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The Independent Student Newspaper Of Anne Arundel Community College

www.thecampuscurrent.com

Preview AACC offers students a few testing tips to ensure their success on final exams, Page 4.

December 2016

Preview Students have come to a conclusion regarding the food on campus, Page 9.

Campus worries about President-elect Trump Tony Petro Club News Editor

Since President-elect Donald Trump’s victory on Nov. 8, campus police have found two swastikas on campus—one in a men’s bathroom stall and the other carved onto a picnic table in the Quad. Some students experienced what AACC President Dawn Lindsay described in an email as “name calling

and bigotry on our campus.” Faculty members have reported that many students have come to class upset about the election results. A group of students has formed a post-election support group that has been meeting nearly every day. “I am scared and disgusted,” Ian Deppa, a junior transfer studies major, said. “This is bad. I am scared specifically for minorities.” Freshman Ethan

Havener-Mudge said he is scared, too. “As someone who considers themselves a part of the LGBTQ community, I am scared and I fear for my friends and others in our situation,” Havener-Mudge said. “I am scared for anyone who isn’t white, straight or upper middle class.” Although AACC students have not protested Trump’s election on campus, some have said the the elec-

AACC’s strategic plan, or Engagement Matters, encourages faculty to help move students in the right direction so they can complete their community college education.

Amaranth wins awards Trevor Gardner Reporter The College Media Association on Oct. 31 ranked AACC’s Amaranth Literary Magazine No. 1 in the country among community colleges. The annual magazine also placed second in the Eastern Division of the Community College Humanities Association Awards for best literary publication from a large college.

Three Amaranth contributers placed in individual categories in the CCHA competition. Their awards were for short stories, artwork and scripts. “We’ve been applying for a few years and this is the first time we’ve come home with it,” Dr. Garrett Brown, co-adviser for Amaranth, said of their CMA Pinnacle Award. The CMA Pinnacle Awards recognize excellence

tion has left them upset. Around the country, students from UCLA to Yale to University of Mary-

land Baltimore County to Montgomery County high

Continued on page 3

Engagement matters with students, faculty Jesse Johnson Associate Editor

Faculty on campus engage students every day. Photo by Zach Tennant

Some students are afraid since Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

in content, design, art, writing and editing. The CCHA awards for literary magazines rewards aesthetics, correct editing, and strength of student work and ease of navigation. Amaranth Editor-in-Chief Jonas “Tintenseher” Pallaro-Sonneborn won a second-place CCHA award for his short story “Circe’s Cirque.”

Continued on page 3

The plan addresses three goals, Dan Baum, executive director of public relations and marketing, said: to recruit students; to track their progress while they’re here; and to ensure they complete the courses that will get them to the next level of their education.

“Our faculty get that their reaching out to a student … showing interest in a student … sending an email to a student, that is what’s going to continue to make our students successful,” AACC President Dawn Lindsay said.

Continued on page 3

Amaranth hosts an open mic night every month for students to perform. Photo by Britney Pieraldi

2 | Campus current | 2016 | December

Meet the Campus Current Staff Editor-In-Chief

Cody Colston Associate Editor

Jesse Johnson Graphic Designer & Photo Editor

Britney Pieraldi Digital Editor

Piper Lewis Campus Life Editor

Mary McKiel Entertainment Editor

Khadean Coombs Club News Editor

Tony Petro Sports Editor

Megan Ladabouche Reporters

Brad Dress Ashley Feeney Gabriella Flores Trevor Gardner Grace Koehne Tre Mooring Elizabeth Spearman James Whitley Photographers

Nyia Curtis Judi Handel Zach Tennant Gianella Quintana Social Media

Grace Koehne Elizabeth Spearman Adviser

Sharon O’Malley

Campus Current is here for the truth; here’s how you can help We at Campus Current understand that the students, faculty and administration aren’t used to having us around, and that’s OK. After not having a traditional newspaper on campus for more than a year, it is perfectly reasonable to be a little defensive or cautious when you find us poking and prodding around, and asking questions. News media are often described as the Fourth Estate; our role is to keep the other three branches of government in check. Now, that is not entirely honest because it doesn’t have any actual power over any of the goverment branches. It has no way to intervene in any affairs. It brings information about the affairs of the government to the people and lets them decide what to do with it. The news industry is required to remain as neutral as possible. On a micro level, that is Campus Current. The stu-

dents have a right to know and understand what is happening on their campus, be it positive or negative. It is then their right to act on said information if they would like to. We are not here with an agenda, to start fights or create stories out of nothing. We want facts and to understand every side of a story, nothing more. That is where you come in. To get every side of the story, we need to talk to as many people as possible. If we don’t, we are not doing our job. Giving us your side of the story gives you a voice. It ensures that you won’t feel like you’re being misrepresented or ignored. When you talk to us, you help keep us honest and our reporting balanced and fair. We don’t exist without you to begin with. Reporters are sort of the fly on the wall that observes more than participates. But it can sometimes seem that the

Campus Current editors and reporters meet every Thursday at 3:15 to pitch story ideas. Photo by Cody Colston fly catapults itself off of the wall and into your face when a story arises that involves you or your friends. We fully understand that. Still, with news stories come reporters. And like a piece of meat too savory to pass up, there will be flies buzzing around the story. There will always

Current Perspective

A student athlete’s life Mark Jacoby Guest Columnist I’m a student athlete. It’s a balancing act. I have to schedule my classes to accommodate soccer practice and games. Sometimes I have to miss soccer practices because of a required class. Luckily for me, I don’t miss many games. It’s hard to make school my priority when I miss important information my coaches give at practice because of classes or when I don’t get to train enough. In the same way, soccer makes it harder for me to get my schoolwork done. With all of the practices, games and traveling, I have a lot less time to do homework. I love soccer, but it is exhausting. After almost every practice and game, I am very tired. Sleep is all that’s on my mind. This makes completing schoolwork a lot harder. I never feel like doing it, but I push myself to get it done. If there’s a bright side,

Mark Jacoby gives his point of view on being a student athlete at AACC. Photo by Megan Ladabouche it’s this: I feel like I work a lot harder with the limited time I have, whether I’m spending it on studies or sports. Of course, I’m not sure I would manage my time

any differently if I didn’t play soccer. How well I do in school comes down to how committed I am to getting my schoolwork done. For student athletes, it all comes down to the urge to do well in school. My coach requires me to turn in a progress report signed by my teachers every other week. This forces me to stay on top of my schoolwork or endure the consequences. Soccer gives me more time with my friends. I hardly know anyone in my classes, so I’m basically quiet all day. Going to soccer practice brings me to life; it keeps me close to my friends. Yes, soccer does give me less time to focus on school, but overall I think soccer is beneficial to my school-life balance. I am forced to work harder and I have more motivation to do well in school. Plus, I have more time with the guys, which is always a lot of fun. Jacoby is a freshman architecture and interior design major.

be flies around when there is something appealing. It’s just in their nature to dive right into it. So please, don’t get nervous and antsy when we come around. We’re as friendly as they come. Come talk to us. We don’t bite, pinky promise.

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December | 2016 | campus current | 3

Writers place in Top 3 Continued from page 1 Managing Editor Emily Parks was one of three winners in the scripts category for her drama “Looking Glass.” Student Mikayla Hennessey placed third in the artworks category for her painting “Sunset Mindset.” “I was very surprised,” Pallaro-Sonneborn said of this prize. “I submitted it be-

Faculty engagement with students is a top pritority at AACC. Photo by Zach Tennant

cause I want to be a writer as my life career.” Amaranth co-adviser Dr. Susan Cohen, an award-winning writer, has been with the Amaranth literary publication for 20 years. “We stopped submitting for a number of years because it was just too expensive for us, and the college at the time wasn’t funding that, but I think we just had

so much faith in this journal that we did it,” Cohen said. “I want to say it’s all the students. We have this excellent staff, good leadership, a great designer; everyone on staff is really thoughtful on things they evaluate.” The award-winning edition of the Amaranth Literary Magazine is the 41st volume of the magazine. The first Amaranth volume was published in 1975.

CCHA and CMA recognize Amaranth and its contributors nationally for their work. Photo by Britney Pieraldi

Continued from page 1 Engaging students, Lindsay said, means making them feel welcome in the classroom and in the community. One way the college does that is through technology, she said. For example, the college can keep an eye on students’ progress and then alert them early in the semester of resources on campus if they are struggling, so they can receive the help they need for financial or personal issues. According to Lindsay, students at high risk of dropping out—those in the campus Student Achievement

and Success Program—are more likely to stay in school when a faculty member or administrator intervenes in case of a problem than they are without intervention. The program serves 1,000 students, Lindsay said. Baum and Lindsay said the most important part of the plan is the faculty’s passion and motivation to lift students to success. Without the faculty buy-in, Lindsay said, the plan would not go anywhere. “If [a potential faculty member] in an interview says to me, ‘I don’t have a role; if the student’s going to fail, they’re going to fail,’ then

they are the wrong instructor for this campus,” Lindsay said. “Our faculty doesn’t believe in that.” With more than 300 faculty volunteers engaging in the strategic plan, the instructors are broken up into 20 teams, including a student orientation team and another dedicated to engaging students who are taking online classes. The administration will refresh the plan every three years. “I see this [plan] as a national model,” Lindsay said. “I see us in three or four years becoming the model for the nation on how to

Some students simply “need to vent their frustrations,” Beth Mays, coordinator of health services, said. Those who “are deeply affected by [the election] results” might benefit from talking to counseling professionals, she said. AACC sophomore Zachary Rosenthal organized a group to encourage students to talk about how to deal with the election results. Rosenthal describes this new organization as a safe space for all students, no matter which candidate they supported. “Now is the time to act,” Rosenthal said. “My main fear is that people genuinely want to help, but don’t know how. I know everyone here at AACC wants to strive to reach goals, and I want to tap into that and get people to strive for change.” Rosenthal said the organization aims to make sure everyone feels included and that they can make a difference. “Just because you are

part of the majority doesn’t mean you can’t stand up to defend and fight for the minorities,” Rosenthal said. Rosenthal suggested a revision to a Trump slogan: “America doesn’t need to be made great again because we already are great. We just need to know how to use that greatness.” Dr. Suzanne Spoor, professor of English and gender studies, attends the group meetings. “Because this election has been so divisive, not just for Hillary supporters, this group was made to provide people with a safe space to react,” Spoor said. “We have a desire to stand for non-violence and find common ground among members of both parties.” Spoor said the group members’ main fear is violence in the community. “We want to work toward a world where all people have access to the same resources,” Spoor said. President Barack

Faculty engages with students

Election shakes AACC Continued from page 1 schools have staged protests since Trump defeated opponent Hillary Clinton. In an email to faculty, Lindsay noted, “It is natural for some to be excited and confident … while others feel defeated and dejected. “Inevitably, elections result in winners and losers. ... This year’s election was particularly contentious.” She said the email was “to remind everyone that we are an inclusive community that values open-mindedness, respect for one another and equity. With that in mind, I ask that we continue to be compassionate and patient with our students and with one another.” Students seeking a safe place to speak their minds or talk out their feelings may visit the campus office of Counseling, Advising and Retention Services. They also may join the support group in Humanities Room 117 at 12:30 on weekdays.

make this work happen.” Some students said faculty engagement helps. “The teachers always direct me the right way to answer stuff,” Will Workman, a third-year student, said. “If I have further questions in math class, they send me to the math center and they explain it better.” Other students have found that the faculty engages them more than they need. “I think the faculty are fine, but they try too hard,” said third-year student Nick DePietro. “I think most of the students here are parttime, so students don’t have enough time for the faculty.”

Dr. Suzanne Spoor volunteers to console students who have had a hard time with the election results. Photo by Britney Pieraldi Obama had some encouraging words for young voters following the election. “To the young people who got into politics for the first time and may be disap-

pointed by the results, I just want you to know, you have to stay encouraged,” Obama said. “Don’t get cynical; don’t ever think you can’t make a difference.”

4 | Campus current | 2016 | December

Commuters weigh in on parking availability Grace Koehne Reporter

AACC students said parking on campus after 8 a.m. is nearly impossible. In an informal poll of 20 students in November, 17 told Campus Current that parking on campus was difficult, while two said they had no problems with parking.

“There’s a lot of parking by the annexes, which I think people don’t realize,” said AACC sophomore Jessica Bone. AACC’s campus has 4,532 parking spaces, with 3,845 available for student parking. However, the number of available spots seems to take away the luxury of parking near where classes

Advisers offer testing advice Tre Mooring Reporter

Counseling, Advising and Retention Services will hold testing workshops for anxious students on Dec. 6 and 7, just in time for finals week. Counselor Diane Passero said the main causes for test anxiety are pressure, uncertainty, competition and lack of preparation. “People experience anxiety in so many different ways,” Passero said. “People don’t even realize that it is a problem or that it is something they can fix and focus on.” During workshops in October and November, students learned to start studying early, to get a good night’s sleep before test day,

to drink lots of water before and during exams and to visualize their success. “Spread [your studying] out over several days and weeks; don’t wait until the last minute,” Passero said. “You cannot get it in your long-term memory in a short period of time if you want to have access to the information” during a test. Passero stressed that confidence and staying calm when going into a test are important to success. Still, students said it’s hard to stay calm when their grades are on the line. “[Testing] makes me not sleep at night,” Allison Rose, a freshman computer science major, said. “I think some people aren’t good test takers and it isn’t fair. Some people can do perfectly fine

are held on campus. “Parking is awful,” said freshman Ray Narvaez. “I had to park so far away that I now get dropped off by a friend or parent.” The consistent answer from the poll has been before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m. as the prime times to find a decent parking spot. “Early mornings and

The best times to park on campus are before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m., according to students. Photo by Brad Dress evenings it’s good, but otherwise you end up fighting for a parking spot and it can get pretty scary,” said first-semester student Kari King. While funding for the

AACC’s renovated Military/Veterans Resource Center offers guidance for student veterans on campus. Through the center, 500 veterans a month get mentoring and help transferring to other colleges and applying veterans’ benefits for education. The GI Bill offers educational assitance to service members, veterans, and their dependents. “What I do is try to help that population understand what it means to go to school and use their benefits, and how to actually understand how to transition to the col-

The Veterans Center underwent renovations in July 2015. Photo by Britney Pieraldi lege from the military,” said Harlan Harrell, military/veterans student success and retention adviser. Veterans have access to a study room in the Resource Center in the library. Vet-

Experts meet to reflect

Khadean Coombs Entertainment Editor

Counselor Diane Passero is one of the advisers who gives testing advice to students. Photo by Jesse Johnson and others psych themselves out on a test, causing them to fail a class.” Others said Passero’s tips are on point and very resourceful. “I do believe [her advice] help[s] because it puts you in a good mind-set and if

you don’t drink water and get good sleep you won’t feel well or be able to concentrate,” said Emmett Brown, a Slavic studies and foreign affairs major. Finals week runs from Dec. 12 to Dec. 18 for 15week classes.

erans also get access to adjustment counselors, whom Harrell calls “transition therapists.” Reconnection workshops are also available to help veterans transition to civilian life. In addition, the center trains administrators, faculty and staff to advocate for student veteran equity on campus. The college remodeled and added programs to the Resoruce Center in July 2015. Pedro Marin, an engineering transfer major and U.S. Navy veteran, said transitioning to campus life can be difficult. Veterans have to adjust to civilian life from their military life, he said, so

getting used to dealing with faculty, staff and students may take time. “[Veterans] are coming to [AACC] to trust us with their education,” AACC President Dawn Lindsay said. “We wanted to put our veterans in the center of resources that can help them, and give them an area where they feel safe.” The campus celebrated Veterans Appreciation Week from Nov. 7-18 with activities including a Veterans Day ceremony and reception in the west campus Ampitheatre on Nov 11. More than 1,500 veterans attend AACC. More than half are women.

Campus appreciates veterans Brad Dress Reporter

new Health Sciences and Biology building is still in the process of receiving approval, the area where the building is will require an additional 220 spaces.

AACC hosted two A Meeting of the Minds events this semester to raise student awareness about police brutality and suicide. The first 75-minutemeeting, on Oct. 27, focused on Colin Kaepernick, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who started a silent protest by kneeling during the singing of the national anthem in response to police brutality against African-Americans. Kaepernick’s kneel influenced other players to kneel as well. At the second meeting on Nov. 11, students discussed suicide and the resources available on campus. “As someone who has dealt with suicide personally, I’m [happy] that they have a meeting ... where people like me can share their experiences,” sophomore Juliann Felder said. Expert speakers included professionals in law, human services and counseling. AACC psychology professor Dr. Matthew Yeazel also participated in the meetings. “The A Meeting of the Minds piece about suicide came at the right time,” Yeazel said, “because we were coming out of an election where there was so much stuff going on.” According to Dr. Suzanne Spoor, an English and gender studies professor who helped put the meetings together, future gatherings will include discussions on transgender support and activism.

December | 2016 | campus current | 5

Students see campus looks as AACC feature Brad Dress Reporter

AACC students told Campus Current in November that the campus’s well-maintained look is their favorite thing about the college. In an informal poll of 20 students, 10 said the buildings and grounds, and the atmosphere and quality of the campus welcomed them and invited them to stay longer. “It is a really inviting campus,” said Norvain Sharps, a Broadneck High School Jump Start student. “I feel really comfortable just to be around here.” Brandon Pronet, a firstyear transfer student, said he is impressed with the

campus, remarking it is nicer than his previous college campus. “The campus is nice, Pronet said. “I’ve been to [Community College of Baltimore County] before, and it was not nearly as nice.” Students said they also enjoy the campus because it is local, and commuting is better than going away to school. “[Other] community colleges are not as nice,” Monica Hager, a third-year psychology major, said. “Commuting somewhere without actually going away … it’s something different.” Other students said they like the diversity and programs at the campus. “The diversity adds a

lot of new ideas and perspectives,” Taylor Boyd, a firstyear pre-med major, said. ”I like that there are so many people of different backgrounds here.” The small classes here give faculty a chance to interact with the students on a personal level, and the students enjoy it, some of the students in the poll said. “I like the small classes,” Samuel Genovese, a second-year surgical tech major, said. “The teachers are able to focus on their students. You don’t seem to get swallowed in the crowd.” Eleven of the 20 students said they are satisfied or content with the campus, and wouldn’t change any

ARNOLD CAMPUS SHOWS OFF ITS FALL STYLE

The look of the AACC Arnold Campus, students’ favorite thing about the college, changes color as fall rolls in. Photos by Britney Pieraldi

Students tell Campus Current that their favorite thing about AACC is the face of the campus. Photo by Britney Pieraldi part of the Arnold campus. The campus at Arnold is maintained by Larry Gregory, the facilities planning and construction director, and his team of maintenance workers. The Arnold campus opened in 1967 with Andrew

G. Truxal as president. Then, the campus was 165 acres. Since then, the Arnold campus has grown to occupy 230 acres. The campus has two sites separate from Arnold in Arundel Mills and Glen Burnie.

6 | Campus current | 2016 | December

AACC fashion trending

Opera or rock? 2in-1 night

Khadean Coombs Entertainment Editor

Jesse Johnson Associate Editor AACC’s Opera Club hosted the History of Rock Opera production Nov. 19 for a crowd of 300 people. The show offered an indepth look at the history of rock opera—or a rock group’s way of telling a story with multiple songs. Conductor Douglas Brandt Byerly, associate music professor, wrote the opera. “[The show] is both a history lesson and a music lesson combined,” Byerly said. “I said, ‘How do we do a concert and convey that not only to the public, but to our faculty and students as well?’” Performances in the CC1_10x7-5_2015_Layout 1 10/13/15 show featured Opera Club

The show displays student and alumni talents. Photo by Nyia Curtis students as soloists or part of a choir. Alumni and adjunct faculty members made guest appearances. Songs included “See Me, Feel Me/Listening To You” by The Who and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie and “Purple Rain” by Prince paid homage to both artists, who died this year. Byerly will conduct AACC’s Concert Choir on Dec. 12, and AACC’s upcoming opera production, “The 2:49 PM Page 1 Magic Flute,” on Jan. 27.

Students at AACC are wearing printed leggings to keep stylish this semester. Designs such as elephants and floral prints adorn these leggings, and students have found them to be the most durable pants they own. All Fashion and Makeup, a beauty website, found that skinny pants with large and colorful designs on them are emerging as a national fashion trend this fall. Likewise, FashionGum, a website dedicated to seasonal fashion trends, has found that printed pants with a design on them are up-and-coming for 2017. Britney Pieraldi, a sophomore, said she finds patterned clothing to be different from other clothing. “I like wearing patterned clothing because I

Sophomore Britney Pieraldi likes wearing patterned leggings. Photo by Jesse Johnson think it creates such a diverse texture and feel to what you’re wearing,” Pieraldi said. Some students have barred buying pants that are already printed and have forged on to make their own. “I’m obsessed with tiedye,” said Molly Norfolk, a nursing major. “I made [a pair] myself with just white leggings and a tie dye kit.” Identity seems to be the most common motivation for

wearing printed leggings, and students are not afraid to show off who they really are through them. “I like to express myself through fashion,” said Shannon McElwee, a theater arts major. “I like wearing a lot of funky pieces. It’s just a way to express myself and my individuality.” Boots with knee-highsocks and large hoodies are other trends on campus.

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December | 2016 | campus current | 7

Campus clubs benefit students who engage Tony Petro Club News Editor

AACC students juggle full schedules with work and school, and some choose to add to their busy days by participating in clubs. They say they end up benefitting from the extracurricular activities. “Most students, because this is a community college, don’t get involved with the school too much, but clubs help with that,” Connor Kelly, History Club treasurer, said. “They also help students get in contact with professors and other programs around the school.”

Professor Shad Ewart teaches cannabis entrepreneurship classes. Photo by Nyia Curtis

Steve Kreider, program coordinator for the Office of Student Engagement, called AACC’s student organizations “a great opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills.” Surveys about club membership bear that out. A study by George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education & Human Development lists social opportunities, personal development and leadership skills as the top benefits of student club memberships. A Bentley University study found club members benefit from networking opportunities, an expanded resume

and a break from regular course work. Central Maine Community College’s survey revealed that clubs help students discover new passions, create lasting relationships and ease the transition to a four-year school. According to AACC’s Student Engagement website, the top reasons to join clubs on campus are growth and development, connecting to college resources and programs, and offering students the ability to get involved. Danny Jacob, president of the AACC student organization Students Out to Destroy Assumptions, or

Malik Harris Reporter An AACC professor last month said entrepreneurs should “think beyond the recreational use of cannabis” because it has become part of “a multimillion-dollar cash business.” Shad Ewart, an assistant professor of business management, told student members of the AACC Entrepreneur’s Club that the emerging cannabis industry

could create jobs in security, data, transportation “and so much more.” In 2014, Maryland became the 18th state to decriminalize the possession of cannabis, so those with fewer than 10 grams are committing a civil rather than a criminal offense. The penalty for a first-time offender is $100. Ewart, who teaches a class called “Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Expanding Markets: Cannabis,” said le-

efit the AACC Food Pantry. “I think it’s really great how charitable AACC is around the holiday season,” said second-year student Alexa Horeff. “It really brings the school together.” The Ceramics Club also hosted a holiday pottery sale, featuring ceramic pieces hand-made by students and their instructors, on Nov. 28. Looking forward to December, students and faculty will mix final exams with holiday events on campus. The campus will host Breakfast with Santa on Dec.

3 in the Student Union dining hall. The event is open to students, faculty, staff and their families, and features free breakfast, an appearance by Santa and a craft session. The campus Toys for Tots drive runs through Dec. 15. AACC’s Department of Public Safety is sponsoring the drive and has a drop-off box for new toys in the Central Services building. Finals week is Dec. 1318. AACC President Dawn Lindsay said she is looking forward to spending time

AACC students and faculty have been preparing for the holidays since the end of October. Throughout November, the college hosted events leading to the Thanksgiving holiday. These events included a food drive to help struggling families, hosted by the Professional and Support Staff Organization Community Service Committee, and the Empty Bowls Project, selling soup and rolls to ben-

Ho Ho Holiday Hints Even on a low-crime campus like AACC, crime can spike during the holidays, AACC Police Chief Sean Kapfhammer told cam-

SODA, said his club has allowed him to get to know faculty members and students. SODA advocates inclusion and acceptance of students with disabilities. Jacob said participating in the club has helped him rid

himself of his assumptions. “These clubs are a way to give students a voice,” Jacob said. “Whatever [else] students are a part of, these clubs give them the opportunity to change and add to that environment.”

galizing medicinal cannabis is Maryland’s “greatest opportunity.” Medical marijuana is legal in Maryland, but the state is still in the process of reviewing applications from those hoping to open dispensaries. “My best guess is by summer 2017, you will see dispensaries that are able to openly sell medicinal cannabis to patients,” Ewart said.“You’ll literally be able to walk to the nearest dispen-

sary and get your medicinal cannabis right there.” Under the Controlled Substances Act, cannabis is considered a narcotic, so researchers can study it, but they cannot test it on humans in the U.S. The San Francisco-based Arcview Group estimated Maryland medicinal cannabis sales at more than $60 million by 2020. However, Ewart said, “It’s an absolute, brutally tough industry to get into.”

Pot professor offers expertise

Santa Claus is coming Grace Koehne Reporter

The History Club visits Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Photo by Tony Petro

pus journalism students last month. He offered their class a few tips for staying safe during a season that should be relaxing and fun.

T Don’t leave Christmas gifts or other valuables in your car when you’re not in it. Stow them in the trunk or take them with you. It’s common for thieves to peek into car windows to look for anything worth taking.

The AACC Department of Public Safety and Police holds a Toys for Tots drive every year. Photo courtesy of AACC Office of Public Safey and Police with loved ones over the holidays. “I think that balance that comes when we’re with

our family and friends outside of our work makes us better workers,” she said.

T Whether you’re walking around campus or out shopping, stay in well-lighted areas. T Park your car in a place that’s familiar to you so you won’t have to wander around looking for it—espe-

cially after dark. T Travel in pairs or groups. Look out for each other. T Don’t carry your phone in your hand. Hide it in your pocket or bag so it’s out of sight.

8 | Campus current | 2016 | December

Science Night delights Elizabeth Spearman Reporter The AACC science department hosted Science Night in the Student Union Building and Pascal Center in November. The event allowed the public to come and see the experiments AACC students have been working on in their science classes. Science Night showed off the science behind ocean life and body parts. The event also exhibited a live snake and a science show for children. Choosing what would be in Science Night was up to the students, who showed off personal projects they had to do in their classes. “I was interested in why sponges were considered an-

imals, because I didn’t know that before taking zoology,” sophomore Julia Crothers said. When explaining her project to the children, she used the character SpongeBob SquarePants as an example, which got the youngsters’ attention. Most of the projects at Science Night were hands on and educational, with a fun twist. The projects included making tornadoes in bottles, holding human hearts covered in plastic and using bananas as circuit boards. The main attraction of the night was the science show, starring Dr. Jason Barbour and Dr. Greg Schrader, AACC professors. The audience was filled mostly with elementary and middle schoolers. The show

had demonstrations that displayed liquid nitrogen, lying on a bed of nails, flying across the stage with pressured air and Newton’s laws of motion. “We perform together for kids all the time,” Schrader said. “Seeing them get so excited and then having the kids come up to us after the show and ask questions, it shows they are paying some type of attention.” Nine-year old Jimmy Green said his favorite part of Science Night was seeing the snake and learning cool facts about it, while his 6-year old sister said she loved the body parts display. Science Night brought in approximately 100 children from the community to watch presentations of 25 experiments.

AACC FACULTY SHOWS OFF FOR SCIENCE NIGHT Dr. Greg Schrader (left) and Dr. Jason Barbour create science experiments for the crowd. Photos by Martia Mariano

Science Night showcases student science projects and live experiments by professors. Photo by Martia Mariano

December | 2016 | campus current | 9

Student ideas win big prizes Tony Petro Reporter

AACC student Nicholas Kiraly took home $1,250 after winning the first-place and fan-favorite prizes at the seventh annual Big Idea Competition in November. His idea, Structural Inspections, was to use drones to inspect rooftops, bridge trusses and other hard-toreach places to eliminate risks for construction workers.

Two other student contestants won cash prizes. Second-place winner Austin Fitzpatrick won $500 for “Changing the Way We Park,” which proposed using lights like those in airport parking garages to notify students of open spots in campus parking lots. “I like competition,” Fitzpatrick said. Student Ola Bamisaiye won a third-place prize for “findaVeteran,” an app

Students take home a combined $2,000 from the Big Idea Competition. Photo by Britney Pieraldi or website that would help homeless veterans find shelters. “I figured I would need to raise money for this sooner or later,” said Bamisaiye, who plans to use his $250 prize to launch the project. Carlene Cassidy, chair of

Poll: Food options fine Brad Dress Amanda Haney Reporters Students at AACC said they are mostly satisfied with the food selections on campus. In an informal poll of 22 students on campus last month, 13 said they enjoyed the food options here, five said they are dissatisfied and four said they do not buy their lunch on campus. “For the past two and a half years the food options have gotten better,” Aris Sol-

omon, an aerospace engineering major, said. AACC’s main campus has three dining locations: The Hawk’s Nest Grill & Deli in the dining hall of the Student Union building; a limited-menu Chick-fil-A in the atrium of the CALT building; and a Subway on the first floor of the Careers building. Chick-fil-A is the most popular option among the students in the poll. However, Chick-fil-A on campus does not offer its famous waffle fries, and according to freshman Jaila

Ennis, a forensic science major, “Chick-fil-A should have French fries.” Sophomore Khadean Coombs, a transfer studies major, said Chick-fil-A fare does not taste like the food from the chain’s full-service restaurants. Six of the students said they would like to see options such as Chipotle, Starbucks, Firehouse Subs and Einstein Bagels on campus. Amanda Kissinger, a second-year transfer studies major, said not many healthy options are available.

the Entrepreneurial Studies Institute, which sponsored the seven-year-old contest, said students submitted their ideas on video for the first time this year. Judges were three AACC alumni: Christian Hendricks, who won the

Students tell Campus Current they enjoy the food selections on campus. Photo by Britney Pieraldi In a second informal poll of 10 students regarding the Hawk’s Nest, seven said the prices were too high. “The Grill is too expensive,” Ben Brown, a first-year business major, said. “It’s like eight bucks for a sub. Come on now, can you make it like four at least?”

Campus smoking ban popular Brad Dress Tony Petro Reporter and Club News Editor AACC students said in November they appreciate the clean, smoke-free air on campus since the Board of Trustees banned smoking in 2015. In an informal poll of 20 students around campus, 19 of 20 said they are glad the campus is smoke-free. “I love it,” Noah Stewart, a junior and a political science major, said. “I study outside a lot, in the quads by Humanities and West Campus. Smoking changes the atmosphere and it’s a huge distractor to those who don’t smoke.” The Board of Trustees banned smoking and other tobacco products from all three campuses in July 2015. AACC became the 14th of Maryland’s 16 community colleges to ban smoking after

AACC students say they support the on-campus smoking ban, according to a November poll. Photo by Britney Pieraldi the college conducted a poll of students’ feelings regarding smoking. AACC offers free resources to help tobacco users kick the habit. The resources, funded by the Anne Arundel County Health Department, include free nicotine patches, gum and counseling. On Nov. 17, AACC Health Services brought the Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative to campus by

hosting “Take a 1Day Stand Against Tobacco.” The event, at which smokers could sign a pledge to quit, celebrated the American Cancer Society’s national Great American SmokeOut. Two mobile carts went around campus with pledge cards, Chick-fil-A, candy and water as incentives for smokers to sign. “We want to increase awareness,” Carol Jacobson,

competition in 2009; Luke Makris; and 2013 winner Carolina Seldes. “Being an entrepreneur is a skill set,” Hendricks said. “The more you are immersed, the better you will get and the faster you will reach your goals.”

an AACC tobacco prevention/cessation coordinator, said. Jacobson said she met with more than 30 students this semester to help them quit. Students in the informal poll said the no-smoking policy is a good change. “I don’t smoke, so I guess it’s fine,” sophomore Noah Duncan, a sports medicine major, said. “I mean people used to linger and non-smokers were offended by the smell. Smoking also can definitely be inappropriate at times.” Sean Burton, a second-year EMT transfer student, said that the ban helps him quit smoking. “I’m actually trying to quit,” Burton said. “It helps me out too. It definitely encourages me not to smoke.” Any student who gets caught smoking on campus must pay a $50 fine. Students are allowed to smoke in their cars.

“I don’t know how much consideration they take in the fact that we are on college-level student budgets,” Will Deibert, a second-year transfer studies major, said. Seven of the 10 students said they would eat at Subway or Chick-fil-A instead of the Grill.

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10 | Campus current | 2016 | December

Campus crime rate low Brad Dress Reporter AACC’s Arnold campus is nearly crime-free, the police chief told a class of journalists in November. Chief Sean Kapfhammer attributed the low crime rate to the affluent surround-

ing neighborhoods, the police presence on campus and the college’s lack of dorms. “The most serious thing [we have here] is larcenies,” Kapfhammer said. “And we really don’t have a whole lot of those here.” In 2015, AACC had 81 crimes across its three cam-

By the numbers Theft is the most common crime on the AACC campus, according to the Department of Public Safety and Police 2016 Annual Security Report. Police Chief Sean Kapfhammer said petty larceny—stolen laptops, for instance—account for most thefts. In 2015, the latest year for which statistics are available, 23 larcenies occurred on the Arnold campus, down from 41 in 2014 and 55 in 2014. On the Glen Burnie Town Center campus, liquor law violations were most

common in 2015, with 10 occurrences. At the Arundel Mills site, the most-reported crime was larceny, with four incidents. The report showed 81 crimes across AACC’s three campuses in 2015. Vandalism is the second-most reported crime on the Arnold campus, with nine incidents in 2015, followed by assaults and disorderly conduct, with eight reports each. Police were involved with one call each for domestic violence, fraud and indecent exposure in 2015.

puses, mostly larcenies. Kapfhammer said police officers are visible on campus at all times. At night, however, security staffing is at a “bare minimum” because so few people are on campus, so crime is less likely to occur. Two kinds of officers patrol the campus, the chief explained. Officers wearing white shirts are public safety officers, and those dressed in blue are police officers. Each police officer carries a firearm, a baton, a radio, plastic gloves and Mace, Kapfhammer said. Public safety officers carry Mace and handcuffs. The department has about 30 officers. Officers, who complete a six-month police academy course, learn criminal, vehicular and constitutional law and self-defense, among other skills, the chief said. AACC students interested in majoring in law enforcement can volunteer for the campus Lot Patrol pro-

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individuals to join our team! If you are fun, energetic, and filled with school spirit, we want you! Currently seeking Mascot Performers and Handlers. Very flexible schedule, perform only when you are available. More information can be found at www.aaccathletics.com/landing/swoop ww For more information visit www.aacc.edu/studentengagement or contact 410-777-2218. Noti of Nondiscrimination: AACC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, ADA Title 504 compliant institution. Call DisNotice ability Support Services, 410-777-2306 or Maryland Relay 711, 72 hours in advance to request most accommodations. Requests for sign language interpreters, alternative format books or assistive technology require 30 days’ notice. For information on AACC’s compliance and complaints concerning sexual assault, sexual misconduct, discrimination or harassment, contact the federal compliance officer and Title IX coordinator at 410-777-1239, complianceofficer@aacc.edu or Maryland Relay 711.

According to the AACC Office of Public Safety and Police, campus has little crime except an occasional petty theft. Photo by Jesse Johnson gram, Kapfhammer said. Patrol employees wear yellow vests and carry flashlights, and escort students and others to their cars on request. The campus Department of Public Safety and Police also hold rape aggression defense classes for wom-

en and train students for the Community Emergency Response Team, which will activate in an emergency. “As long as we put our safety programs out there, have the department fully staffed [and] keep our eyes open,” Kapfhammer said, “we can keep the place safe.”

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December | 2016 | campus current | 11

Cross country wins 7th place

B&A Trail attaches to AACC Megan Ladabouche Sports Editor The Maryland Department of Transportation in November funded a plan to connect the B&A Trail in Arnold to AACC. The state assigned $200,760 for the design of improvements to the B&A walking and hiking trial. The project eventually will connect the path to AACC and to the Broadneck Peninsula Trail. The connector will be located at College Parkway along the main entrance of the college. The connector would create “more opportunities for walking,” Deborah Hammond, assistant professor of health, fitness and exercise studies and adviser of the Health and Wellness Club

Megan Ladabouche Sports Editor

The B&A Trail will connect to the Broadneck Peninsula Trail via AACC by fiscal year 2017. Photo by Britney Pieraldi at AACC, said. “It would encourage students to walk to school.” Hammond said the connector would allow more opportunity for students to walk in a safe environment to school. “As a person who walks to school almost every day, the trail would help a lot because there’s currently not sufficient sidewalk space on College Parkway so I have to walk through neighborhoods, extending the time it takes me to get to school,” freshman Zachary Tennant said. Hammond also said this connector would allow her students in the Health

and Wellness Club to extend their field trips and activities to places off campus. Members of the Health and Wellness Club and Adventure Society Club use the trails already on campus. “Just having the connector would be beneficial,” Health and Wellness Club member and psychology major Francesca Vertucci said. “[It would] really attract a lot of people. Any way to get people more physically active.” Construction on the B&A Trail Connector will begin in fiscal year 2017, according to Anne Arundel County.

AACC Women’s Cross Country finished seventh at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national championship last month. Head coach Jim Griffiths said he is proud of the runners. “We went into the meet seventh in the country and we finished seventh place,” he noted. Co-captain and sophomore Sidney Hinkle said the team had to place seventh or better in order to keep its national standing. “A lot of our girls [ran their] … personal record, their personal best,” co-captain and sophomore Romina Montes Rodriguez said. “Overall we were pleased with how we raced and that’s all you can do,” Hinkle said.

According to Griffiths, the terrain at the meet in Fingerlakes, New York, was wet and soggy, unlike what AACC runners usually train on. “It was a difficult course … but overall they ran really, really well at the meet,” Griffiths said. Rodriguez said the team prepared for nationals by running up hills. “We knew there was going to be this really big hill, and so throughout the season we … really had to work on hills … so that no other team would be as ready for the hill as we were,” she said. Last year AACC Cross Country was seventh in the nation before the national championship, where they finished fourth. “Everyone was happy we placed in the top 10 but kind of disappointed because last year we placed fourth,” Hinkle said.

12 | Campus current | 2016 | December