Vol. 91 Issue 1, Sept. 10 2020

Coronavirus Coverage Pages 4-5

Amarillo College's News Source Since 1930 acranger.com

Volume 91, Issue 1

September 10, 2020

Number of students on campus lower with semester underway

By PIERCE LAWSON Page Editor

SHAWN McCREA | The Ranger

App creates peace of mind

By BRIDGET ULLOA Page Editor

In response to the pandemic, Amarillo College has released an application called the Health Hub app for students and staff to monitor their health and keep up-todate with the latest information on health and safety.

“Our interest in the app, as a college, is to give our students and employees one more opportunity to do a daily self-assessment, if they choose to, to raise selfawareness on the conditions through which COVID is

most easily spread,” Sadie Newsome, the AC media director, said.

Newsome said that Duet Health (a health care technology developer) offered the app to AC as a free pilot program. The Health Hub app not only contains a daily health assessment, but also provides college policies, guidelines and information directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We hope to be able to use the data acquired to measure broad trends across our campuses and to keep an open line of communication

between the college and our students and employees,” Newsome said.

Newsome said the college recommends that both students and staff use the app; however, it is not required and college officials are not monitoring the results.

Carmen Nava, a criminal justice major, said she hasn’t used the app yet. “I feel like it will jump to conclusions because if you have a headache then they’re going to be like, ‘Oh, you have a symptom,’ but just because you have a headache doesn’t mean you have a symptom,” Nava said.

On the other hand, Alexia Banda, a criminal justice major, said she uses the app regularly. “I personally think that it’s a great thing especially so that the teachers are more aware and the students are given more notice for it,” she said.

The Health Hub app is available on both Apple and Google app stores. The daily health assessment has six or more questions depending on the answers. Based on the way the questions are answered, the health screening will advise the user as to whether it is safe to come to campus.

AC named finalist for national award

By BETHANY FOX Staff Reporter Amarillo College has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 community colleges. The college is a finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

A team from the Aspen Institute will be conducting a virtual review from Sept. 9-11.

Aspen picked 10 finalists from the nation’s 1,000 community colleges using selection criteria based on achievement in four areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, workforce success, and equitable outcomes for students of color and low-income students. AC officials say the recognition is a result of hard work by students, faculty and staff.

“It takes everyone on this campus to accomplish what we’ve done,” Cara Crowley, the vice president of strategic initiatives, said. “No one person or entity is more important than another.”

The Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program is awarded once every two

years. Aspen aims to advance higher education practices and leadership that significantly improves student learning, completion and employment after college. Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, the AC

president, called this award the highest honor in higher education. “We are receiving this recognition for several reasons: 1) our faculty and staff care so deeply, 2) the college has a culture of innovation and

courageous risk taking; and, 3) our students work so hard and take advantage of the support systems we’ve built for them like tutoring, emergency aid and accelerated courses,” Lowery-Hart said. “Our community deserved to have one of the best colleges in the country. Aspen reviewers had originally been scheduled to visit campus Sept. 9-11 to do in-depth interviews, but, due to COVID-19, instead conducted interviews via Zoom.

“Aspen has requested to meet selected types of individuals, and each session will have approximately five individuals,” Crowley said.

Ashley Guinn, a social services coordinator, was one of those selected to be interviewed. “By allowing Aspen the opportunity to see our Culture of Caring in action, I am confident we have a chance of being No. 1,” she said. The winner of the prize will receive a cash award of $1,000,000. “The faculty, staff and students will decide how AC uses the cash prize for student success.” Crowley said.

Aspen announces the winner in May 2021.

Amarillo College students began the fall semester Aug. 24, finding fewer cars in the parking lots and fewer students on campus – all due to COVID-19.

The change stems from the adoption of more hybrid, tech-supported and online classes, which has given students the opportunity to study virtually if they feel at risk of getting sick or spreading illness to others.

Another reason for the lower number of students on campus, enrollment has dropped an estimated 10 percent, AC officials said.

Bob Austin, the vice president for enrollment management, said AC began planning for these changes during the summer, anticipating that fewer students might choose to attend classes during the pandemic. Because the demand for online-based learning was greater, classes at risk of being canceled were adapted to accommodate students who prefered studying at home. More tech supported classes were added, and even more will be added in fall semester’s second eightweek session.

Although the official numbers will not be available until the twelfth day of class, AC officials said they planned for a drop in enrollment. The college budgeted for the 10 percent drop back in the spring semester.

Austin said that the budget was adjusted to accommodate a decrease in funds coming in for the 2021 year.

According to Austin, the budget will have no impact on student organizations and clubs; however, with the need to keep groups as small as possible, some intramural sports, student programs and events may be adapted to accommodate new socialdistancing protocols, Amber Hamilton, the director of student life, said.

To minimize the spread of COVID-19, many events have been postponed or moved online, she said, adding that a variety of new activities will be offered to keep students engaged

September 10, 2020

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE HEALTH HUB APP?

MARIAH HOLLIMAN Photography

“It’s good for people to do it just because anyone who’s not feeling well can stay home instead of getting everyone else sick.”

JADEN BURUSUKUL Criminal Justice

“I have to have a job outside of here, and you know I have to constantly check myself over there too and so I might as well check myself here too.”

DYLAN HARPER General Studies

“I didn’t know anything about it. I’ve never used it... I’ve been to class a couple of times now.

They should enforce it a little more so that everyone knows about it.”

Hospitals deliver issues for mothers during virus OPINION

By EMMA deGROOD Columnist

Many expectant mothers have an image in their mind of what their perfect birth looks like. Things they take into consideration include where they will give birth, if they will be medicated, and perhaps most importantly who will be in the room with them.

Having the right people with you can make a world of difference as to how your labor will play out. Due to COVID-19, many moms are having to give up most of their in-room support team.

Hospital restrictions do not affect the majority of us, but for expectant moms ,it changes everything. The two hospitals here in town have restricted their labor and delivery rooms to only one visitor.

Each person is selected

Editor-in-Chief Stormie Sanchez

Design Manager Shawn McCrea

Page Editors

Joey Pantoja, Bridget Ulloa, Christina Dawson, Caylee Hanna, Jessika Fulton

Online Editor Sarinity Frazier

to be in that room for a specific reason, and the hospitals aren’t letting them have the proper support they deserve.

If there was an opportunity for you to have everyone you wanted at your birth, wouldn’t you take it?

Good news! There is such an option: home birth.

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a rather large increase in births happening at home or in birth centers. I believe, this is happening for two main reasons: safety and company. While at home or the birthing center, you don’t have to worry about getting COVID-19 from a member of the hospital staff or another patient. You get to pick who is there and who isn’t. Something needs to be done about these restrictions in the labor and delivery rooms. These mothers need their support.

Staff Reporters Ruth Martinez

Columnists

Emma deGrood, Ruth Martinez

Graphic Designers

Sydney West, Daniar Oñoz

Photographers

Emma deGrood, Jessika Fulton, Shawn McCrea, Bridget Ulloa

Illustration by DANIAR ONOZ | The Ranger

AC versus COVID EDITORIAL

With a new semester of classes starting amidst a pandemic, the entire Amarillo College community has been tasked with instituting new safety guidelines and adhering to them, yet frankly, we’re just not following through.

The college, as an organization, has taken on the responsibility of providing a safe, successful space to learn this fall, but in several areas, we seem to be missing the mark.

A major problem is that students aren’t being informed about the COVID-19 cases on campus. There doesn’t appear to be any communication platform publicly available that communicates to students the prevalence of infection. AC students expected to be informed, like the general public, about public health concerns affecting them. How many students and staff have COVID-19? How many people are quarantined? We, as students, certainly need to know that information, and yet it isn’t available.

Most importantly perhaps when it comes to problematic changes this semester, is the expectation that many students must adhere to an alternating in-class schedule, where students who have specifically signed up for faceto-face learning now have to defer half of their time to online attendance to minimize the number of students occupying any room at once.

Although this may be necessary to ensure social distancing rules, many students signed up to attend in-person classes due to their learning styles.

When paying full tuition, students don’t expect to have to give up half of their in-class time. When you run through the fast food drive-thru for a meal, you don’t expect half of your burger to come hot and ready while the other half comes frozen ready to microwave at home without feeling like you’re not getting what you expected or paid for.

Students aren’t exactly off the hook though when it comes to holding up their end of the safety bargain on

campus. Remembering to respect social distancing rules and wearing masks properly falls squarely on the shoulders (or, should we say, the faces) of the students.

You don’t wear a gas mask with your nose out and expect the Sarin gas not to get you, so the same must hold true for any other contaminant, including COVID-19.

Many students, however, have been seen not following effective mask protocols, and when it comes to social distancing the same holds true.

Ultimately, there are too many safety precautions and protocols that do not seem to be followed effectively, although they almost certainly are necessary. When guidelines aren’t being taken seriously, it comes at the expense of student learning.

Classes are hard as it is and while adding COVID-19 protocols to the mix adds to the challenge, not adhering to expectations only makes the school experience harder. It makes us all feel like we’re not getting what we need to be successful. Let's do better.

Can we go home yet?

The semester that never was OPINION

By STORMIE SANCHEZ Editor-in-Chief

Like many students who suffered through the sudden shift to remote learning over the spring and summer semesters, I thought I wanted to come back to campus, but now that I’m here I just want to go home.

All of the things that make taking classes on campus unique and worthwhile have been stripped away, leaving a bare-bones college experience. What’s left is a day to day, just similar enough to previous semesters to make me long for what was, like a ghost lingering to torture those it left behind.

I’m going to talk about the biggest elephant in the room: social events. I’m not the type of person who will walk up to strangers and initiate conversation, but I always looked forward to the social activities put on by various organizations throughout the

year, especially if food was involved. Gone are the days of standing in line for Sharkey’s at Fallfest. You really don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.

In-person class has become a chore. Between the incomprehensible rotating schedules, the rules people only half-follow and the almost constant string of technical issues that seem to take up a large chunk of the very precious face time we ARE allowed, I am fed up.

The cute jokes about being able to find parking are losing their luster, and I’d rather save the gas money if I can be perfectly honest.

Then there are the little things. Why do I feel like a pariah every time I need to cough? Even if no one shoots me a death glare, I’m filled with dread every time I feel a creeping cough or sneeze.

Desperately I reach for water … but wait … there is no water! We can’t use water

fountains and I’m terrified to touch the vending machine because who knows the last time THAT was disinfected.

Health apps everywhere are rejoicing at the sudden rise in stair usage. Nothing makes me cringe more than the idea of riding in an elevator these days. I stepped in one out of habit, looked at the buttons and quickly chose the staircase instead. This idea, however, is not original and stair traffic is on the rise, making me feel helpless in my fight against germs.

I’m not naive. I know that the college is doing everything it can to keep us safe AND make us happy. I know that going back to normal right now isn’t possible, and very well might not ever be possible again. I’m yearning for days past. Mourning the death of the college experience I had fallen in love with.

And like all heartbreak, this wound is going to take some time to heal.

September 10, 2020

Freshmen adjust to new challenges

By JACOB MENDOZA Staff Reporter

Trying to balance school, work and extracurricular activities can be challenging to any student, but it is often students just beginning college who have the biggest challenge, learning how to adapt to this new way of life.

Fabian Baeza, is a freshman psychology major at Amarillo College. “Having to readjust, do homework and not enjoying my free time would have to be one of the hardest things that frustrates me,” he said.

Although it’s a bit of a struggle, Baeza said he believes it gets easier day-byday. Time man-agement is a discipline that freshmen must develop, he said.

College is the perfect place to practice this much-needed skill of time management, according to Pam Flores, a first-generation college graduate and an adviser at AC, Flores said she remembers when she was in college.

“Deciding to work full time

JACOB MENDOZA | The Ranger

Fabian Baeza, a psychology major, is readjusting to student life again after taking a break between high school and his first year of college.

or part-time, managing a social life, work-life and family is what I found to be difficult but manageable,” she said, adding that having a planner

and staying organized “saved her life as a freshman.”

Beginning college is tough, but starting during a pandemic is a whole new

ballgame. Regardless, students, faculty and staff say that they’re doing their best to persevere.

Amy Pifer, first year expe-

rience coordinator, said everyone is “adjusting well.”

Pifer said students should take advantage of the many tools available to help them.

“There are a plethora of resources around AC,” said Pifer, who spends much of her day assisting students with Blackboard and other online technology.

Pifer also said students should get involved with campus clubs and organizations. “Connecting them to Student Life is one of the first things I would do.”

According to Student Life Coordinator, Jenna Welch, getting participating in activities is important.

“Our mission is to help students get involved, make connections and grow as an individual.”

Though freshman face frustrating tasks, it is comforting to know that there are people, tools and organizations that are willing to help them throughout their journey.

All students need to do is make every minute count and take a deep breath.

Overseas travel postponed thanks to Coronavirus

By ALISSA SPANGLER Staff Reporter

Bags packed, passports in hand, just when Amarillo College’s Presidential Scholars students were about to depart for a school-sponsored excursion to Poland, a global pandemic hit.

Just like many other things that have been canceled because of COVID, all of the college’s overseas travel plans were put on hold. ¨When the trip was originally canceled, I was devastated,” Hope Demery, a social work major, said.

“We all were. Most of us had already started packing or we were packed by the time that we got the final answer.¨ The Scholars recently found out that they will now be going to Costa Rica in place of the canceled trip to Poland.

Demery said she is excited because this type of travel was an experience she didn’t think they would be able to have.

Other members of the program said they are relieved as well. ¨From the beginning, our director made sure we knew we were getting a trip for sure,” Brady Cunningham, a cybersecurity and networking major, said. ¨She was adamant about us traveling with her.¨ Cunningham also mentioned that the stu-

dents got their deposit on the Poland trip back immediately after the travel plans were officially canceled. ¨We were very well-informed the whole time everything was happening,” Cunningham said.

Another overseas venture that was postponed was an upcoming trip to Norway.

That trip was supposed to take place over spring break 2021. ¨We were going to get to see the Northern Lights in March when they are the most present, and we were going to see it under the night sky in the cold,” said Aaron Faver, a social sciences professor and sponsor of the trip said.

Faver said he hopes that they can just take all of their plans and then make the trip happen spring break 2022.

As exciting as these trips were going to be, it was necessary for them to be canceled or postponed. ¨At first some of us were pretty worked up about it being canceled because it wasn’t really that big of a deal yet, but a few days after that they had pretty much closed everything in Poland,¨ Demery said.

Faver said the students’ safety has been and will always be their No. 1 priority and, with all of the unknown going on during the pandemic, these changes were necessary.

ZACH QUIROS | The Ranger

The cafe lounge area in the College Union building will now be home to a grab-and-go convenience store, replacing Palace Coffee.

Transformation planned for former Palace Coffee

By MACKI EDWARDS Staff Reporter

What used to be the Palace Coffee Shop in the College Union Building at Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus will soon become a grab-and-go convenience store for students and staff.

AC officials say the new store, which is planned to open in October, will be quicker and more affordable than Palace.

“We understand that students are coming on campus and waiting five minutes for a coffee. Our goal is to make it more efficient for students and staff,” Andrew Flores, the bookstore manager, said. “It would be easier for students to grab their favorite drink from a cooler, get a fountain drink or even tea,” he said.

Palace Coffee closed its

AC location in March after college officials agreed to grant the coffee shop an early release from its lease due to lack of business.

The college purchased all of Palace’s remaining equipment and supplies. The new store will offer a variety of fountain drinks and tea for those non-coffee lovers.

There will also be food options such as salads, sandwiches and other quick and easy snacks to pick up for students in a hurry, Flores said.

Flores added that he has been testing out new coffee beans since March to see what students and staff members prefer.

“They say they want a variety,” Flores said. “That is the end goal for all of this is to give the people what they want and have a variety of what everyone likes. We are

also hoping to be able to sell 16 ounce cups of coffee for 99 cents,” he said.

College officials say their goal is to create a peaceful location for students to spend time on campus. “We want to keep it a comfortable and mainly quiet setting. The Student Life department has social gatherings in the café, but they are at night,” said Chris Sharp, the vice president of business affairs.

“When COVID runs its course, we are hoping to start serving food,” Sharp said.

Flores said he already knows what he would like to see served on campus. “What I’m pushing for eventually is going to take some construction, but, I would like to see a pizza oven in that space,” said Flores. “We could create any size pizza. Personal size pizza or even big pizzas for June Jazz.”

September 10, 2020

Outbreak changes health care learning

By EMILY UNDERWOOD Staff Reporter

COVID-19 has forced all Amarillo College students to adjust to a new learning style, but the differences are even more pronounced for those who are majoring in health care related fields.

Nursing students have had to take extra precautions as they return to the hospitals for clinicals.

Clinicals are the hands-on, hospital-site, “in-the-field” portion of health care education. This is where students gain direct practical experience and skills.

During the second half of spring semester, the pandemic led all clincal experiences to be taught online or through video conferences rather than giving students handson training in a health care setting. Starting in the fall, however, clinicals returned.

Kimberly Crowley, the dean of health sciences, said that everyone is relieved to be back at school doing labs and clinicals.

“The difficult part is we all have set numbers of hours that must be completed in patient care and we have specific tasks that must be practiced and learned and we cannot do most of that from

SHAWN McCREA | The Ranger

Jasmine Bernal (left), a nursing major, and Arine Gale Garin (right), a nursing major, practice checking the heart beat of Joe Bell, a patient dummy.

a socially distanced vantage point,” Crowley said.

Although students are allowed back in and are eager to learn, they have to keep their distance and learn from afar, said Crowley, but she noted that they are adjusting well.

“Many also felt that they were trained and prepared to deal with this effectively already,” she said.

Containing COVID-19 one spray at a time

By CHILES SPENCER Staff Reporter

The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has made changes in daily routines necessary for everyone at Amarillo College, something that is immediately clear the second students step on campus and see masks covering half of everyone’s face.

While these changes have significantly affected everyone’s lives, the custodial staff’s routines have arguably changed the most. According to Jim Baca, the AC physical plant manager, while the staff usually performs general upkeep such as cleaning clutter from the halls, they now also work to frequently sanitize classrooms and common areas with sprays and wipes throughout the day.

During every night shift, the staff is performing deep cleaning and sanitization all throughout the campus.

Alongside what is currently being done, custodial staff has plans to make the campus even safer and cleaner. Air filters are being upgraded to hospital grade filters with a MERV 14 rating. The higher the MERV rating on a filter, the fewer contaminants that can pass through it. Ultraviolet lighting also is being added to

the HVAC system that will help eliminate bacteria and viruses, and there are chemical mist guns on back order that will help to more effectively sanitize and disinfect common areas, Baca said.

Baca said there are no worries regarding shortages for now. There are enough disinfecting chemicals and paper supplies available for the school’s use and, while there is a shortage of disinfecting wipes in stores currently, there was a substantial amount ordered months ago that should last for now.

Faculty members are also fighting COVID-19. “In my opinion, faculty are doing what they can to ensure sanitized learning spaces,” Courtney Milleson, a speech professor, said. “I used all of the school-issued cleaning supplies within a couple of days and I’m waiting for supplies to be replenished. So, it may mean faculty members bringing their own cleaning supplies for a while, but we’re all doing what we can to ensure a safe learning environment,” she said.

Despite the extra work, Baca said he is happy to help out and do what needs to be done to handle the current situation. “We’re just trying to do our part to keep our students, faculty and ourselves clean and safe.”

Jayden Snider, a respiratory care student, said the virus has created some new learning techniques and has prompted some changes.

“Having to take your temperature every morning and filling out a health screening before even walking into the hospitals was hard for everyone to get used to,” Snider said.

Students are learning and

practicing what important precautions to take while dealing with COVID patients, she said.

“We have had to learn how to dress up to go into the room and dress down before coming out,” Snider said. “There’s so many precautions to take so that you don’t get the disease anywhere on you or track it outside of the room.”

Although students are back in hospitals, they are still not allowed to go in and help assist nurses with COVID-19 patients.

“It’s very unfortunate that we are not allowed to go into these rooms as students to physically assess these patients, but I do believe it makes most students feel safer,” Snider said.

Students learn to keep their distance

By FLOREYA QUINTERO Staff Reporter

As the 2020 fall semester begins at Amarillo College, students and faculty are actively practicing one of the many things that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into the lives of people all-around the world: social distancing.

Social distancing is one of the precautions being enforced on campus in order to prevent the spread of the virus and keep exposure and contamination rates low.

“People in the college actually took a measuring tape and measured between where people would sit,” said Becky Easton, the dean of liberal arts.

Using a measuring tape to provide a safe sixfoot distance was only the beginning. From separating and removing furniture across campus and in classrooms to splitting classes and students having to attend in person every other week, the new accommodations and changes have created

new challenges.

“While I see the necessity for having split classes and attending every other week, I think it is really irritating that we weren’t given the option to choose when we could come to class,” Ngan Trinh, a business administration major, said. “Especially because a lot of students have jobs and other priorities that can’t be altered.”

Transitioning into this new teaching and learning environment has placed a big burden on both teachers and students. Everyone is going to extra lengths so that the in-

structors can teach well and so that the students can find the best way to learn.

“Going remote has not only completely pushed me but also other students to learn in a different way and to do their work in a different way as well,” said Destine Dominguez, a business administration major.

Social distancing is not the only method being used to ensure the safety and health of individuals at AC. There are hand sanitizer stations located in various spots throughout the campus, and face masks are required and given to those who may be in need of one.

“I think students have been really good at trying to remember social distancing while at school and by staying home,” said Easton. “If we can do the best we can during the pandemic, someday we will be back to something closer to normal.”

September 10, 2020

Counseling Center offers help

By JADE RAMOS Staff Reporter

The COVID-19 crisis is causing stress and students are turning to Amarillo College’s Counseling Center for assistance.

Amber White, the Counseling Center coordinator, said many of the students are dealing with anxiety because they have

lost jobs due to the pandemic.

“We’ve definitely seen a lot more financial stress going on since COVID started,” White said.

Not only are people stressed out because of the financial crisis, but, because of the guidelines set in order to keep a safe environment, some are having a hard time concentrating in online classes.

“I would have to say that doing my classes online is really tricky. As if some homework wasn’t a tad difficult already, now it seems like assignments are just slipping through cracks so that can be pretty stressful,” Nicolas Olvera, a nursing major, said.

Because of COVID-19, more students are taking online or hybrid classes this

year and that’s not always by choice either. Cameron Plumley, a mass media major, said this virus has really affected students because not everyone learns the same way.

“It’s a big difference from last year. Everyone has to learn differently now and some people are better at that than others. It’s just been

Additional resources are available at www.actx.edu/counseling/counseling-during-covid-19.

COVID, COVID, COVID ever since spring break but, really, where’s our break?”

Plumley said.

COVID-19 is taking a toll on many students’ emotions, but the Counseling Center has ways to help. Each school year, students are given ten free counseling sessions.

Initial appointments can be made by calling the Counseling Center at (806) 371-5900.

Surviving COVID-19 College creates new safety policies

By ADELINE HARRIS and LINCOLN SISNEROS Staff Reporters

Theatre program writes new script

By CAILEY DINGA Staff Reporter

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to changes throughout Amarillo College, but the impact is especially dramatic in the theatre program.

Campus rules require everyone to wear a face mask, meaning AC actors have to modify the way they perform.

“We all have to wear face shields and masks to and from rehearsal,” Christian Gray, a theatre major, said.

In the theatre classes and during rehearsals, students have to maintain social distancing, which means staying six feet apart.

“Scenes are no longer looking quite as intimate or powerful as they could be,” Tuesday Poling, a theatre major, said.

The actors can’t stand close or touch even while acting, Monty Downs, a theatre instructor, said.

“As a director, I have to figure out ways of showing how these two people are a couple when I can’t get them closer than six feet and they can’t hold hands,” Downs said.

Downs also said that if they were to open their theatre and allow an audience to view the play live, only a third of theatre could be filled. The 50 percent rule that applies to restaurants does not apply to theatres because it’s harder to keep six feet between seats in the theatre.

Because of this rule, the department will be strictly doing live online streaming for their shows, which changes the approach to staging performances and doesn’t necessarily meet their goals.

“We’re wanting to present live theatre and not film,” Downs said.

Livestreaming the performances also requires different licensing. The theatre department is having to contact the companies who own the rights to the shows and get permission to livestream.

Then they will use a ticketing company to sell online tickets that are essentially a code to get into the livestream.

Downs said his advice for students currently in AC’s theatre program would be to persevere, to keep trying things and to just hang in there.

This will not be any ordinary semester. Colleges around the country are enforcing new rules and policies to ensure the safety of everyone returning to campus and help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Amarillo College has created guidelines for students and staff to follow if they have come in contact, have symptoms or been diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Employees or students who feel sick, been in close contact or have tested positive for the virus must contact a supervisor or in the student’s case, an instructor.

From there, human resources will contact them about the next steps of quarantine, time off, schoolwork, etc.,” Cheryl Jones, the vice president of human resources, said.

New policies have been set into place, but that does not ensure that every student or employee understands them or is following them correctly. Students and staff say most people in the AC community have been complying with the guidelines.

“I walk to class daily and everyone is wearing a mask, the majority are wearing it correctly too,” Reagan Shafer, a psychology major, said, “I would say almost everyone is following and understands the procedures AC announced.”

AC officials said their first priority during the reopening of campus was the staff and student’s safety.

The college has created many new mandatory rules to ensure safety on their campuses, but have returning students and staff felt safe?

“So far, I have felt very safe being back on campus,” Kolin Larson, a criminal justice major, said. “Everyone is following the rules and AC has done a good job helping the campus adjust to the new changes too.”

While the global pandemic is disrupting Amarillo College students’ lives, most say they aren’t terribly worried about catching the virus.

“COVID is annoying because I can’t go places that I want to go to,” Breann Luna, a biology major, said. Although Luna is not concerned about becoming infected, she is taking precautions.

Luna said she protects herself and her family by

wearing masks, putting on hand sanitizer, washing her hands and social distancing.

“I’m not so worried as to get COVID, but to whom I might transfer it to, which means my family because they are my world,” she said.

Cadence Hamlin, a psychology major, is also being careful. “I’m not personally worried about myself catching it, I’m just worried about other people catching it. I’m really worried about my grandma having the virus.

Considering her age, the virus would be more likely to kill her,” Hamlin said.

September 10, 2020

Faculty remember Roller’s legacy

By CAYLEE HANNA Page Editor

Amarillo College faculty and staff are remembering a man who devoted his life to the college, to education and to the arts.

On Aug. 24, 2020, Dr. Dale Roller, former AC music department chair and member of the board of regents, died due to declining health at the age of 90, but his legacy at Amarillo College will continue to live on in the creative arts community.

“Dr. Roller helped establish many new fine arts initiatives such as the Civic Chorus and the Amarillo Master Chorale, the Art Force support organization for AC Fine Arts, the Amarillo Boys Choir, Amarillo Opera along with Mila Gibson which has always been a part of AC and the development of a robust humanities program,” said Paul Matney, a former AC president who worked closely with Roller.

“Dr. Roller also led a strong choir program as vocal director. He supported the Amarillo Symphony along with his dear wife and musician, Betty. Dale and Betty were a delightful and energetic force in supporting fine arts in Amarillo,” Matney said.

Jim Laughlin, a music professor and director of jazz bands, said that Roller always put the needs of the music and fine arts departments as one of his top priorities and that he continued to support the creative arts at AC and in the community even after he retired.

“Dale was the arts division chair when I began at

COURTESY PHOTO

AC in 1989,” Laughlin said.

“He was a fierce supporter of the arts. He never accepted what he was told by administration, but imminently pushed for the needs of not only the music department but all creative arts. After his retirement he continued to be the thorn on the board by becoming an AC regent and imposing the importance of the arts in Amarillo and at its community college.”

After Roller retired, he was elected to become a member of the AC board of regents.

“Dale had extensive knowledge of AC due to his 35 years of service to the college. He was an active and committed regent, which helped him make AC all it could be for students. Dr. Roller used his knowledge and experience as a regent.

He continued to attend and support the fine arts programs with his personal attendance at concerts, plays, exhibitions, etc.,” Matney said.

Laughlin said that Roller’s

involvement in Amarillo will be remembered for a long period of time. Roller inspired the way that Laughlin teaches his students and how he values the creative arts.

“Dale knew that the power of arts education goes far beyond the classroom, it heals our culture. Dale’s influence in the Texas Panhandle will be felt for many more decades. I am a better teacher because of Dale’s influence and plan to continue his fierce call for the value of creative arts in our schools,” Laughlin said.

Dr. Nathaniel Fryml, director of choral arts and artistic director of Amarillo Master Chorale, said that Roller encouraged faculty and students to share their musical abilities outside of the AC community to build connections and showcase their hard work.

“Anyone who’s been connected to the AC music department over the last several decades will attest to the

huge and enduring impact Dr. Roller had on the arts at this institution,” Fryml said.

“He served as a faculty member starting in the late 50s and eventually transitioned to become department chair and then later serving on the board of regents. During all that time, he was encouraging the community within and outside AC to recognize and support the important work being done here. Likewise, he was always encouraging the music faculty and students to share their gifts outside of Washington Street Campus and build connections wherever possible. He and his wife Betty were big proponents of the benefits of collaboration, and much of the ability of arts organizations here in town to ‘play nice’ together and support each other’s endeavors today can be traced back to that original vision of the Rollers.”

Beverly de la Bretonne, AC Professor Emeritus and

part-time violin player, said that Roller was always there to support her and that he never missed any of her concerts.

“Dale’s support of the AC Chamber Orchestra meant a lot to me in my 25 years as conductor. I could always count on him to be in attendance at all my concerts. I felt his support in all my areas of teaching and performing. Dale was a wonderful administrator, mentor and friend,” de la Bretonne said.

Fryml said that Roller was knowledgeable and that he used to see the bigger picture in every situation he would come across.

“I enjoyed every minute of the various interactions I had with Dr. Roller over my first four years here at Amarillo College,” Fryml said. “He possessed a wealth of information but always encouraged me to think for myself, to think outside the box and to look for the potential in every situation and for strengths in myself and those around me, rather than focusing on weaknesses. But I think what had the biggest impact on me as I watched him and got to know him was his humility, and the gratitude he so frequently expressed to others and to God.” Matney said that Roller will be truly missed.

“Dr. Dale Roller was a dear friend and colleague at Amarillo College for many years. We both served as division chairs. Dale was fiercely dedicated to the arts, his faculty, his students and to Amarillo College,” Matney said.

“I loved and admired him.

We had so many happy times together. He will be missed by so many.”

Music department gains new professor

By ARINE GARIN Staff Reporter

As the fall semester begins, a new member has joined the Amarillo College department of music, Dr. Wei Chen (Bruce) Lin. Lin has performed all throughout the world and holds degrees from multiple universities including University of British Columbia, Westminster Choir College of Rider University and West Virginia University.

Now he has come to AC as the director of piano.

Lin said he chose AC because of the college’s commitment to student success.

“Prior to Amarillo College, I worked with higher education for about eight years and I always worked with a range of students from first generation, disabilities and other ethnic backgrounds,” Lin said.

“Amarillo College shows tremendous support for their students, it’s not just financial support, but also social and academic support, which to me is a blessing and an asset,” he said.

Lin said one of his goals is

SHAWN McCREA | The Ranger

Dr. Wei Chen (Bruce) Lin is an accomplished pianist who has performed all around the world. His goal at Amarillo College is to show people the benefits of the music department.

to make people more aware of the opportunities in the music department.

“I want to prove that this program is accessible to all.

Wherever there is a stage, the faculty and students are welcome to perform. There are choir, bands, orchestra and so much more for everyone to join. Music is for everyone,”

he said.

Camille Nies, the chair of music and theatre, said she’s pleased to have Lin join the college.

“He has numerous experiences in piano competitions and festivals including access to educational resources. His ability alone provides a lot of variety of

resources for the students,” she said.

Angelo Mincey, a second-year piano major, said he has already learned a lot from Lin’s lectures.

“If anything at all, Dr. Lin has taught me to be more convincing. Convincing in the artistic and stylistic approach and to prioritize my

goals,” he said.

Mincey also said that everyone should take the opportunity to hear Lin perform.

“Whether you’re in music or not, whether you want to learn or not, I think Dr. Lin’s performance is something everyone can truly enjoy as he is such a beautiful pianist,” Mincey said.

September 10, 2020

Scooby-Doo more like Scooby-DON’T REVIEW

By JESSIKA FULTON Page Editor COURTESY PHOTO

Despite clichés, ‘The Rental’ thrills viewers REVIEW

By STORMIE SANCHEZ Editor-in-Chief

“The Rental”, Dave Franco’s directorial debut starts off as a character-driven drama and takes a hard turn into a slasher film, reminiscent of 80s classics.

The film opens with a simple concept; a married couple, Charlie and Michelle (Dan Stevens and Alison Brie), and a newly dating Josh and Mina (Jeremy Allen White and Sheila Vand) take a vacation to celebrate the launch of Charlie and Mina’s new tech startup.

Yawn. That alone is hardly worthy of an entire movie, but Franco does a good job building his characters.

I found myself invested in them, something rare for the genre. Most of the drama brewing early on in the film stems from the obvious sexual tension between Mina and Charlie. Let’s just say that subtlety isn’t Franco’s strong point.

I found it strange that the two more well-known actors, Brie and White, were pushed to the side, with Brie (Franco’s wife) probably being the least utilized talent in the cast. This isn’t the first time a horror film director has taken their most bankable actor and given them a bit part, in fact, the first Scream film, and Psycho immediately come to mind.

The location of the film worked well for setting an eerie tone.

As the paranoia amongst the doomed vacationers grows, so does the fog. It’s effective but almost ridiculous.

It didn’t really take away from the film, but almost made the actual slasher part of the film seem like a YouTube satire of the genre.

Speaking of the slasher part of the film, what happened?

I spent possibly over twothirds of this movie thinking it’s going to be a psychological thriller/drama, and then it takes a hard turn into a slasher film. It almost felt like a ripoff to have invested so much into these characters and the movie to end as quickly as it did. It makes you wonder if they ran out of money, or just didn’t know how else to end the film.

I don’t know why, but I liked the film. It’s entirely possible that it’s directly related to the lack of options over the summer. I definitely appreciated that both sex and gore were implied, rather than shoved down my throat.

It reminded me of the classics, the types of movies that have always stuck with me. I doubt it will be a classic, but it held my attention all the way through, I enjoyed the characters and even jumped a few times.

The movie ends, with an obvious hint at a sequel, whether we ever see that come to fruition is another story entirely, but far worse horror films get the sequel treatment.

When it comes to classic cartoons and movies, I am the first to pull up a chair and a bowl of popcorn.

However, when traditions are broken it can be a little frustrating and confusing as to why a sequel or remake was even made in the first place.

The CBS network was home to classic cartoons such as the 1987 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Garfield” and “Fat Albert.” But most of all, CBS was home to one of the most recognizable classic cartoons, “Scooby-Doo.” Scooby-Doo has given me joy since I was old enough to walk. He made me laugh and also influenced me to want to become an investigator, which you can tell that didn’t get me far.

With Scooby-Doo turning 51 this month, it is only fair we talk about the most recent regurgitation — “Scoob!” —released earlier this summer.

First off this movie is absolute trash and an insult to the Scooby-Doo franchise. This movie makes “The Last Airbender” movie look like gold — that being another movie that was a huge flop. But we will save that adventure for another time.

Shaggy has been known for his indescribable stoner vibes with a hippie way of life and an enormous appetite.

However, “Scoob!” portrayed Shaggy as a young

teen going through puberty with a lack of common sense.

While his appetite and basic clothing hasn’t changed, his humorous way of walking and talking has been demolished and replaced with an awkward green bean of a human.

Don’t even get me started on how the movie represents the rest of the gang. Now apparently Scooby knows fluent English.

Also, every voice actor was a great example of poor voice acting. It demonstrated what it looked like to make a movie with famous people who are the complete opposite of what a role demands.

The frustration of character changes is not the only major issue, the

whole plot of the movie steers far from the original concept of Scooby-Doo. Remember how the whole gist of the cartoon was a gang of friends working together to solve a mystery and catch the bad guys? Yeah, not in this 99 cent store remake.

The concept of Scooby was him joining a superhero league to defeat a greedy villain. This was not the direction to go. The villain used for “Scoob!” was your typical comic book character.

Meaning he would’ve been great in an action movie or one like Sonic, but in this movie he just sticks out like a sore thumb. Also Scooby in a superhero costume just was not it. Stick to the normal teal collar and d i a mond dog tag please.

While the idea could’ve been a home run, it was the fine details that ultimately caused it to strike out. If you want to watch a movie where you cringe, need a great nap or just want to see a terrible movie, then this is the perfect movie for you.

In the end, “Scoob!” was a polar opposite and disgusting remake that truly was offensive to anyone who ever knew what the classic cartoon was about.

“Scoob!” needs to be burned, torn to shreds and buried 100 feet underground to be forgotten forever.

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Intramural sports offer alternative solutions

By RILEY MORPHIS Staff Reporter

Amarillo College is offering many different recreational activities this semester in the form of intramural sports.

Some events include a Madden NFL League, an assortment of video game leagues, yoga and dodgeball.

Trent Oneal, the intramural coordinator, said this semester “is a great opportunity to explore new ways to engage students virtually.”

Oneal said he is also focusing on student and staff safety when creating new intramural activities.

This semester, AC will not be hosting any of the traditional sport intramural events.

There are many benefits

of getting involved with intramural sports, according to Oneal.

“Students who participate in extracurricular activities are far more likely to graduate than their peers that do not,” he said.

Oneal pointed out that intramurals give students and staff the chance to engage with one another in a healthy, fun environment and make life long connections that can benefit them personally and even academically.

Miley Barber, a radiology major, said she was unaware that AC hosted such events.

Barber said, due to her work schedule, she will not be able to participate in intramurals, but would love the opportunity to get involved when she has the time.

Barber said she would “love to see a tennis team,” and noted that she believes that intramural activities are important.

She believes “it allows people to make connections with each other and it allows you to practice teamwork which is an important skill in life.”

Macki Edwards, an interior design major, is completing classes this semester online because of her schedule.

Edwards said she used to be on an intramural team at West Texas A&M University with her boyfriend in previous semesters and would join AC intramurals if she were coming to campus this semester.

“I would feel safe participating,” she said.

Infographic by DANIAR ONOZ | The Ranger

September 10, 2020

Put on your mask

Students adjust to new normal

By MELISSA SANDOVAL Staff Reporter

This fall semester at Amarillo College, students have a new essential item on their back-to-school lists due to the face mask policy introduced on campus in order to ensure the safety of the students and staff.

“Before coming back to class Aug. 24, we put out signs, sent out emails to let everyone know that masks would be required on campus and in the classrooms. If someone is not wearing a mask, they are being asked by an AC employee if they have one and if they do, we are reminding them to put them on. If they do not have a mask, an AC employee will get them one to put on,” Scott Acker, the AC police chief, said.

Face masks are available on campus in case students forget theirs.

They are available all throughout campus buildings such as the Student Service Center, the Ware Student Center and the bookstore.

There have been multiple reactions to the face mask policy. While some may have some complaints about having to wear a mask to school every day, others seem to have no problem with it.

“It keeps people away, so I don’t mind it. A wonderful time to be an introvert,” Itzel Esparza, a legal studies major, said.

“Certainly it is uncomfortable to be wearing a face mask in class and throughout the day, but it’s really important for students and faculty to keep following all the rules in order to continue attending classes on campus,” Camila Chairez, a nursing major, said.

AC officials say, although many students adjusting to wearing masks all the time, it’s important for everyone to be on the same page and for students to wear their masks properly every day in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

MASKNE:

Illustration By PIERCE LAWSON | The Ranger

an ugly side effect of masks

By RUTH MARTINEZ Columnist

Maskne has become the new normal for 2020. The global pandemic has impacted most of the world now, and it’s not only changing peoples’ lives, it’s leaving its mark on their faces.

Understanding the reasons why maskne is causing this problem is vital.

“Your oil glands that produce oil are actually clogging the oil glands. The acne is bacteria getting trapped into those oil glands,” said Dr. Elizabeth Farhat, a dermatologist for Allina Health, a not-for-profit health care system based in Minnesota.

Maskne is acne caused by face masks. It occurs because of the

amount of time the mask is worn.

Masks are required at Amarillo College to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many students wear masks not only on campus but also during work, creating ideal conditions for the acne.

There are ways to prevent or decrease mask-caused breakouts. The American Academy of Dermatology Association has nine tips for taking care of the face during these bumpy times.

Immediately after washing the face, moisturize it with the right product for the skin, and be aware of the type of detergent being used on the skin during the process. Use less makeup since

makeup will clog the pores even more under the mask. If makeup is needed, the AADA advises using oil-free products. If the skin becomes irritated, eliminate any new skincare products. Most importantly, wear the right mask and have a 15-minute break without the mask every four hours to help save the skin.

Wearing a comfortably fitting mask made of breathable mostly cotton material is recommended. Students should also wash their masks frequently.

Stress also contributes to acne and, with school in session, for most college students, stress is high. This means taking care of

the skin should be an all-time priority during this pandemic.

Eating healthy can help decrease acne as well.

Maskne can be scary for many individuals who rarely experience acne. It’s sweaty, it’s unnatural for acne to be all-around one area of the face and it’s difficult to eliminate.

Despite the facial irritation, wearing masks is an essential way to keep classes in session and make sure students stay safe.

So don’t break up with your mask over a breakout. It will get better, so remember to stay focused and dedicated for the rest of the academic year.