go over every module with the students, said Norris.
“It’s interesting, students can go in between 9a.m. and 5 p.m.,” said Norris about the workshops.
Norris says the reality is, students can go to any library at any time, and talk to a librarian if they have questions, or need tutoring to prepare for the exam.
“It’s a lot of information,” she said, “and the more prepared you are, the better chances you have of passing the test.”
Kent Campus Librarian Alice Jones was giving one-on-one tutoring on Saturday April 14 at the Kent Campus library.
She says that 18 students came in that day, to seek help for the test. Some were students who were reviewing, some had never looked at the modules before.
“We believe it was a positive experience,” said Jones. Jones said that at least five students came back later and said the tutoring really helped.
Norris stated that students should prepare before the workshop by using the information about the ILAS test which is available to them online.
“We want you to read through the modules,” she said, and then they can come in and brush up with the workshops.
According to Norris, these workshops are available every semester at the South Campus. Students can also get help for the CLAST exam, and preparing for exit exams.
Norris encourages students not to wait until the last minute to take the test, because taking it earlier can be advantageous for students’ success throughout their learning experience here at FCCJ.
The knowledge gained by taking the test includes the ability to research information, collect information, and use it; things that every student needs to know.
Chappell Child Care Centers facilitate learning
By Sheldon Gardner
Michelle Bartlett is a vibrant, chatty young woman in her early twenties. She is also a full-time FCCJ student and the mother of an energetic 16-month-old named Hayley.
Last semester was Hayley’s first at Kent Campus’ Chappell Child Development Center.
Without assistance from the college, going to school full-time would not be an option, Bartlett said.
“The Child Care scholarship is great. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to take more than one class a semester,” she said.
Having the scholarship means that only $13 a week must be spent for child care, a cost that would be much higher without it, Bartlett said.
The main focus of the centers is to provide young children with the preparation necessary to succeed in public schools.
“We all believe that no child should be left behind,” said Renee Whitty, director of Kent Campus’ Chappell Child Development Center.
All of the campuses’ Chappell Child Development Centers —located at the Kent, North, South, and Downtown campuses—are in accordance; all are dedicated to preparing children for public school, Whitty said.
Depending on the child’s age, daily activities include learning the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, basic Spanish, and a slew of other things that help prepare kids for public school said Laurie Fields, director of Chappell’s Center at Downtown Campus.
“The Kent Campus day care center is small, so the kids get more one-on-one attention,” student and mother Bartlett said.
Proper employee training is a must as well.
All the personnel at a Chappell Child Development Center must take a state-mandated 40-hour training program, said Pat McClure, director of the Chappell Child Development Center at South Campus. Staff can be hired without attending training, but they must sign up for training within 90 days of being hired, she said.
Employees are also required to have CPR and pediatric first aid training, must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED, said Sherlonda Johnson-Bryant, director of North Campus’ Chappell Child Development Center.
All of the center directors expressed a love for children and a dedication to preparing them for the next step in their education.
“The best part of my job is the joy of seeing the children each day,” said McClure.
Bartlett said that she was initially very nervous about leaving Hayley at a day care, but now has no worries because she
knows that her daughter is safe and happy to be there.
“Hayley loves it. She hugs her teachers every time she sees them.”
Rear Window remake entertains audiences
By Joel Winters
Disturbia is not likely to win any academy awards, and film buffs around the nation are probably not huddled together in deep conversation regarding how great the film is, but it is still a very entertaining flick.
Shia Leabouf plays Kale, a young adult, who through certain tragic events, loses his father. The loss sends Kale through a spiraling pitfall of emotions that ultimately land him on house arrest.
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Photo courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures
Shia Leabouf stars in Disturbia. |
In his seclusion, Kale finds relief from boredom through voyeurism and technology. Every day he watches his surrounding neighbors’ moves, and eventually he comes to suspect that one of them is a serial killer. The rest of the movie is filled with comedic and dramatic adventures, as he attempts to find out whether his suspicions are true or not.
Although Disturbia will probably not make waves in the film buffs community, there are some positive things to say about the film. Lebeouf, who is a young up-and-coming actor, basically makes the film. He definitely has potential to reach superstar status in the near future.
Although the storyline was typical, it still had just enough comedy mixed with suspense to keep the viewer entertained. This movie is recommended to anyone who just wants to sit back and have an entertaining movie experience.
Redline goes flatline with weak screenplay
By Matthew Richardson
“Some cars get you from point A to point B. Other cars get you from point A to point B --fast.”
That is the opening line for the action-packed, fast paced auto movie, “Redline.”
“Redline” was directed by Andy Cheung. It was released on April 13, which was a Friday…Friday the 13…a coincidence? Perhaps. So what’s the point you ask? This movie was poorly assembled.
When viewing the preview for “Redline,” I thought to myself, “Nice action movie; might be a The Fast and The Furious knockoff, but it might do.” I was wrong…partially.
While it was a FATF knockoff, “Redline” couldn’t keep up with its predecessor if it had all the nitrous oxide in the world.
Why was it so bad? Poor acting, a weak plot line, mediocre car races, and clichés ran the film off a cliff. If “Redline” was a student it would have all F’s on its report card.
This movie is all about very rich and obviously bored people betting on fast cars. Basically, after the weak introduction, the movie begins with a bet on a race against time. The car obsessed, bored rich guy Michael (Angus Macfadyen) bets his rival Jerry Brecken (Tim Matheson) that his intrepid driver and nephew, Jason (Jesse Johnson) can make it to his location in Las Vegas for a delivery. Jason makes the run and the precious cargo turns out to be…Viagra. Cue one of Jerry’s sinister laughs.
The next scene introduces the main character Natasha Martin (Nadia Bjorlin), a sexy lead singer and a professional behind the wheel. She is haunted by her past because her father died in a car accident. Natasha owns an auto-specialty shop called “Nat’s” which tricks-out rich player Infamous’ racing cars. Infamous is played by overacting comedian, Eddie Griffin. After seeing her driving skills up close and personal, Infamous wants Natasha to be his personal driver, but she refuses until he offers her band a recording deal.
To sum up the rest of the movie, Jason’s brother and military man, Carlo (Nathan Phillips) visits him and later seeks revenge on their uncle Michael. Then there are some half-dressed chicks, more car races are bet upon for an outrageous amounts of money, some more half-dressed chicks and a plot thinner than cellophane. But really this movie lost my attention when Infamous pulled his private plane over in the desert to kick out his loud-mouthed girlfriend.
Most of the actors were people I had never seen before and perhaps this could be their big debut. Two actors were recognizable if you’re a movie fanatic; Eddie Griffin and Tim Matheson. If you’ve watched “Nash Bridges” enough, then you’ll know that Jesse Johnson is the son of Don Johnson.
I’ll leave you with the movie’s ending quote.
“Some cars get you from point A to point B. Other cars get you into trouble.”
Some movies are worth my time unfortunately, this one was not.
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