Since 1949
Volume CXVIII, Edition 5
November 4, 2009
The Harshest Cut of All DSP&S’s budget slashed by $500,000
10 hints to acing all your classes. By Kimberly Ann Hodges Rampage Reporter It’s already the middle of the semester and finals week will be here before we know it. If you’re close to failing or have a poor grade in your class, there’s still hope! Raising your grade can be easy if you discipline yourself and work. Below are 10 tips to help you through these last two months.
10. Go to class
Too many absences or tardies can significantly affect your grade and, to most teachers, attendance is a must. Not showing up means missing out on lectures, pop quizzes, participation points, and gives your teacher the impression you don’t care.
Daniel Olivio and Christal Hopkins are just two of the DSP&S students affected by cuts. By Hector Ruelas Rampage Reporter Fresno City College has seen reductions in the funding of most of its programs this year, but none is as severe as the cut in the budget of the Disabled Students Programs and services (DSP&S). “I don’t think the campus and the community really understands what has happened to us; already, we’re looking at about 50
percent of our entire budget being cut. The campus got cut, but up to 10 percent; we are being cut almost 50 percent,” said Dr. Janice Emerzian, the director of DSP&S. “The budget is all we think and talk about right now, and it has impacted us severely,” she added. “Right now we have already cut about $500,000 out of our budget, and almost all those dollars are staff delivering direct services for students.” Established in 1970, DSP&S
provides services for students with learning, physical or psychological disabilities. It has helped thousands of students achieve success during and after college, changing their lives, and creating opportunities for everyone involved in the program. The program offers numerous programs to students, including the Workability program, Learning Disability Program, Adaptive Ornamental Horticulture, Adapted Physical Education as well as Independent living and
Photo by Hector Ruelas
Consumer skills classes for disabled students. Also available to students is a high tech computer center which instructs students in the use of computers, through adapted computer technology and the mobility express service seen throughout FCC campus. Many of these programs are in severe loss, according to Dr. Emerzian. So how severely have the budget cuts impacted DSP&S? “I
See “Budget” on Page 7
Budget cuts affect registration options By Laura Solis Rampage Reporter
Inside:
Registration time is here, and the questions on everyone’s mind are “When is my registration date?” and “how do I get a better registration date?” Registration dates are given according to the quality points a student receives. “Quality points are calculated by taking the number of units a student has and multiplying that number by his or her grade points. The more units a student takes and the better grades he has add up to a better quality score which gives them a better registration date,” said Doris Griffin, Admissions and Records Manager for Fresno City College. First time students are given a later registration date
because the units they are taking EOP&S, and was able to get and the grades received in their all the classes I needed,” said first semester are still Britney Sosa, unavailable, therefore an FCC student. their quality points are “To avoid some of the Registration for set to 0. all other stu Student reg- long lines associated dents began on istration started on Oct. 26. Also, Oct. 22, and it goes with registering students can on for 10 continuous register at any days. The first two in person with a time after their days are priority regassigned regisistration days. These counselor, students can tration date. first days of registra If stution are awarded to also register at home dents have any students who are part kind of holds, of the Honors pro- using Webadvisor or they will still gram, DSP&S, student be assigned a athletes, SSSP, and a registration date touchtone.” few other programs but will not be at FCC. “I was able able to register to register for my classes a week until they take care of their holds. ago because I am involved with Depending on the type of hold
News:
Q & A:
Life Science Instructor to compete in World Championship Triathlon
Vice President of Adminstrative Services, Mike Guerra answers tough questions on budget See page 6
See page 4
they have they can be asked to do different things to take care of it. There are a few things that can prevent students from registering, including, academic probation which happens when a student doesn’t have good academic standing. This can be taken care of by attending a group probation session or meeting with a counselor individually. Individual situations are subject to change, depending on the different situations or the level of probation. Some types of holds are library holds, business holds, and academic holds. Budget cuts have affected FCC significantly. Griffin said that registration services have not been restricted, but that cuts have “…decreased the number of days See “Registration” on page 5
Views:
Chivalry: A Dead Practice
See page 9
9. Concentrate on what’s being covered
If problems such as hunger, fatigue, or other distractions are getting in the way while in class, fix the problem! Grab a snack before class, try to get enough sleep each night, and keep your cell phone turned off and put away. If other students are talking and interfering with class, don’t be afraid to ask them to be quiet so you can concentrate.
8. Take notes
Attend lectures faithfully and write down what was covered. Everyone is different and you’ll need to find a note taking structure that best suits your needs. If the teacher writes something on the board you should be writing it down as well. Record all examples, key terms, and important concepts your teacher mentions. Lastly, pay attention to the entire lecture and try not to zone out before the end of class when the teacher may give out important information.
7. Be organized
If you’ve lost your syllabus for the class, make sure you get another one. Most syllabi include the course schedule of exams, assignment due dates, See “Surviving” on page 2
Sports: Boris Beta shares his passion for soccer
See page 16