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@Campus_Current September 2019
Campus Life
Campus Life
Van Mason is new student member of Board of Trustees
Campus Current Multimedia Editor starts advice column
Campus MLK Memorial gets facelift, rededication
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Construction to stay on campus till 2021 Amber Nathan Editor-in-Chief
Over the summer, Dragun got a new roof and the building that houses the The pedestrian bridge math department and Child connecting the Schwartz Stu- Development Center got a dent Union and the Student heating, ventilation and air Services Center will reopen conditioning upgrade. Work in late September, while on the pedestrian bridge is work on AACC’s new Health for general maintenance. Ring Road, which has and Life Sciences Building will extend into August 2021. been closed since December
2018, will open in January, despite ongoing construction on the Health and Life Sciences Building. “We’re just very glad to be building our new building for the campus,” Joyce Dawson, assistant director of facilities planning and Continued on Page 3
English requirement changes for students Amber Nathan Editor-in-Chief
English 101 and 102 are debuting this semester. Photo by Amber Nathan
AACC students must take six credits of English to receive their associate degrees, starting this semester.
New assistant deans start jobs in summer Amber Nathan Editor-in-Chief
AACC’s 10 new assistant deans started their jobs on July 1, including five who worked at the school before applying for the newly created position. All of the college's top
BACK TO SCHOOL Fall 2019
candidates accepted the jobs. Last August, Vice President for Learning Michael Gavin announced the college planned to do away with the position of department chair and bring in assistant deans to cover their duties and more. After some faculty objected to the loss of the
position, 34 departments retained or got chairs. The college advertised nationally for candidates for the assistant dean jobs. “We spent a lot of time last year making sure that from the job advertisement [and] through the hiring process … to get the best
1st CAB & SGA meetings FOIs Paint Nite 2-3 p.m. (CAB), 3-4 p.m. (SGA) Time TBD SUN 102 Place TBD
Jazz in the Garden With Kona Ice 11-3 p.m. Mon West Campus 8/26
Campus construction will continue through the fall semester and beyond. Photo by Amber Nathan
Community Fair 11-2 p.m. AMIL Student Lounge
Up until last spring, students could test into English 121, an accelerated three-credit course, and skip English 111 and 112. From now on, everyone has to take both English 101 and 102.
Continued on page 3
Assistant Dean Danny Hoey is new to the college. Photo by Amber Nathan possible candidates that new assistant dean of sciwe could,” Gavin said. “It ence, said she looks forward was a very intentional and to helping faculty “shine.” thoughtful search process.” Dr. Kirsten Casey, the Continued on page 3 Community Fair 11-2 p.m. GBTC 212
Community Fair Free Chick-fil-A 11-4 p.m. Arnold
Tue 8/27
Meanwhile the college will phase out English 111 and 112. English 101 and English 102 will be less literature fo-
Wed 8/28
Food Pantry Open House 2-7 p.m. Place TBD
Riverhawk Day Food & Music 12-4 p.m. Arnold
Thu 8/29
Outdoor Movie 7-9 p.m. Ampitheater
Fri 8/30
2 | Campus Current | 2019 | September
Editorial
Meet the Staff
Be tolerant of other opinions Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief Amber Nathan Associate Editor Christian Richey Multimedia Editor Christina Browning Graphics Editor Mackenzie Airey Contributors Reese Levin Bethany Probst Alexandra Radovic Noah Reem Daniel Salomon Faculty Adviser Sharon O’Malley
Photographers on Page 1, top Oscar Pina, King of Kings Media Daniel Salomon Christina Browning Twitter @campus_current Facebook Facebook.com/ CampusCurrentPaper Instagram campuscurrentaacc
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We’re coming back to school this fall during a time of great political divide. Let’s work to give everyone we meet here a voice, even if we don’t agree with them. It’s easy for political discussions to turn nasty or backfire on those who have expressed an opinion. It’s important that all students feel safe to express their beliefs without fear of backlash. It’s equally important that we don’t avoid political discussions. Instead, let’s learn from each other’s diverse values. Healthy debates and friendly banter can help us strengthen our stances on hot-button issues and challenge our beliefs in such a way that we grow from them. Getting out of our comfort zones and being willing to have conversations with those who have opposite political beliefs is a great way to
further our education about controversial topics and test our biases to see if they are founded in fact or fiction. If we don’t take the time to hear each other, voices will be quelled and lost amid the fray. Some groups will be overlooked—groups that could have valuable input that they never get to share whether because of fear or outright discrimination. Hateful, slanderous speech, inappropriate graffiti and defacement of the images of political figures on posters and elsewhere on campus can lead some students to feel they can’t openly express their opinions. It’s especially easy for those who have the minority view on a subject to feel oppressed and forcefully silenced if we don’t consider how our words and our actions affect them. So this semester, let’s make it a rule to be respectful and open to one another, no matter what our differences
Letter from the Editor
Students can grow together and become more well rounded when everyone has an equal voice. Shown, Campus Current editors, left to right: Amber Nathan, Christina Browning and Christian Richey. Photo by Daniel Salomon are in word or appearance. We should make an effort to sharpen one another’s intellects and help everyone’s voices be heard, whether we agree with them or not.
Look for factual info so you’ll vote wisely Amber Nathan Editor-in-Chief
As the 2020 presidential election approaches, we should all prepare to vote wisely. In this day and age, information on the candidates is available at the click of a mouse or a quick tap on a phone screen. But with more sources comes more room for error. As more and more people begin posting about the election on social media and covering candidates in the news, it’s critical to get your facts straight and not give in to peer pressure. Young voters tend to be influenced easily by those around them. But when it comes to helping determine the status of our country, it’s important we do our own research and not rely strictly on what others have to say about candidates. I suggest that if students really dislike a particular candidate, they should do some deep think-
ing about why they don’t thing at face value. From there, evaluate want to vote for that person. Is it because they tru- which side’s story best fits ly understand the policies the facts. It’s up to you, as a the contender stands for, voter, to put the effort into or is it because they heard finding the truth. Don’t exeveryone else say what a pect information to be handhorrible choice the candi- ed to you, or you will never date would be—without dou- find the answers to tough questions. ble-checking the facts? My best advice is to take Some sources are biased, and so are your peers, so it’s everything with a grain of salt. Be skeptibest not to rely only on “Some sources cal, but do not one or two are biased, and so be cynical. Be sources. I are your peers, so curious, but do be obsessive. suggest that it’s best not to rely not Find the fine line students follow not only on one or two that so many sources.” people miss only the Amber Nathan, Campus when evaluatcandidates Current editor-in-chief ing candidates, they are learning how supporting on social media, but also the to detect lies without losing candidates they do not plan faith in your own beliefs. Students also should to vote for. Every story has two have intelligent discussions sides, and this is important with people both in their to consider when evaluat- own political party and ing candidates. If the news those of the opposing parmedia raises a particular is- ty to create checks and balsue, make an effort to find ances. Never be afraid to ask sources who take oppo- questions of yourself, your site stances. Don’t take any- peers and others in your life.
If we do this, we can grow together and become more well-rounded individuals who are sure of their positions and can defend them with honor and dignity.
Amber Nathan, Campus Current editor-in-chief, says to look at all available sources and information before deciding to vote for a candidate in the 2020 presidential election. Photo by Christian Richey Often fear of criticism or conflict stops students from speaking up about controversial topics. But it’s crucial not to let fear get in the way of your search for truth. Though the quest for answers may at times be discouraging, taking the initiative to find them will be worth it in the end. The 2020 election will be here before we know it. I encourage students to be open-minded and take time to examine both sides fairly. Who knows how your opinions might change if you make room for a fresh perspective?
Campus Current | 2019 | September | 3
Jump
Construction will continue Continued from page 1
construction, said. “We’re very excited for what this is going to mean for our students and for our campus, and so we just hope everybody will be patient and be excited with us.” Students expressed mixed feelings about the construction on campus. Second-year early education student Matt Smith said, “It’s pretty welcome,” while second-year psychology student Shelby Akers said,
“It’s a little tough and hard to get around. It’s a little inconvenient.” Akers added: “But I see why they’re doing this, and it’ll be better for future students. It is kind of everywhere, but people also have to understand they don’t mean to do it intentionally. They’re not trying to inconvenience anyone. … You’ve got to put yourself in their shoes, too.” Students can find maps on AACC’s website to navigate the construction.
A construction crew prepares to work on replacing the roof on Dragun. Photo by Christian Richey Dawson encouraged students to use caution around work areas and follow proper detours.
Assistant deans take new positions in July Continued from page 1
Stacy Korbelak, assistant dean of business, economics and entrepreneurial studies, said the best part of her job will be to “mentor and support faculty.” Gavin predicted the assistant deans will ease some distractions from faculty. “The fact that the faculty member is going to be able to focus on teaching is how we think the assistant deans
are going to help the most for students,” Gavin added. Assistant deans will handle student complaints and plagiarism cases, help make course schedules accessible, assess curricula, keep academic programs up to date, support the dean and supervise faculty. They are also responsible for budget and project management. “I wanted to be an administrator so that I could effect change on a larger
level,” Assistant Dean of English, Literacy and Communications Danny Hoey said. “I wanted to work where I could make sure students were getting the best quality ... and Anne Arundel really offered the space to help students be better." Gavin said he feels good about the newly created position of assistant dean. "I feel like we're in a very good place for the next couple years here," Gavin said.
we’re distracted on our phones. …. It’s just a good idea for everyone to keep their eyes open.”
Assistant Deans Danny Hoey (left) and Stacy Korbelak chat before a meeting. Photo by Amber Nathan
Graduating students need 2 Eng. courses Continued from page 1
Students now must take two English courses before graduating. First-year computer information systems student Rayanna White studies before her exam. Photo by Christina Browning
“We always ask that people look up and observe where they’re going,” Dawson said. “A lot of times
cused and more rhetoric-oriented than English 111 and 112, according to English Department Chair Dave Meng. “Almost since I’ve been here it was always a feeling that the literary-focused writing courses, 111 and 112, [were] kind of outdated, that we should be moving more toward a rhetoric focus,” Meng said. Students with high school GPAs lower than 2.6 will take English 101A for three credits, along with a two-credit supplementary course, ENG 099. Meng said the new course structure will cut back on the number of non-credit developmental courses required of stu-
dents. Those courses can slow down a student’s progress toward graduation. “Studies show that students, when they have to take several developmental courses, their completion rates are low,” Meng said. “A lot of students will just drop out.” English professor Simon Ward said he supports the new structure. “Personally, I’m all for it,” Ward said. “Effective communication is something everyone needs to strive toward. If we can [impress] those skills and make sure that the learning is lasting, then I think it’s a positive thing.” Some students disagreed. “It’s going to help some students and it’s going to hurt others,” first-year com-
puter science student Joshua Karbett said about the change. “Actually, I don’t know if it’s a clear-cut answer here. Personally I think I would benefit from it because I’m a more analytical person … but I think someone else who would be on the flip side, I think that would hurt them more.” “It’s a new system,” third-year media productions student Rafael Garcia-Mendez said. "It might fix some of the old problems, [or] it might make it worse. … They’re going to have to test it out first.” But Assistant Dean of English, Literacy and Communications Danny Hoey said although these new courses may be challenging, students will get plenty of help from the faculty.
4 | Campus Current | 2019 | September
News
Student-mother sits on Board of Trustees Alexandra Radovic Contributor
The owner of two local businesses will take a seat on the college’s Board of Trustees this fall as its only student member. Van Mason, a 51-yearold real estate agent, has attended AACC since 2011. She launched a realty company and a home design service last year. The student trustee will vote on issues that affect AACC and its students this academic year. Mason, who has four children, said her main goal is to “get the information out that I think lacks sometimes, because not a lot of people know all the things that are available at the college.” “There’s a lot of untapped resources that if people would have known about they would have participated in," Mason said.
Larry Ulvila, the board’s chairman, said he advised Mason not to be afraid to ask other board members questions about changes the college could face and encouraged her to have informal discussions with her board colleagues. Fellow student leader Mitchell Santos, the Student Government Association president, said Mason should “learn to accept the changes she doesn’t necessarily agree with.” Mason said she believes she is ready for the responsibilities of the role because of her previous position as the only student member on the college’s Committee on Teaching and Learning and her unique ability to “speak from a professional student perspective.” She said she aims to “talk to other students who are looking for direction on where they should go after
they receive their degree.” Mason came to AACC as a part-time student in 2011, 21 years after starting a family. After she graduated from high school in 1986, she studied graphic design at Baltimore City Community College but never finished the degree. “I kind of put my education on hold,” Mason said. “My children’s education was more important. Once I put them through college I decided there was time for me to finish my original passion.” While at AACC, however, Mason’s passion changed and she decided to combine her 20 years of realty experience with her love of design in the college’s architecture and interior design program. “Real estate is involved in how houses look and how they are laid out to make them appealing to the public,
A second-year communications student became the new editor-in-chief of Campus Current in August. Amber Nathan joined Campus Current as a reporter in January before becoming ad manager in February.
Scholarship opens to noncredit applicants Christian Richey Associate Editor
Non-credit AACC students will be eligible for the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship starting next year. Previously the program was open only to full-time credit students taking at least 12 credits per semester. “The Maryland Promise [scholarship] is being expanded from just for students who are applying for
degree programs,” AACC’s Director of Financial Aid Tara Carew said. Carew noted this includes continuing education students pursuing a certification or license. Carew said those looking to receive the scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—FAFSA—between Oct. 1 and March 1 for the upcoming year. Maryland Higher Education Commission’s director of communications, Rhon-
Mason said. “It went hand in hand with [design].” In 2018, Mason opened Maryland Dream Home Realty and Dream Home Design Group-Studio 36. Her companies support commercial and residential clients who are looking to renovate their spaces. She often hires students to work with her. As a mother and a pro-
fessional, Mason said she feels she can guide students well as a trustee. “Go out there and have real-life experiences,” Mason said. “If [students] do this earlier rather than later … they’ll have more success in deciding whether it’s a degree they want to pursue and they’ll stop wasting their parents’ money.”
In her new role as editor, she oversees the paper and assigns and edits stories. “She’s nice, efficient, fun, easy to work with,” said professor Sharon O’Malley, the newspaper’s faculty adviser. Nathan said her passion is creative writing, but her experience at the newspaper has been invaluable.
“She can do both,” O’Malley said. “I feel no matter what job you go into you should be able to write creatively and concisely,” Nathan said. For aspiring editors, O’Malley noted she looks for good writers with a passion for journalism who respect deadlines.
Com undergrad says ‘yes’ to top editor job Christian Richey Associate Editor
Second-year communications student Amber Nathan is the new editor-in-chief of AACC's student newspaper. Photo by Christian Richey
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Clerk Scott Poyer swears in newly appointed AACC student trustee Van Mason. Photo courtesy of AACC Strategic Communications
da Wardlaw, said 1,278 students across Maryland’s 16 community colleges have received the award. During the third week in August, MHEC sent notices to students who will receive the scholarship, according to AACC’s Office of Financial Aid. Carew said once students complete the FAFSA, they will receive an email from MHEC and must follow up with the commission. “You want to make sure if you receive any emails ... that you respond to those
Non-credit students may qualify for the Maryland Promise scholarship next year. Photo by Christian Richey emails,” Carew said. Carew said students who hear from MHEC must submit additional documents to the agency. Carew said the applica-
tion process may change in the coming year. For example, next year’s application deadline might be earlier than June 17, which was the 2019 deadline.
Campus Current | 2019 | September | 5
News
HCAT hosts Scottish rivals for big cookoff Amber Nathan Editor-in-Chief
AACC culinary students competed in the fourth Atlantic Culinary Competition against City of Glasgow College on July 10. Student chefs from the Scottish college visited AACC for the competition. AACC’s culinary students competed in Glasgow last September.
The students prepared flat iron steak for an entree, a vegetarian appetizer and a dessert made, in part, from pate a choux, a type of pastry dough. Scotland won the contest by several points, taking Judge’s Choice. Judges used a rubric to assign points for categories such as kitchen skills, efficiency, presentation, flavor and creativity.
However, during a blind taste test in which guests sampled each team’s menu, a majority chose AACC students’ dishes. This earned AACC's students the People's Choice award. The event was at AACC’s Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute in Glen Burnie. Next year, the competition will be hosted in Scotland again.
Photos courtesy of AACC Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute
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6 | Campus Current | 2019 | September
News
GSA marches in Pride event Mackenzie Airey Graphics Editor
Student and faculty members of AACC’s Gay-Straight Alliance, Rainbow Network and Dance Company marched in Annapolis’s first-ever Pride Parade in June. “It was really fun,” second-year theater student and GSA member Logan Spates said. “There was a really good turnout, especially considering that it’s Annapolis’s first Pride.” The inaugural parade kicked off at noon, starting at Amos Garrett Boulevard and West Street and ending at Calvert and West streets. Hundreds of people lined the streets to participate. Reading professor Forrest Caskey, one of the organizers for AACC’s participation in the event, called the parade “a long time coming. I think it makes people feel welcome.” The parade took place
the day after the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City, marked as the start of the modern fight for LGBTQ rights in the U.S. Members of the GSA club led the group, holding a painted rainbow banner spelling out “AACC GSA” in bold sparkly letters. Behind them followed members of AACC’s Dance Company and of the college’s Rainbow Network—a community of administrators, faculty and staff who actively advocate for LGBTQ equity on campus and complete diversity training. “If someone’s thinking of going to AACC,” Spates said, “it’s like, ‘OK, here are the students you could meet and be accepted by, and here’s a whole group of teachers who are so committed to understanding and accepting you that they went through extra training for it.’” Other marchers agreed.
AACC students and faculty march in Annapolis’s first Pride Parade, displaying a rainbow banner to support the LGBTQ community, with the GSA club in the lead. Photo by Mackenzie Airey “I definitely thought that it was a very positive thing, especially for the younger goers because they’ll be able to see people that are a bit closer to their age,” second-year psychology student and GSA officer Jack Amann said. “And the fact that ... this school has
these connections, so that way they don’t feel alone or feel that they have to hide themselves while at the school.” Parade-goers lining the streets met the marchers with cheers along their route. “People from AACC were
shouting at us and saying that they were super, super happy when they saw us there,” second-year elementary education student and GSA officer Chrystal Jones said. The next Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival is scheduled for June 27, 2020.
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Campus Current | 2019 | September | 7
News
County funds AACC budget Alexandra Radovic Contributor
ered largely by federal and state grants and also by VLT Impact Aid funds, which acThe Anne Arundel Coun- count for local video lottery ty Council in June approved revenue. The college announced AACC’s annual budget for fislast semester that it would cal year 2020. The budget includes raise student tuition by $3 $47,087,700 in operating per credit. Tuition has infunding from the county, an creased by $3 per credit increase of $3 million over hour every fiscal year since 2014. last year. AACC's Vice President The increase fell $1 million short of the college’s for Learning Resources request to the county, which Management Melissa Beardagreed to fund $47,087,700 more said small tuition inof AACC’s operating budget creases over multiple years of $155,460,700. The operat- allow the college to avoid less freing budget pays for ac- “I do hope the strong quent, largtivities un- relationship between er spikes, which she related to the county and said are buildings community college more imand facilicontinues.” pactful on ties. Councilmember students. Tuition Amanda Fiedler T h e and fees council will cover $38,511,000 and the state also approved AACC’s capiwill offer $29,744,000. Re- tal budget at $49,194,000 to maining costs will be cov- account mainly for construc-
Student tuition goes up by $3 per credit hour this semester for the sixth year in a row. Anne Arundel County approved its part of AACC's funding over the summer. Photo by Steve Buissinne/Pixabay tion of the Health and Life Sciences Building on campus, which is underway. County Councilmember Amanda Fiedler, who represents District 5, said she “sees the county continuing their increased commitment as we have in the past. … I do hope the strong relationship between the county and com-
munity college continues.” She added: "I understand [AACC’s] enormous value to our community. [It] offers continued education to a diverse student body.” AACC is located in Fiedler’s district. Beardmore said she is happy with the county’s budget approval.
“This budget continues funding through previous reallocations for ongoing student success initiatives,” Beardmore said. “These critical activities are improving our outcomes, such as the record number of graduates this past year, and achieving our strategic plan goals.”
8 | Campus Current | 2019 | September
Features
AACC’s 1st generation students share stories Bethany Probst Contributor Briana Barone nervously waited to speak to her mother. It was the day her college tuition payment was due. Her heart raced as she waited by the door and wondered how she would frame the question, “Mom, can we afford this?” Her mother, Ruth, had lost her job of 32 years as a shipping consultant two months before. Barone said she told her mother she had $70 to put toward tuition, knowing it wasn’t enough. Barone got the response she was least expecting. “My mother smiled and told me that I shouldn’t worry about that,” she said. “[She said] that the money I had I should be saving for emergencies and a car.” Now, Barone said, “I couldn’t be happier to be the first in my family to work toward a degree.” About 25 percent of AACC students are the first in their families to attend college. Daniel Salomon, a thirdyear transfer studies student, and his brother, Edgar Salomon, who graduated from AACC in 2018, are the first in their family to attend college. Daniel Salomon said he feels like he has to be his own advocate at school because his parents, who didn’t have the chance to earn a higher education, never learned how to navigate the system.
“My parents are from Mexico,” Salomon said. “My mom didn’t finish the equivalent of high school in Mexico, and I’m not sure my dad did, either.” He said although he takes pride in being a college student, a lot of pressure comes with it. “I feel like I have a lot to live up to because of the education I can get,” Salomon said. “Not because of the pressure from my parents, because they’re pretty cool about the entire thing, [but] more from the … concept of it is like, ‘Oh man, I have to do really great or else I’m just not living up to being a first-generation college student.’ I have to do a really good job to get to where I want to or else I just didn’t do well.” He said he felt undecided on his academic path when he came to AACC. “I had ideas of what I was interested in, but no real goal,” said Salomon, who is studying media production. Salomon said transitioning to college was difficult because he took a year off after graduating from high school. The National Center for Education Statistics has reported that first-generation students enroll in college at lower rates than their peers whose parents attended college. Barone, a third-year elementary education and communications student, said she plans to earn her degree no matter how long it takes.
She said her father dropped out of high school, while her mother went to work right after she graduated. “I know that my parents are there to support me but I know they don’t necessarily, fully understand what it’s like sometimes,” Barone said. “I need their help. It’s not easy getting by in college alone.” Barone said registering for classes and learning about financial aid wouldn’t be as difficult if her parents attended college because they could lend a helping hand. “When I left high school, it was a whole battle of trying to understand how to do [financial aid] or how to even apply to colleges,” she said. “[My parents] just didn’t know.” She said her parents pushed her to pursue college. “It was unconditional support,” she said. “And it reminds me that what I’m doing is history defined. Nobody [in my family] has done it yet and that’s a huge, huge honor for me to carry.” Joe Shenton, a third-year transfer studies student, said his parents, high school graduates, pushed him to go to college because “they wanted to raise me to be better than who they were when they were younger.” Jenna Holthaus, who graduated with an associate degree in criminal justice in May, said she finds it liberating to achieve something her
Daniel Salomon, a third-year transfer studies student, says he feels the pressure of becoming the first in his family to go to college. Photo by Christina Browning parents never did. “It’s really cool that I’m the first one,” Holthaus said. “It really shows all the hard work that I’ve done to get here and to reach for an associate [degree.]” Holthaus’s older brother, Jeremy, decided to go to trade school instead of pursuing a degree and his “pride is a little hurt that I got my degree before him, being the youngest in the family,” she said. “But I know he cares. He’s proud of me.” She said money is always a difficult topic to discuss with her mom, a flight attendant, because she didn’t set aside money for college funds.
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Dr. Deidra Dennie, AACC’s chief diversity officer, said first-generation students often are more self-sufficient than their classmates. “These students end up having a lot of questions [about college] but they don’t know who to ask,” Dennie said. “So there’s a struggle for first-gen students … but after the first few weeks, they’re not missing a beat.” She said navigating registration and scheduling can be difficult for these students because they don’t have anyone in their family to manage them through it. “They may not know what to expect,” she said.
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Campus Current | 2019 | September | 9
Features
Adjunct talks of HIV journey Noah Reem Contributer Then-28-year-old Justin Smith is staring into his video camera. He takes a deep breath and starts his journey into YouTube. It's May 27, 2008. Smith introduces himself to the camera as he makes his YouTube debut in a video that will eventually reach more than 20,000 viewers. Smith is about to tell the world something that just a few years earlier he had tried to keep a secret from his family: He is HIV positive. He plans to share his journey with HIV with anyone who chooses to log on to YouTube. Since then, Smith, whose last name is now Terry-Smith, has become an AIDS activist and an advocate for others suffering from the illness. He also teaches parttime at AACC. He is a husband and father; a health analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; an author and speaker. His YouTube series, which he calls “Justin’s HIV Journal,” reaches 2,646 subscribers. His idea to start a YouTube channel documenting his journey with different medications started shortly after he was diagnosed. “I was scared to go through the medication, so I started the blog,” Terry-Smith said. “Starting the channel was a sort of therapy for me. ... I could talk about HIV to all of these people.” Before he started the channel, “I looked to see if there was a gay black man like myself who had a channel similar to what I wanted mine to be about and I didn’t see anything,” he recalled. “I just said, ‘OK, I’m going to do it.’” Terry-Smith said the page allowed him to make an impact on the YouTube and HIV community and to debunk some of the misconceptions about HIV. “I thought that at least I would have people watching and learning from me,” Terry-Smith said. In a video titled, "Some facts on HIV/AIDS," Terry-Smith crushes misinformation: “One, you cannot get HIV through kissing,” Terry-Smith said. “It is highly
unlikely, and I don’t believe there has been a documented case of someone getting HIV from kissing.” Terry-Smith also answers viewers’ questions. One viewer asked if it was possible to contract HIV from food prepared by an HIV-positive chef. Terry-Smith said it is highly unlikely. Everette Carter, who subscribes to Terry-Smith’s “Journal,” commented that the information is needed. “So often it’s assumed people already know this stuff,” Carter said in a comment online. Terry-Smith’s YouTube career paved his way to becoming a writer. Because of the channel, he has been invited to write for the Black AIDS Institute website, and for Baltimore Gay Life and A&U magazines. He pens a regular column for A&U Magazine, titled, “Just*n Time.” In it, he answers questions from his readers about HIV and AIDS. A&U Magazine’s Managing Editor Chael Needle described Terry-Smith as a
Adjunct instructor Justin Terry-Smith stars in his own YouTube vlog about his journey after contracting HIV. Photo courtesy of Matthew Spangler Walden University. He still takes classes there to study counseling. "When I retire, I want to open up my own counseling practice with my husband,” Terry-Smith said. His husband, Dr. Philip Terry-Smith, is assistant dean of social sciences, philosophy and interdisciplin-
Philip Terry-Smith (left) is the assistant dean of social sciences, philosophy and interdisciplinary studies at AACC and Justin Terry-Smith is an AIDS activist and adjunct instructor at the college. Photo courtesy of Matthew Spangler “true advocate. He uses every opportunity to advocate through his columns and his YouTube channel.” Needle added: “He’s just kind of magnetic. He’s the person you want to be with if you go to a party and don’t know anyone.” In 2013, Terry-Smith wrote a children’s book called, “I Have a Secret,” which tells a story of a boy who is living with HIV and must keep it a secret from his classmates. In the time he has had his YouTube channel, Terry-Smith has earned a doctorate in public health from
ary studies at AACC. The two met in Washington at a fundraiser in 2006, and instantly clicked, Justin Terry-Smith recalled. Philip Terry-Smith said he shares his husband’s passion for health and wellness and is aware of the risks of engaging in sexual activity with an HIV-positive partner. “I … obviously wanted to mitigate the risks,” Philip Terry-Smith said. “There wasn’t any ... hesitance when he told me. I knew what the risks were. We’re responsible in how we maintain our health and lifestyles.” Philip Terry-Smith has
appeared on the “Journal.” “Medical technologies have advanced so much that someone can live with being HIV positive,” he said. “HIV is on the same spectrum as any medical condition and I think we’re getting closer to a cure for HIV.” He added, “The YouTube channel is a way of keeping himself well and sharing information with other people.” Justin Terry-Smith said the couple stays active and healthy and encourages their children, Lundyn, 22, and Tavis, 21, to do the same. “Our sons … are both openly gay,” Philip Terry-Smith said, “so the talking about HIV was a conversation about sexual health and taking care of themselves. We’re very open about the topic in our house.” Those who know Justin Terry-Smith describe his personality as “electric.” “He is an amazing person inside and out,” his sister-in-law, Lindsay Terry, said. “He has become an inspiration to not only me and my husband, but to our children as well. He’s their favorite uncle.” Terry’s husband, John, called his brother-in-law “genuine.” “He has such a warm and
bubbly personality,” John Terry said. “He’s someone who doesn’t mind helping people out.” The couple credits Justin with teaching them about HIV. “He was very open about it from the beginning,” Lindsay Terry said. “He was always honest and focused on educating. ... Being heterosexual, I know there’s a lot of misconceptions about HIV but I’m glad Justin has been able to enlighten me about it.” “I am more aware of the truth about HIV since knowing him,” her husband agreed. “We have learned that the disease is not a death sentence.” Justin Terry-Smith said crushing the misconceptions about HIV has always been one of his main goals. “When young HIV activists or activists in general ask me how to get into activism, I tell them to do something that no one has ever done before,” he said. Terry-Smith said he would do things differently if he could go back to the day he learned he has HIV. “I would tell myself that everything is going to be OK, and that this is going to make you stronger than you’ve ever been before, and you are loved,” he said.
Follow Him On: @JustnTerrySmith
@justinbterrysmith @justifans Justin B. Terry-Smith
10 | Campus Current | 2019 | September
Campus Life
Be confident; ask questions Christina Browning Multimedia Editor
Fun and Games
A lot of my classmates seem terrified to ask their professors questions, even if they need the answers to pass an assignment or even the class. Students deserve to have their questions answered, yet many are too scared to speak up and ask them. Professors appreciate it when students ask questions. It lets professors know students really care about their education and are making a genuine effort to succeed. English professor Simon Ward recalls an anxious student who was afraid to ask questions. The student missed several assignments and skipped classes because he hadn’t done his work. So Ward took the lead and asked the student a question: How can I help you? You don’t have to wait for your professor to ask you if
you need help. Go ahead and be the one to ask. Here are seven tips for mustering up the courage to ask—and for asking the right way. 1. Know what you need help with before you ask for it. Pinpoint your trouble spots. Write down your questions so you can stay focused and on track during your conversation with your professor. 2. Do not wait until your deadline to ask questions. Give yourself time in case you have more questions as you complete the assignment, Ward said. And realize that your professor might not be available if you wait until the last minute to ask for help. 3. Overcome your fear. “There are no stupid questions,” said May graduate Briston Fernandez, who works part-time at Truxal Library and said he experienced anxiety with asking
Although some students have difficulties asking questions in class, strategies exist for those in need of help. Photo by Christina Browning questions. “The worst question is the one you don’t ask.” 4. Practice asking your questions in the mirror or with peers before approaching your professor. Fernandez said that helped him build his confidence. 5. Never give up. Even if you feel the professor is brushing you off, keep ask-
Did you know?
ing your questions until you are satisfied. A professor’s job is to teach and answer questions, or at least point you to the answers. 6. If your professor has given you a cell phone number or email address, use it. You don’t have to save your questions for office hours. 7. Asking for help can
be a compliment. It implies you value your professor’s knowledge. Third-year architecture major Rachel Janovsky said she felt embarrassed asking questions during her first semester. Then she realized the professor genuinely wanted to help her succeed and appreciated her questions.
Sudoku
Swoop's eggs about to hatch
A basket of Swoop eggs in the Bookstore could be filled with mini-Swoops shortly after the new semester begins. The Bookstore will sell Swoop plushes for around $20 once they “hatch.”
Reporting by Christian Richey Photo by Christian Richey
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Campus Current | 2019 | September | 11
Campus Life
Class to study in Costa Rica Christina Browning Multimedia Editor Two AACC biology professors are offering a new, four-credit class that will take their students to Costa Rica this semester. In Fundamentals of Ecology Travel Study—BIO 122—science students will travel to a different location around the world each semester to explore the interaction between organisms and their environment, according to biology professor Benjamin Weibell, one of two faculty members who will teach the class. “I really love travel studies because it opens people up to learning,” Weibell said. “When we put ourselves in new situations, it opens our minds and we start taking everything in.” So when students travel and learn new cultures, it opens their minds and allows them to look at things
from a new perpective, Weibell said. Weibell and biology professor Jessamy Rango plan to take as many as 16 students to Costa Rica for 13 days in January. The course runs from Oct. 21 to Dec. 15, plus the January trip. Depending on the size of the class, each student will pay between $2,650 and $2,950, plus $400 for travel insurance, plus tuition for the course. I’m really looking forward to it and the price is right,” said Tom Wilbur, who retired as AACC’s science lab manager in June and has enrolled in the course. “For under $3,000, which includes a ... trip to Costa Rica, airfare, accommodations and most meals, that’s a no-brainer,” Wilbur said. Students will collect and analyze data, discuss their findings, identify species and do other lab work while they
A new biology course will send students around the world. BIO 122 will take students to a new location each semester, starting with Costa Rica this term. Photo by Lindsay Loucel/Unsplash are in Central America. Wilbur, who has already been to Costa Rica, said he is excited to visit the country again because he didn’t get to explore much of it when
he was there the first time. “I expect to learn more details about the different types of critters as well as learn about the geology of the area,” Wilbur said.
Next semester’s class will travel to a different location to study the ecosystems. “Costa Rica this year; Galapagos Islands next year,” Weibell said.
Fun and Games
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12 | Campus Current | 2019 | September
Campus Life
College updates MLK park Christina Browning Multimedia Editor
AACC will unveil a new design for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on West Campus on Aug. 27. Photo by Christina Browning
Lunchtime routines vary among students Reese Levin Contributor
bles increases curiosity and creativity. Second-year transfer AACC students are just studies student Marlon Pelas likely to bring lunch from letier said he tries to eat a home as they are to buy food healthy lunch. “I usually go to Chickon campus, according to a fil-A [on campus] and grab Campus Current poll. In an informal poll of 25 a salad,” Pelletier said. “I like students on campus, nine said to eat more healthy; it makes me feel betthey bring ter and gives their food me more enfrom home, ergy in my eight buy day.” their lunch Daniel on campus, Hethmon, a five purchase second-year meals off engineercampus and ing student, three said said he finds they wait unhealthy optil they get tions at the home to eat. hot bar in “I can The Hawk’s just cus- Students say they are just Grill tomize [my as inclined to bring a lunch Nest and Deli. lunch],” said as they are to buy one. “I want S a v a n n a h Photo by Alexandra Radovic to eat a Nielsen, a second-year transfer studies high-protein healthy lunch student. “I know what I want, so the cafeteria [has] the best just bring it and I don’t have [options] for that,” Hethmon said. to spend money at school.” But other students said An article in the British Journal of Health Psychology they wait until they get home said eating fruit and vegeta- or go off campus to eat.
“I do not do lunch at AACC,” said Jacob Moyer, a third-year criminal justice student. “I feel more comfortable eating at home.” Moyer said he typically eats either a burger or a hot dog for lunch. Others, like second-year nursing students Ashley Sanders and Amanda Lapsley, said they go to the Chick-fil-A off campus in the Severna Park Marketplace because the campus store sometimes runs out of sandwiches by 1 p.m. “Every time I go there’s like no sandwiches,” Lapsley said. “I’m not kidding, and [Ashley] likes the fries.” The on-campus Chick-fil-A doesn’t serve the chain’s popular waffle fries. Katie Gamboa said she wants snacks that are quieter to open. Typical snacks from the vending machines come in plastic wrappers that are noisy to tear open. “Most of them [are in] loud bags,” said Gamboa, a first-year nursing student who eats during class. “In lectures, professors get annoyed with loud stuff.”
AACC will rededicate its Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on Aug. 27 on West Campus to unveil a new design. The 11 a.m. ceremony will showcase the design of former AACC landscape architecture student Kathryn Ellerbrock. The design features black-eyed Susans— the state flower—along the wall behind Maryland’s only statue of the iconic civil rights leader. The new design features benches on the right and left sides of the statue, which remains unchanged. Ellerbrock's design beat nine other designs from classmates. She won a $1,000 scholarship for creating the winning design. The college tapped community organizations for donations to fund the project.
The Child Development Center at AACC EVENING CHILD CARE
(A free program for Pell Grant-eligible students) The Child Development Center at AACC in Arnold is providing evening child care for children ages 3 through 12 years. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education – CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents In School) Grant. Child care will be available from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. An application and preregistration are required. Registration for Fall 2019 begins July 1. For information contact the center at 410-777-2450 or email LaVette Curtis, lvcurtis@aacc.edu.
We offer: Homework help Snacks Arts and crafts Indoor/outdoor play Toys and games Experienced staff
410-777-2450 | www.aacc.edu/cdc
Campus Current | 2019 | September | 13
Campus Life
Studios open to all at AACC Mackenzie Airey Graphics Editor
When continuing education student Karen McGady studied architecture at AACC years ago, she enrolled in drawing, sculpture, ceramics and pottery classes. Since she graduated, she has taken more classes in those mediums. And this semester, she said, “I decided to try screen printing.” McGady, who said she works in the campus art studios at least once or twice every week, isn’t the only student who returns semester after semester to indulge her inner artist. Student artists of all ages and mediums use the art studio spaces on campus to grow as artists and to work on personal projects. “I think it’s an excellent thing and one of the reasons why there [are] so many successful artists that have attended AACC,” second-year fine arts student and Art Association President Scout Bender said about the stu-
dio spaces in Cade. “I don’t work too well at home, so coming here is a nice space for me to just focus on my work,” Bender said. “The props that they do have in the studios are very helpful when it comes to studying anatomy forms and light work and color.” Cade houses studio spaces for mediums from screen printing to game design. Students enrolled in art classes have access to the studio facilities in class as well as outside of class time. “I like how open and free [the digital arts studio] is,” third-year animation and visual arts student Eyan Porter said. “I like the programs we use; I like the whole atmosphere and the students who are in it ... we all have a goal.” Porter said he also likes that art supplies are available for students who use the studios because “art is super expensive.” Along with students taking for-credit classes, continuing education students, like McGady, use the studios.
AACC students who want to use art spaces on campus, like the photography darkroom in Cade, can pay to use the labs without signing up for class. Photo by Alexandra Radovic “[The arts program is] outstanding,” McGady said. “More people should take art classes because it encourages critical thinking, analytic thinking, creativity obviously. It helps with all kinds of other areas of study. It’s mathematical. It’s scientific. It’s logical.” Students do not have to take classes to use the campus studios. Instead, they may sign up for studio-access classes just to use the art labs. Continuing education student Bob Ertman said he uses the campus darkroom. “I do mostly black and white photography and some
Rely on your values to choose field of study Reese Levin Contributor
Students who have not settled on their majors or careers should look for fields that reflect their values, AACC career counselors advise. Students have the option to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test on campus and to meet with a personal and career counselor or engagement coach to help determine their values. Marguerite Falcon, a personal and career counselor, has proctored the test and is able to advise students on what the results mean. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a test that matches a student’s personality with one of 16 different types. Once someone has taken it, Falcon can match the student with a list of majors that best suit that personality type. Vickie Koppold, 55, took the test to narrow down what kinds of jobs she might
pursue. She attended Com- me to know that the general munity College of Baltimore field I am interested in will County at Catonsville in her be something that wouldn’t early 20s to major in graphic be pushing myself out of my design but left after having natural way of being.” For students who are still two kids. “I was going to sign up unsure about their values for some classes [at AACC], after taking the test, Falcon but I really didn’t know what and professor Jen Lara, an engagement I wanted to do any- “A lot of times I will coach, pose more,” Kopask a student what q u e s t i o n s pold said. are their top values and scenarios that help “Graphic and how will that them nardesign is match their major or row their more on their career.” choices. c o m p u te r s “A lot of and I don’t Career Counselor times I will know if I reMarguerite Falcon ask a stually like that, so that’s why I came here: to dent what are their top valfind out maybe what exact ues and how will that match field I would like to go [into].” their major or their career … Alayna Melzer, a sec- for happiness and to feel fulond-year transfer studies filled,” Falcon said. “If they value money student, said she is interested in working in health care, but are going for a career a career that matched her that isn’t going to make a lot of money, I will point personality type. “It was nice to hear that I that out. If they value foram on a track that works with ests [and] being outside but my personality type,” Mel- they’re going for an indoor zer said. “It was helpful for job that’s isolated, I will say,
digital photography,” he said. “And while I’m in a place to take pictures, I usually take some digital pictures, too.” Ertman uses the photography studio space to develop his alternative photo work, which involves photographing witness retreats at the sites of genocides. He belongs to Zen Peacemakers, a global network of social activists who promote social change around the globe. “A home photographic studio is possible, but it’s really difficult to have a firstclass darkroom with good enlarging equipment [and] with access to fresh chemi-
cals,” Ertman said. “At home I would really be restricted to digital photography. And here you can put your hands into the art, and you can affect the light.” “[Darkrooms are] expensive to set up at home, it’s dangerous … and it takes up a lot of room, too,” second-year photography student and lab tech Kathryn Ploetz said. “This isn’t just any old darkroom, this is top-ofthe-line,” Ploetz said about AACC’s analog photography studio. “It’s really impressive. This can support a 20-person class.”
AACC students struggling to choose a major can assess their personal values to help guide them. Photo by Christina Browning ‘How happy will you be with that?’ Sometimes people don’t think that out.” Lara compared learning about values to navigating directions through traffic with a GPS. “When we want to go somewhere in life, literally,
we set the GPS in our phone or in our cars and we get there,” Lara said. “Why not do the same thing for yourself, know what your values are and set your internal GPS to them so that you can get there in [the] most efficient way?”
14 | Campus Current | 2019 | September
Sports
Athletes aim for unity as fall season begins Christian Richey Associate Editor
AACC Women’s Soccer players said they expect their team to be more unified this season than last, when they finished the year with six wins and six losses. The Riverhawks ended last season as one of three teams to qualify for the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region 20 Tournament, but lost 1-0 to the Howard Community College Dragons in the semi-final game. Howard went on to win the regional championship. Head coach Karin Victorio said she noted a lack of unity last season. “We didn’t
gel as well as we could have,” Victorio said. Victorio praised last season’s players, but said she has loftier goals for this
2019 NJCAA Region 20 Men’s & Women’s DIII Soccer Tournament Hosted by AACC When: Nov 1 & 2 Where: Siegert Field
fall. “We had a good run; we went to regionals, and this year our goal is to get
beyond regionals,” Victorio said. Players returning from last year include defender and captain Alessandra Gargano, midfielder Hannah Hopkins, forward Aileen Rivera Cubero and forward Sudy Choc Ramirez. Ramirez, a second-year nursing student, said this season’s challenges include “getting to know each other a little bit more and getting comfortable with teammates.” Victorio also expressed confidence. “The chemistry already feels good,” Victorio said. Gargano, a second-year business communications student, noted she hopes for continued success. “I want
to go to nationals,” Gargano said. Victorio said students can still try out for the team. “It’s not too late,” Victorio said.
The Riverhawks started their season Aug. 21, visiting the Salisbury University Sea Gulls. The team’s first home game is Aug. 29 against Union County College.
bounced a different way, I think we would have won the game.” Returning second-year defender Cole Switzer said he felt “sad and happy at the same time. We had a good season; we lost in the finals, but we’re going to come back better this year.” Second-year accounting student Angel Calderon, a returning midfielder, agreed. “Last season was good. We got locked out in the end, but it was really something special,” Calderon said. Switzer and Calderon said they feel enthusiastic
about the upcoming season. “[I’m] pretty excited,” Calderon said. “I think we’ll do good.” “I think we should be really good again this year,” Switzer said. “We got a lot of good, skill[ed] players coming out, a lot of good freshmen, a couple returners. We should have a lot of good leadership and we should be able to … go to nationals.” The team started its season Aug. 19 at Salisbury University. The first home game is coming Sept. 6 against Community College of Baltimore County Essex at 5 p.m.
Players express hope for success this year Christian Richey Associate Editor
Second-year defender Cole Switzer (left) and second-year midfielder Angel Calderon say they are enthusiastic about the upcoming soccer season. Photo by Christian Richey
AACC Women's Soccer players say they have set their sights on a win at nationals this season. Photo by Christian Richey
AACC Men’s Soccer players said in August they feel confident about the upcoming season. The team ended last year with an 8-5-1 record. The season culminated with a loss in the NJCAA Division III Region 20 Tournament championship game, losing 2-1 to Howard Community College. “We came very close to winning the region,” head coach Nick Cosentino said. “I think if we were at full strength and the ball
LAX team 2nd in ntl. tourney Christian Richey Associate Editor
AACC Women's Lacrosse placed second in the NJCAA Lacrosse championship in mid-May. Photo courtesy of Frank Mitchell III
AACC hosted the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Women’s Lacrosse championship tournament at Siegert Field in mid-May. The Riverhawks placed second in the tournament, falling to Harford Community College, 22-12, in the
championship game. Post-season, four Riverhawks earned All-America honors from NJCAA— the most in a single year for Women’s Lacrosse since the team won the national championship in 2007. They are: Lacey Hinkle, Jordan Snyder, Natalie Sonntag and Bridgette Tayman.
Campus Current | 2019 | September | 15
Sports
Cross-country for men back
Women's CC starts new year
Amber Nathan Editor-in-Chief
Christian Richey Associate Editor The coach of AACC’s new Men’s Cross-Country team also took over as head coach of Women’s Cross-Country, starting this season. Coordinator of Athletics Keith Bigelow replaced longtime coach Jim Griffiths, who retired last season after his team won the Division III Region 20 championship. Griffiths will continue to coach Women’s Lacrosse this spring. “We have a long history of success as regional champions,” Bigelow said. “We’d
Men's Cross-Country returns to AACC this fall as the women's team preps for an Aug. 1 meet. Photo by Daniel Salomon like to continue that legacy.” Bigelow noted his optimism for the season, saying, “[I’m] very excited about it, looking forward to it.” Bigelow said the team would work to peak at around the time of the Region 20/MDJUCO Championships on Oct. 26.
VB team eyes winning term Christian Richey Associate Editor
AACC Volleyball players said they are preparing for the fall season with communication and connectedness in mind. The team concluded last season with a 6-14 record, losing in the NJCAA Division III Region 20 championship game 3-1 to Butler County Community College. New head coach Tatiana Cooper said the team has the talent for a successful postseason run. “I don’t see why we wouldn’t make it into [the] playoff[s] or even
finals,” Cooper said. Cooper said chemistry and communication will be key for success in the season. “I think that my girls have really good chemistry,” Cooper said. “As long as they have effective communication we should really go far.” Players echoed the coach’s sentiments, including second-year nursing student Tara Gabrielsen, who plays libero. “We all have good chemistry on the court,” Gabrielsen said. “One thing we need to focus on is communication.” Outside hitter Karen Bautista, a first-year athletic
Bigelow said his strategy includes limiting injuries. “The No. 1 thing for running is to run injury free,” he said. “[The team will] build slow and not overdo it.” The Riverhawks start their year Aug. 31 at the Salisbury University Fall Classic.
AACC Athletics brought back Men’s Cross-Country this semester after a 10-year absence. “We had a women’s team, so why not have a men’s team?” said Coordinator of Athletics Keith Bigelow, who will coach the team. Bigelow said Men’s Cross-Country will qualify as a team with five runners, making it easier to start up compared with other sports, which have an average of 20 players per squad. He said the team re-
Middle Taliyah Johnson (left), setter Grace Lindemann, outside hitter Sylvia Frye and right side Tori Cain practice for the upcoming Women's Volleyball season. Photo by Christian Richey training student, praised the team, saying her teammates' communication is a strength. “Everyone’s really good
here,” Bautista said. “We definitely had some weaknesses last season, but I feel like we can improve
AACC golfer Luke Schwartz scores 311 to finish 11th in the NJCAA Division III Men's Golf Championship. Photo courtesy of AACC Athletics
upon them this upcoming season,” Gabrielsen said. The team's season starts Aug. 27 at Allegany College.
Golfer scores 311 for 11th Christina Browning Multimedia Editor
Coffee with the t n e r r u C
quires fewer resources because the players’ main equipment is their running shoes. “It’s a relatively easy sport to bring on,” Bigelow said. “It was a no-brainer to have a men’s program.” Bigelow said his goal is to recruit at least five runners. Potential team members must be able to run five miles and take 12 credits per semester. They must also have a checkup from their doctors and submit the results to AACC Athletics. The team's season starts on Aug. 31 at the Salisbury University Fall Classic.
A second-year business administration student placed 11th in the NJCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championship in June.
Luke Schwartz scored 311 over the four-day tournament, earning him Second Team All-America honors. Former AACC student Michael Weller placed No. 42 with a final score of 328.
Mon. Aug 26, Noon-1 p.m. on the Quad Free coffee!
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Meet the news staff!
16 | Campus Current | 2019 | September
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION (SI)
What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)? An internationally recognized program that improves student success in targeted courses.
HOW DOES SI WORK? A student who excelled in one of the designated courses is recruited to be a peer student leader for study sessions outside of class. At SI sessions, students review notes, discuss questions, apply concepts, learn study skills and more. If your course offers SI, it will be announced the first day of class.
Students who attend SI sessions consistently do better than those who do not. Learn how to learn; be a student superstar!
BECOMING AN SI LEADER SI leaders are paid to attend lectures, prepare session plans, direct sessions, meet with the targeted course faculty member, attend trainings and keep attendance. Effective leaders are mature, communicate clearly and demonstrate strong subject knowledge. SI leaders need a faculty recommendation, must complete an application and attend an interview.
SI Student leaders are needed year round. APPLY NOW. Help fellow students to be more successful!
Visit us at www.aacc.edu and select the School of Science and Technology to learn more about SI sessions or how to become an SI leader; and call JosĂŠ Barata, STEM Initiatives, at 410-777-2376.