PIONEER
OCCC’S STUDENT VOICE SINCE 1978
September 25, 2020
PIONEER.OCCC.EDU
Changes to come: OCCC President set to retire in ’21 BROOKLYN LEARNED Community Editor
Still Open
OCCC’s first fall term started recently with just a smattering of students and faculty on campus. The college is the only one in the Oklahoma City metro area that has almost all courses online due to COVID-19. What’s usually a completely packed parking lot near the Library and Main Building is virtually empty and cause some to say the college looks closed.This is also the first fall term in which almost all courses are eight-weeks.
Professor claims OCCC supports discrimination in YouTube video Pioneer Staff Reports OCCC has a history and pattern of discrimination and harassment against faculty and staff spanning several years, and faculty are speaking up about it to a local investigative reporter, Professor of Political Sciences Markus Smith said in a widely shared Youtube post Sept. 17. In the over-five minute post, which can be found at pioneer.occc.edu and on his YouTube channel, the professor, who claims he has suffered discrimination and harassment said he will be sharing his personal story of struggles while being a faculty member at OCCC on all social media sites soon. “I’ll be providing all details of what I’ve endured and continue to endure since 2012,” Smith said.
“I will discuss it all, everything guys,” he said. OCCC President Jerry Steward, who has given up his day-to-day duties as he prepares to retire, has not yet responded for requests for comment. Smith alleges the college has violated its own policy which is designed to protect all faculty, staff, and students from discrimination and harassment. He said he will share all 12 examples and charges he has provided to Human Resources, which show the college has allegedly discriminated against him. Smith also said he will share information about other faculty and employees who were
VIDEO Continued to Page 4
Oklahoma City Community College President Jerry Steward recently announced his retirement to go into effect July 2, 2021. Steward has served as President of Oklahoma City Community College since 2015. The OCCC Board of Regents unanimously accepted his retirement letter Sept. 21 at the regular board meeting During his five years as president, Steward helped to accomplish many things for OCCC, Steward said. He established a student success advising model that provides “wraparound services” for students. He oversaw the completion of the OCCC Capitol Hill Center. And, he helped provide employee income increases, he said. “Our accomplishments are our together,” Steward said in an OCCC community email. He said he has deeply contemplated the fragility of time and has decided to use his time in retirement to spend with his family because the time will not be available forever. In preparation for his retirement, Steward has released control of his day-to-day operations of the college to Provost Jeremy Thomas, according to an email sent by Devery Youngblood, chairman of the OCCC Board of Regents. “Thomas will be a part of a dynamic leadership team, along with Executive Vice President Greg Gardner, and Chief of Staff Danita Rose,” Youngblood said. In the leadership arrangement, Thom-
PRES. RETIRING Continued to Page 5
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September 25, 2020
OPINION
Letter: President office upgrades wasteful spending Dear Editor, A few years ago the OCCC Board of Regents discussed with the college President Jerry Steward, the idea of making his office more secure (or so he says). Steward spent almost one-million dollars to wall himself off from the rest of the college community in an area many faculty call “The Bunker”. He spent at least $800,000 to do it, according to an open records request. Why did he spend almost $1 million on upgrades to the president’s office and the board room at a time when all other areas on campus were told they had to save every penny possible, when faculty hadn’t had raises for nearly 10 years, when the bathrooms that all on campus used had toilet seats falling off, and when the nursing department was begging for more classroom space? In a meeting last year, that is recorded, the president told faculty and staff it was because of security risks. “The [OCCC] Board of Regents started talking with me about increased security in my office. Essentially the office was completely open and it posed some security risks that we hadn’t had in the past,” he said. Surprisingly, the president never said what security risks he was facing and why if he was so threatened, he didn’t have 24hour police protection wherever he went. Instead he talked about other presidents who had sat in the same office for at least 15 years and never had to build a bunker to hide in away from faculty, staff and students. Also, he spoke about a how the former presidents sat in the same office with the door open and the blinds open. The former presidents kept the door and blinds open so the college community would understand OCCC leadership wanted to see and visit with faculty. That they appreciated when faculty waved as they passed by and welcomed people to stop by for a discussion or just to say hi. Instead, “When I became president I started locking the door and closing the blinds,” Steward said. But, for some reason, the blinds being closed so no one could tell if he was in his office and the door being locked while he was inside was not enough to make him feel safe. Steward was too afraid and needed a bunker – one that he’s not worked in since the spring semester. And he needed a lot of money to build it. So what was bought for the nearly $1 million price tag? He bought furniture, fixtures and equipment totaling $64,465.50
The OCCC President’s Office sits completely open, a rare site, Sept. 23. This clearly was a security issue for the outgoing president. One could feel very insecure if they sat on chairs that are 5, 10, 15 years old like the students and faculty do. One would definitely not feel like they are in their “safe space” if they had to sit at a 15-year-old wobbly and rusty desk that’s been traded around the college and picked from a dingy place called Surplus as faculty do. Steward needed to feel safe surrounded by thousands of dollars of furniture and fixtures But if one thinks about it, couldn’t he have felt safe if he bought a Catanzaro Mahogany two-seat power recliner sofa from Ashley Furniture for $1,195, a two-piece traditional 65-inch desk for $1,073 from Mathis Brothers, and a casual leather executive chair from Haven for $304.95, and still have tens of thousands of dollars left over? In fact, if safety was the cause of the purchases, he could have bought four sets of the furniture and hid underneath—sort of like a bedroom fort—and saved over $40,000 from the furniture funds. Also because he said he acted upon the OCCC Regents call for him to be safer, he purchased a heating and air unit for $308,626. For that much money, the college might have been able to purchase a replacement chiller for the one that went out in 2019— the same one that conked out and left students and staff sweating profusely on the hottest day of the year that year. Or, he could have purchased over 300 Honeywell portable air conditioners at
$550 apiece and 200 King electric heaters for $1009.99 and still saved over, wait for it: One Hundred And Ffity Thousand Dollars. But he needed to go bigger with the credit card and install special duct work as part of the safety purchase. Maybe he was worried that faculty or staff might start crawling through the ducts to check and see if he was actually in his office working, Maybe he was worried someone might drop in to pee on one of his fancy furniture pieces. The largest bill came in the form of what the college actually labels as security upgrades—a whopping $436,929. How many pit bulls, cannons, alligator-filled moats, and security guards making $20 an hour could be had for that? In fact, if Steward was so fearful, he could have hired his own $15 per-hour armed security guard to just sit in his office all day Monday through Friday for 12 years. And if the guard fanned him to keep him cool or hugged him to keep him warm, that would be an extra financial savings. benefit. Of course having all of this furniture, heaters, alligators and a fanning/hugging guard would seem to some people to be excessive. But to many faculty, staff and students, spending almost $1 million on an office to feel safe, while so many across campus were suffering, might seem excessive too. A Faculty Member Name withheld with request (because I feel unsafe)
OPINION
September 25, 2020
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SUNLIGHT AND SHADOW: Thinking About Stuff at OCCC STEPHEN MORROW Contributer I first begin in deep gratitude that I am a part of the OCCC community. This college and my work here is foundational for who I am. Working with my students, my colleagues, and all of us who make this college special, is a great blessing. Thank you. Now, I have the opportunity to share hard won wisdoms and be in dialogue with your questions and ideas. This will be a thinking about the sunlight and the shadow that makeup our human journey, especially in the world of learning and of producing a rich and intelligent life. We can think together our sunlight and shadow. The metaphor behind the title of this endeavor is Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”. This story in his Republic is the place for any thoughtful journey to begin in education. The idea is that we are all, in our deepest human nature, caved: our conditioning, our liability to falsehoods, the easier path of not learning in life, ego wants and ego influence, all contribute to a tough
STEVE MORROW HED
Stephen Morrow, English Professor
moment before we start to integrate learning into our lives. So what to do? We need others to care. From family to friend to teacher to your own Socratic self, someone has to start the process for you, even if it is your own Socratic self (probably the best to care anyway). I can attest with deep truth that you have this covered at OCCC! You are part of a matrix of caring people, in all of our jobs. Just reach out, and this college will teach out! There is a catch to Plato’s story though: our nature will always work
against us moving from the shadows of the cave to the sunlight of a good life. There is a deep comfort to the cave. I bet that in 10 seconds that you can think of 10 reasons why college is hard. That is the shadow talking. I hope that in the same 10 seconds that you think of why college is good for you (and all those around you). That is the sunlight talking. I am all about the sunlight. Once you really are out of the cave, even knowing that you will be pulled back in when you least expect it, you are safe to know that the sunlight is there. There is a third part Plato’s story, and why OCCC is such a supportive place for you: those of us who know the beauty, goodness, and truth of the sunlight, also know that it is our calling to be in the cave and in the shadow to help others on their way. Everyone to sunlight. If OCCC were a garden, we would all be heliotropic. Thank you for your time. If you would like to explore a thought or idea or question, let me know at smorrow@occc.edu.
El legado que deja Ruth Bader Ginsburg tras fallecer
Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1933-2020 R.I.P R.B.G
CITLALI VAZQUEZ Features Editor El 18 de Septiembre del 2020, fue anunciado que la Juez Judicial de la Corte Supréma de los Estados Unidos, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, fallesio. Juez Judicial Ginsburg fallesio a los 87 años por complicaciones de cancer de páncreas. Ella sirvió en la Cotre Supréma durante 27 años, después de ser nombrada en 1993 por el Presidente Bill Clinton. Despues de ser nombrada, Juez Judicial Ginsburg se convirtío en la segunda mujer en haber servido en la Corte Supéma.
Desde entonces se ha convertido en un icono entre varias mujeres en los Estados Unidos. Ruth Bader Ginsburg era mejor conocida como alguien que luchó contra la discriminación de genero y por la igualdad y los derechos para mujeres. Ella no solo dejó atrás a su amada familia, sino también a toda una generacion de mujeres inspiradas por los trabajos que logró durante su vida. Sus sacrificios en nombre del movimiento por los derechos de las mujeres siempre serán recordados y apreciados.
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September 25, 2020
Smith: many employees also harassed VIDEO Continued from Page 1
targeted and then forced to resign or terminated after they complained. “There’s so much to this story and background,” he said. Smith said he believes he will be fired for speaking up publicly about a culture of fear, harassment and discrimination at OCCC. However, he said he is not fearful for his future as he has a very successful real estate business that allows him to not rely on his salary from OCCC. “They can not hold my employment over my head to keep me quiet. I have been quiet far too long.” Smith said at least 15-20 employees of OCCC have come forward over the last seven days to share their own experiences of intimidation, harassment and discrimination with an an Oklahoma City investigative television reporter. Smith is not alone in publicly protesting what they claim is OCCC’s discrimination culture–and taking on administrators who they say have allowed the toxic culture. Denise Gomez, a 20 year employee of OCCC, sued the college in 2018 saying college President Jerry Steward and Executive Vice President Marlene Landini violated her civil rights when they terminated her for attending a medical appointment for a serious liver disease. The college was forced to settle for an unreported amount last year. Landini no longer works for the college. Lisa Davis, who served as Director of Technology Support Services also sued the college in 2014 for gender and age discrimination as well as a violation of the Family Medical Leave Act. She was fired after years of harassment, according to her complaint against the college. Davis said the college was malicious in its intent to violate her civil rights, according to the complaint.
Campus closure and quick push to online caused panic, student outrage CITLALI VAZQUEZ Features Editor In the recent months, curve ball after curve ball have been thrown at the world, leaving people everywhere with no choice but to adapt to the “New Normal.” In its own way, the same thing is happening on the Oklahoma City Community College campus. Recently, there have been a slew of changes at OCCC--from a change in class format to a change in staff. But perhaps the biggest change is the continuing use of online only classes. . But, how did the college come to be online-only?
First Day of Shutdown
On March 12, college administrators mandated the campus be closed and all classes would shift to be done online for only two weeks after students returned from spring break. That decision quickly changed.
Post Spring Break
The decision to stop all on-campus traffic for the remainder of the semester came on March 25 only three days after returning from spring break, when the city government required that all non-essential businesses close to slow the spread of COVID-19. Administrators sent all students, faculty and staff an email dictating the campus was to be closed that same day and would remain closed until further notice. The email also stated that all classes would shift online. Although the email ensured students that they would be able to continue their classes, it didn’t give much more information other than there was a hotline set up for students to ask questions about the changes to on-campus services.
Panic and Confusion
While students understood why the change was happening, that didn’t mean they were happy with it. One student worker, who wishes to remain anonymous due to concern over retribution, said that the phones that day were going crazy. “From the moment the email went
“We didn’t even know what to say. We found out about [the closure] from a student who called asking about it,” they continued. --Student Worker out, the phones were ringing off the hooks,” the employee said. “Some students were very upset, calling demanding refunds and using some not so nice language.” The employee said the office’s ability to respond to students was hampered because they and their coworkers hadn’t been giving any information prior to the announcement going out to students. “We didn’t even know what to say. We found out about [the closure] from a student who called asking about it,” they continued. However, not everyone had the same reaction to the situation. OCCC nursing student, Isabel Silva said that she didn’t really mind the change. “Some of my classes were already online, so for me, doing all of my classes online wasn’t a big deal. To be honest I kind of prefer online classes anyway,” she said. While some students worried about the school closing and what that would mean for their education, other students who were also OCCC employees worried about their jobs. “Even though the email said that employees would continue to be paid, we weren’t sure if that would include student workers. Some of us even thought we’d be let go by the end of the day,” one student worker, who also wishes to remain anonymous, said.
Present Day
The college has since reopened allowing employees to work and for students to use on-campus resources such as the writing center and the library. Also, some hands-on learning has also returned this term for several courses. It is unclear when the campus will reopen for normally scheduled classes.
September 25, 2020
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Admins seek new culture after Steward retirement PRES. RETIRING Continued from Page 1
as, who has been at OCCC for about two years is responsible for overseeing Academic and Student Affairs, and Communications (Marketing/PR). Gardner is responsible for overseeing operations including IITS, legal/contracting/purchasing, facilities, security, and finances (CFO/Bursar’s Office). Danita Rose, who has been at OCCC for just over a year, is responsible for overseeing Human Resources, Foundation, and Enterprise Services (cafeteria, coffee shop, bookstore, etc.) Rose said she wants to thank Steward for stepping back and helping OCCC to make this a year of transition and change. She understands that anytime there is change in leadership, there is bound to be mixed emotions. “Chapters end and new chapters begin, and we’re in one of those times right now,” she said “Our campus needs repairs; our culture
Outgoing President Jerry Steward speaks to faculty and staff in 2019 / Pioneer File Photo
needs to change, our technology needs to update, and our brand has to move forward,” Rose said. She is excited about the potential for positive impact on employees and students. “We are going to make OCCC the best
place to work in higher education, and we’re going to make the students experience something they are going to miss when they move on,” Rose said. She said she knows that is a big promise, but it is one that she feels confident that OCCC can fulfill.
Students struggle, college supports during COVID learning BROOKLYN LEARNED Community Editor When COVID-19 forced Oklahoma City Community College to close its campus temporarily and to move all classes online, students, faculty and staff had been concerned for student success. But OCCC has worked hard to ensure student retention and has gotten through the COVID struggles so far. When all courses were forced online, faculty said they realized there were reasons to be concerned. “While the college has excellent online content, students may misperceive about the time and effort online classes take,” English Professor Jennifer Jenson said, “My main concern from the beginning of this transition has been my students’ well-being and their ability to continue succeeding at their academic goals despite the severe disruptions and stressors that we are all facing,” she said. Students struggle Students said they experienced difficulties and were uncertain if they could finish the courses. Some students dropped classes during the pandemic due to issues with
the classes having to be online, Morgan Cusack, psychology, said. “When I found out classes were going online, I panicked, and I got in touch with my adviser and let her know that I was not going to be completing the courses,” she said. Cusack was not alone in how COVID-19 affected her learning. Olivia Jones, community and public health, said she also faced hardships. “I was struggling with classes and had to drop a class just because I knew it would be a huge challenge for me doing it by myself without the face-to-face interaction,” Jones said. Students able to not fail Staff also said they understood the students were struggling but were hopeful. “It had been stressful, but it seemed crucially important to remember that we are not alone and that we can lean on each other for support and guidance,” Student Success Adviser Shara Hendricks said. “COVID-19 has a mantra, ‘We will get through this together,’ and it rings true for OCCC,” Hendricks said. “We can help each other to make life a
little easier,” Hendricks said. As a way to help alleviate the stress on struggling students, OCCC waived online fees during the summer 2020 semester. “The livelihood and well being of our students remains our highest priority,” OCCC President Jerry Steward said. Also, in an effort to help encourage students to complete their classes, OCCC gave a pass or no-pass grade option at the end of the spring 2020 semester. With this option, students who failed their classes or received a grade they didn’t like could earn a no-pass grade that wouldn’t affect their GPAs. Jenson said although too many Americans have experienced devastating consequences attributed to the pandemic, students who are able to continue their studies still have opportunities to learn and excel. “We can discover opportunities for positive growth, which inevitably come after periods of change,” she said. Jenson said OCCC has seen a positive in that enrollment numbers are higher for fall 2020 then expected. She said she heard that OCCC kept students .enrolled and successful.
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Professor explains why he shared struggles with world BROOKLYN LEARNED Community Editor
Markus Smith, professor of political science at Oklahoma City Community College, posted a video on social media Sept. 17 that has received dozens of comments in support from current and former students, their parents and the community. The video is about his struggles with this culture of working at OCCC. In it he discusses how problems within the OCCC work environment have a negative impact on employees and have for many years. A message requesting comment about the video from OCCC President Jerry Steward was not returned by press time. Smith said, Sept. 18, that he released the video “My Journey and Struggles at Oklahoma City Community College Interview Coming Soon” to create awareness and to be a voice for others who are too terrified to come forward about the negative culture at OCCC. “This is a bigger problem than some people may realize,” Smith said. “I have to share so others can share,” Smith said. Smith said he had waited many years to come forward with his story. “I held off for fear of what I believe to be a culture and climate of retaliation, harassment, and discrimination,” Smith said. He said he didn’t speak out for so long because he feared doing so would make his time at the college worse for him. “This is sad for me because I got my associate’s degree at the community college and it was my goal to come back and give back. It is extremely sad to me that this is the way that it is,” Smith said. Smith said he is aware that he is in a unique position to share his story of harassment and discrimination. “There are other employees who can’t come forward because they can’t afford to lose their livelihood, and I am going to do everything I can to utilize my resources to be able to fight to bring about change for OCCC employees,” he said. “This is not just one disgruntled employee. Look at the comments to the video,” Smith said. The video has been viewed over 2,300 times, and has over 150 comments so far. Students, parents and community members are expressing their support for Smith on his Facebook site, where he also posted the video. Former student Ginger McDowell said she understands what Smith and employees face. “Sending you all of the support in the world! I’ve been in this position before with
Professor Markus Smith
my old agency and that is what brought me to ‘restart’ my career and am halfway through nursing school (loved your class by the way!),” she said. “I’m sorry you’re having to deal with all of this but it takes a lot of courage to do what you are doing! We’ve all got your back!!” Julie Tran-Henderson called him courageous. “You are the professor that stands out to me the most. I had the pleasure of taking your class my second semester in and there was so much for me to learn about school and life.” “I’m going to continue to pray for your peace. I am extremely disheartened by the
Pioneer
information that OCCC would treat you with anything other than absolute respect,” Tran-Henderson said. Former student Cassidy Jade Climer also showed support. “You taught all of us how to manage our entire college career as well as our future endeavors after college. You prepared me for what to expect at OU. I’m totally on your side with this. You’re a true asset to their teaching staff.” Parents of students who had Smith as a professor also chimed in. Nancy McConnell said, “You don’t know me, but you were one of my daughter’s favorite instructors. You could say that you changed her life and taught her how to think critically. “We know racism happens on a daily basis and that academia is full of hypocrisy. We support you in every endeavor and compliment you on having the courage to fight these multiple injustices. Wishing you the best,” McConnell said. Community members also showed support. “Thank you for speaking up! Discrimination is real and we need more people like you to be brave and speak out. We will not be silent anymore! #EnoughIsEnough,” Tiffini Threatt-Williams said. Anthony Brown Sr. said,“Man bro I’m SO proud of you for this. Walking close by your side all of these years i can definitely attest to the toll that all of this has taken on you! As always you have my 100% support!”
Volume 49, No. 10
The PIONEER is the independent student publication of Oklahoma City Community College through the Division of Arts, English and Humanities. It is published biweekly during each academic term. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the PIONEER, the college or the publisher. The PIONEER welcomes letters to the editor and encourages the use of this publication as a community forum. All letters must include the author’s name, address, phone number and signature. Email letters should include all but the signature. The PIONEER will withhold the author’s name if the request is made in writing. The PIONEER reserves the right to edit all letters and submissions for length, libel and obscenity. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Students must list a major. OCCC staff and faculty must list a work title. Letters to the editor can be submitted to the PIONEER office, located in room 1F2 on the first floor of the Art and Humanities Building, mailed to 7777 S. May Ave., Oklahoma City, Okla. 73159, or submitted via e-mail to editor@occc.edu with a phone number for verification included. The PIONEER ONLINE also can be accessed at http://pioneer.occc.edu.
7777 S May OKC, OK 73159 Pioneer Online: pioneer.occc.edu
Hayleigh Carrillo .......................Pathways Editor Brooklyn Learned.......................Community Editor Zoe Petersen...............................Onliner Editor Joey Ross......................................Sports Editor Citlali Vazquez.............................Features Editor Markus A. Zindelo......................Faculty Adviser
Phone: 405-682-1611, ext. 7244
Youtube: pioneer.occc.edu
Email:
editor@occc.edu
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SPORTS
S
September 25, 2020
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Sooners tame the Bears in season opener
JOEY ROSS Sports Editor The Oklahoma Sooners started the 2020 football season in an unusual way with only 25% of fans in attendance as they took on the Missouri State Bears on the 12th of September. Sooners came out roaring by scoring 31 points in the first quarter. Redshirt Freshman Quarterback Spencer Rattler got his first career start and did not disappoint as he completed 82% of his passes while throwing for 290 yards and four touchdowns in a span of one half. With starting running back TJ Pledger out (COVID-19), it gave more opportunities to the other young running backs in Seth McGowan and Marcus Major to have more carries during the course of the game. McGowan ran the ball nine times for 61 yards while scoring a touchdown from one yard out. Major had 11 carries for 31 yards. With former receiver Ceedee Lamb heading to the NFL, Head Coach Lincoln Riley is looking for others to step in and fill that role. Many think it’s Junior Charlston Rambo who had himself a game with four catches with 80 yards while snatching in two touchdowns.
Freshman receiver Marvin Mims quickly made his presence felt while averaging 26.7 yards per catch at the same time catching three passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. After receiving criticism over the last few years, the Oklahoma defense pitched the shutout for the first time since they played Kansas state in 2015. They held the Bears to only 135 total yards in the game. Oklahoma Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch cannot stress enough about the need for the defense to produce turnovers this season since the defense last season was 104th in interceptions and 92nd in fumbles according to OU Daily Senior Sports Writer Chandler Engelbrecht. Luckily, Junior safety Delarrin Turner-Yell hauled in the team’s first turnover.
With Kenneth Murray Jr. and Neville Gallimore both being selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Alex Grinch says “defensive line has got to step up as well as everybody else on defense”, according to John. E. Hoover. The defense also finished the game with four sacks. In 2019, the defense finished the season 24th in sacks. The hopeful replacement for the all-american linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. is sophomore linebacker Brian Asamoah who had seven total tackles, which included one solo tackle, one tackle for loss and one pass defended. “Great win for the defense, holding them to zero points”, OCCC sophomore Conner Chambers said. The Sooners finished the game with a 48-0 victory over the Bears.
Oklahoma Sooners 2020 Football Schedule
Oklahoma State Cowboys 2020 Football schedule
Texas Longhorns 2020 Football Schedule
Vs Kansas State At Iowa State Vs Texas At TCU At Texas Tech Vs Kansas Vs OSU At West Virginia Vs Baylor
Vs Kansas Vs Baylor Vs. Iowa State Vs. Texas Vs. Kansas State Vs. Oklahoma Vs. Texas Tech Vs. TCU
9/26 10/3 10/10 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/21 11/28 12/5
10/3 10/17 Oct/24 Oct. 31 11/7 11/21 11/28 12/5
Vs Texas Tech Vs. Texas Christian Vs. Oklahoma Vs. Baylor Univ. Vs. OSU Vs. West Virginia Vs. Kansas Vs. Iowa State Vs. Kansas State
9/26 10/3 10/10 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/21 11/27 12/5
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September 25, 2020
Admin explains decision to go virtual in fall RAEVAN HANAN Student Writer
COVID-19 has caused Oklahoma City Community College to change how it operates, Dr. Jeremy Thomas, provost/ vice president for Student Affairs said in a video to the entire OCCC cummunity last month. Now almost all courses are completely online. Many resources are now offered online, and all students have to overcome obstacles, Thomas said. Due to COVID-19, the OCCC administration made the decision to move almost all courses online for safety, Thomas said. Before COVID-19, OCCC already had experience with online classes as a third of their courses were already online, he said. What’s new since COVID-19 is that learning labs’ services and other resources are offered both on-campus and online, Thomas said. This opens doors for students to use these resources without stepping foot on campus, something OCCC had not offered before, Thomas said. Despite some improvements, this change has not been easy for all, he said. Students, staff, faculty, and the administration all have faced difficulty during this change, Thomas said.
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“Some have internet connectivity issues, some students have lost their jobs, others have struggled to connect remotely, and some are learning new technologies. “Overall, conversations revolve around considerations and questions related to balancing work, family, and school needs for students, faculty, and staff,” Thomas said. Chemistry and automotive labs may see a face-to-face component, he said. Further, the campus is still open, so if students want to utilize OCCC’s Wi-Fi
and grab a coffee, they can, he said. In addition, students still have access to learning labs in-person and online, Thomas said. Regardless of the move online, many resources and classes are still available. “Use your resources and reach out to your faculty. We are offering multiple ways to help you, and we hope that you take advantage of the opportunities,“ Thomas said.
Struggling students encouraged to visit Virtual Learning Center, advisers BROOKLYN LEARNED Community Editor There may be some students who struggle with their classes and are thinking about giving up. But the Virtual Learning Center is able to help with some of their needs, Glenne Whisenhunt, director of the Center for Learning and Teaching said. On the OCCC website under The Virtual Learning Center at www.occc. edu/vlc, there are many resources for students to read and practice with in order to help them if they are struggling with their classes, Whisenhunt said. On the website is a self-assessment tool where students can complete a quiz to get a feel for where their strengths and weaknesses are. This helps students identify which of the many tools found on the web-
site might be most useful to them, Whisenhunt said. Oklahoma City Community College’s Virtual Learning Center is designed to, “help students learn how to be better learners,” Susie Stear, Course Design Consultant said during her time working for OCCC. “With help from the VLC, students can put away ineffective learning techniques and begin using effective ones,” she said Whisenhunt encourages students to visit with their Student success advisor for one-on-one help when they are struggling with classes. The office of the VLC is located at SEM Center 2G3, which is on the second floor of the main building, across from the Math and Science lab. Students can contact the VLC at 405.682.7838 or at VLC@occc.edu
September 25, 2020
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Pathways Midddle College Report Pioneer devotes news space to Pathways Middle College reporting HAYLEIGH CARRILLO Pathways Report Editor Students of Pathways Middle College, this is a section of The Pioneer dedicated to you! The goal of this section is to actively include the entirety of Pathways into this newspaper, which is maintained and paid for by the students of Oklahoma City Community College, which many of you are. OCCC and Pathways Middle College have had an agreement for many years that allows high school students of Pathways to enter concurrent enrollment at OCCC. Pathways and OCCC are intertwined in many ways because of this arrangement. This section of the newspaper is yet another way the two are connected. Pathways students--in this section many things will be included to inform and entertain you. Hopefully, because of this you will be aware of what is happening around you, even if you were not directly told or emailed. There will be coverage of the upcoming Student Council Elections, tips for the freshmen class, words from concurrent students about how to continue throughout Pathways’ dual enrollment program, and many other things. Seniors, there will be a lot of information about what is going on with the class of 2021. Graduation is in a few months, yet nothing is set in stone. This section will keep up with the latest decisions made. If you feel that there is anything that should be included into this section feel free to share. Teachers, this goes for you as well! If you think that there is anything important enough to be shared please do tell. Share a tip? Email: hayleigh.b.carrillo@my.occc.edu
Just Walk Away For likely the first time in college history, the students of Pathways Sante Fe South Middle College outnumbered OCCC students on campus by a factor of 100 during the middle of a school day. And it showed Sept. 18, as the Pathways students participated in a Move-to-Safer Areas drill which sent them from their high school classrooms to the bowles of the campus’ first floor. The drill ran for 15 minutes, and students, donning masks, moved through the Main and Science, Engineering and Math buildings to fulfill their high school district safety requirement. The high school is on the third floor of OCCC’s main building and many of the students graduate with an associate’s degree from OCCC as well as their high school diplomas.
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While most students off campus, some come to learn PIONEER STAFF REPORTS After preparing all summer to open the college to on-campus learning--and just a few weeks before classes were set to start--OCCC college administrators decided that all college courses would be online for both of fall 8-week terms. This is the first term in college history that classes are online only. OCCC was the only college in the Oklahoma City metro area to start the semester completely online, according to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website. The decision didn’t come easy, OCCC President Jerry Steward said in an email to all OCCC faculty and staff, Aug. 27. “We had originally hoped to offer in-person, online and hybrid classes, however the cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in our community and around the country. It is simply not a good idea to require our students to be on our campus right now,” he said. “We must ensure our students can take classes, and that each of you can safely teach, advise and support them,” Steward said. However, a few professors were allowed to offer on-campus instruction for their courses. These courses are only ones which have hands-on components, Steward said. And, only the hands-on work is allowed to take place on campus, with lecture material still being only offered online. A few dozen courses were allowed to have students come to campus and learn. Students in art courses are socially dis-
tanced and drawing and paint in their classrooms and outside. Jeremy Fineman, professor of Art and program chairs, aid the ability for students to be able to come to campus and learn with their professor may garner better results than online only instruction. “I don’t believe these courses would have been as successful in an online environment because students could proceed with bad habits for the entire day before electronically submitting their work in-progress,” Fineman said. “In the classroom, an instructor can stop a bad habit before it becomes second nature and guide them to correct posture, movement, stance or method of observation. “With this input, they can build upon good practices to become better equipped, self guided artists who have confidence with works completed independently,” Fineman said. Fineman said not all art courses are on-campus. The painting course was moved completely online and some students dropped the course because they wanted to learn in a studio, he said. Nursing and other medical professions students are on campus and developing their skills using patient simulators and medical equipment. Robin McMurry, professor of Nursing, said the on-campus learning could mean the difference between life and death. as the healthcareproviders-in-training prepare to work on the frontline of the pandemic. “As COVID-19 continues to impact our City and Nation, Oklahoma City Community
An anatomy students studies hand bones in an on-capus lab. He’s one of the few students, comparatively, who are learning at the campus this fall term.
A nursing student puts on gloves while he prepares to work on a simulated patient on campus
College and the Health Professions Department are committed to providing our students with the support and hands-on training they so desperately need,” she said “While some learning continues online, the critical hands on didactic portion of our courses have resumed in the campus labs where restructuring has provided for safety.” Because the hospitals are in desperate need of nurses, they too see the value of having students present in their facilities and have partnered with the health professions programs to provide these learning opportunities, McMurry said. Bradley Walker, professor of Automotive Technology and program chair, said having students working on campus in the automotive lab is vital to the students’ success. In the labs and auto bay area, which is near Entry the southeast corner of campus, students are building engines and manual transmissions, diagnosing electrical/electronic issues, performing proper multi-point safety inspections, and performing suspension alignments just to name a few, activities he said. “The labs are valuable because of the certifications that come with them but also because diagnosing and fixing today’s complicated vehicles is a hands-on job,” he said. “You can watch a video about building an engine or diagnosing a vehicle’s network communications system, but until you actually perform these tasks it will still just be theory.” Without the ability to complete the hands-on components, the students would not be able to
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September 25, 2020
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OCCC launches first-ever virtual concert series Oklahoma City Community College has announced its Virtual Concert Series for the Visual and Performing Arts Center. The new season features recognizable touring musicians with Oklahoma roots who will stage hourlong intimate performances to a limited number of in-person patrons, followed by a discussion/Q&A period with the artists. Patrons can purchase one of the limited in-person tickets or can choose to purchase tickets to stream the events live from home. Tickets can be bought at https://
mylive-now.com/occc/ “COVID-19 has forced all concert venues to search for new ways to engage with our patrons,” said Lemuel Bardeguez, Director of Cultural Program for OCCC. “OKC has built a reputation for exceptional visual and performing arts, and this new Virtual Concert Series helps OCCC and our community stay connected with the arts, even while we have to be apart.” To create an intimate concert environment for those who are comfortable, OCCC will sell in-person tickets for up to
20 purchasers, allowing patrons to safely distance and have a unique experience. There will be no limit to streaming ticket sales, and a raffle will offer streaming patrons a chance to win in-person tickets. The VCS kicks off September 29 with renowned fiddler and Oklahoma City University graduate Kyle Dillingham. Other shows, yet to be announced, will take place on October 13, October 27, November 10, November 24 and December 8.
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Employees claim college doesn’t protect from bad bosses ZOE PETERSEN Online Editor Following current OCCC Political Sciences Professor Markus Smith’s recently released YouTube video titled “My Journey and Struggles at Oklahoma City Community College,” several current and former OCCC faculty members have come forward with their own claims of mistreatment in the workplace. The employees said they’ve also encountered a hostile work environment at OCCC and that the current grievance policy in place, which is meant to protect their rights as employees, does more harm than good. They claim the policy falls short in action and has led to retaliation and even being blocked from filing a complaint against their supervisors. Erick Worell, Interim Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations stated his confidence in the competence of the college’s Human Resources office in investigating allegations of mistreatment in the workplace. “...It’s HR’s job to investigate, interview and otherwise collect information to make determinations about any wrongdoing in our workplace, and we believe they do their jobs exceptionally well. We can’t comment on any specific claims, policies or personnel issues…,” he said Angela Cotner, professor of English, and a current 17-year employee of OCCC, and former Faculty Association Chair, said she was retaliated against after she had to file a complaint about her own supervisor. She said she had difficulty with the grievance policy after she filed the documentation about targeting from her boss. “After my own experience several years ago with filing a grievance against a supervisor and
Angela Cotner, English professor then being further retaliated against, in the form of a negative performance evaluation, I concluded that OCCC policies and Human Resources would not protect me,” she said. Cotner said many other faculty have had to remain silent and not file complaints against their supervisor in fear of the same difficulties. “I have seen too many of my colleagues resign instead of fight for their jobs against an offending supervisor because they did not have the money for a lawsuit or did not have the emotional energy to fight the school,” she said. One of those faculty members who quit after he said he experienced consistent harassment from his supervisor is Brent Noel, a former OCCC professor of theater and department chair. “I had to go on anti-anxiety medication for the first time in my life. I wasn’t able to do what I was hired to do” he said. Noel also claims his supervisor limited the way he could teach his students because of his
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meet their corporate program requirements for General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and Subaru and be certified, Walker said. “These hands-on certifications make the student a very valuable member of the workforce.” While many faculty said they are appreciative to be able to offer the hands-on components of the courses on campus, some were unhappy with the timing. The college announced that all courses would be online for the fall just weeks before the start of the school year, and much later than other colleges and universities who had announced their plans months before OCCC did. When students in hands-on courses were told they’d be learning online only, they chose
to not enroll or transferred to other schools, faculty in the Science Engineering and Math division said. However, just days before the start of the academic year, the college reversed direction and announced they would offer some handson instruction in some courses. But, it was too late to get the students back, faculty in Arts, English and Humanities division said. To ensure safety was considered in every aspect of the on-campus learning, administrators sent an email to faculty Sept. 11 to remind professors to require that masks be worn in classrooms and in group environments. Also, everyone in the classroom must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, the email said.
Brent Noel, former Theater professor supervisor’s own personal bias. Noel taught a style of theater called “Theater of the Oppressed,” which was very popular on campus. In the Theatre of the Oppressed, the audience becomes active and involved in the plays so they can explore how to transform a discriminatory or negative culture into one good for all of society’s members. He said his supervisor purposefully limited his students’ ability to learn. “Some people’s ideas of education and rigor were undermined under this dean’s need for control” Noel said. “Academic freedom kind of took a nosedive.” Noel said that he retired almost a decade earlier than he originally planned after realizing he could not look to HR for help and support on these matters. “They [HR] told me that I just wasn’t adjusting to his management style, and I thought well, I’ve worked with a lot of managers but never had anybody actually prohibit me from doing my job.” Noel said he was unable to file a complaint through the grievance policy about his alleged mistreatment from his supervisor without the approval of the supervisor he was in conflict with. Another former faculty member who asked to not be named because of concerns the college would interfere with future job prospects claims that their short employment with OCCC was just as riddled with harassment as their colleagues. “I was so anxious about it that I was physically ill.” The former professor was also unable to file a grievance and get the documentation needed against the superior they were experiencing harassment from because they were in their first year at OCCC. OCCC Employee policy states that probationary employees do not have access to the grievance process within that time, the employee said. “I was shocked, honestly. You wouldn’t think that [filing a complaint about your boss] would be a privilege” the former employee said.