The Independent Student Newspaper of Anne Arundel Community College
www.thecampuscurrent.com
February 2017 Preview
Preview
AACC’s Opera Club presents a The History Club is taking a step away rendition of a Mozart masterpiece, from sports and onto the stage with its Page 10. new theme, Page 11.
’17-’18 budget proposal to include tuition raise Jesse Johnson Editor-In-Chief
Tuition and fees are on track to increase by $3 per credit hour for in-county students in Fall 2017. The tuition hike is expected as part of a proposed campus operating budget for fiscal year 2018, which the Board of Trustees is scheduled to approve on Feb. 28.
Tuition has increased by $3 per credit hour every fiscal year since 2014. In fiscal 2013, tuition went up by $16 per credit hour. In 2012, it rose by $5 per credit hour. AACC administrators have said they expect this year’s increase to match last year’s. One of the college’s budget goals for fiscal 2018 is “small tuition and fee increases while maximizing
Stats satisfies gen ed credit Jesse Johnson Editor
Elementary statistics is becoming the go-to math course to fulfill the general education math requirement at AACC. Students who are not pursuing their degrees in STEM programs—science, technology, engineering and math—no longer have to take college algebra or trigonometry. Instead, they may take
enrollment,” according to Public Relations and Marketing Director Dan Baum. Predictably, students said they oppose any increase in tuition. “[Tuition] is already expensive as it is,” said Emily Sapienza, a freshman elementary education major. “Classes and books are expensive too, and it is a struggle.”
Tuition in Fall 2017 will increase by $3 per credit hour. Photo by Britney Pieraldi Baum said the trustees favor small, consistent increases in tuition and in the overall campus operating budget over occasional, large spikes.
The operating budget, which pays for college expenses unrelated to buildings and other facilities on
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an alternative math course, like elementary statistics. “Students engage with the [statistics] material because they can see the value in it,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, associate vice president of learning and academic affairs and the former The MAT 013 and MAT 135 combination course allows a professor to teach the two math department chair. classes in the same semester in an accelerated fashion. “Students benefit because they can learn something in a While AACC has of- college algebra. math course have broadened math class that they can im- fered the elementary statisThrough changes to a to include alternatives to colmediately apply to their own tics course for some time, the state regulation in 2014, quallives.” prior go-to math course was ifications for a college-level Continued on Page 3
Women’s study reveals trends Roxanne Ready Reporter A 64-year-old woman takes classes at AACC between caring for her grandchildren and working full time overnight. Another student has four children and works full time. And one will graduate with her associate’s degree in May after 13 years
as a student at the college. Angela Mauney, a cybersecurity analyst for the U.S. Department of State, collected these stories last fall as part of a project to increase awareness about the struggles faced by AfricanAmerican women who are non-traditional learners. Mauney is working on her doctorate in higher edu-
cation leadership at Colorado State University. From October to December, Mauney conducted a study on campus of 11 female African-American students ages 25 and older. Mauney found that more than 60 percent of those students are single parents. Many are the first in their families to attend college.
Mauney, an Army veteran who returned to school in 2009 after her tour, said she identifies closely with the nontraditional learners. “I’m hoping that this study will make a direct impact on those students,” said Mauney, who interviewed 11
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Researcher Angela Mauney studied 11 African-American women from AACC. Photo courtesy of Angela Mauney
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OPINION MEET THE CAMPUS CURRENT STAFF
Editor-In-Chief
Jesse Johnson Associate Editor
Brad Dress Graphic Designer & Photo Editor
Britney Pieraldi Reporters
Jymyaka Braden Trevor Gardner Tre Mooring Tony Petro Roxanne Ready James Whitley Digital Editor
Piper lewis Photographers
Brad dress nyia curtis Britney Pieraldi Faculty Adviser
Sharon O’Malley
Campus Current cherishes our environment; just take a look There are soaring trees and beautiful brick buildings, lined and well-kept walkways, arching statues of art and gazebos for students to flock to and converse with their friends. This description details the campus. Beautiful, right? On campus, we are blessed to have such a glorious setting, complete with study rooms, an amphitheater, and by golly, even a bridge spanning over a nature trail. If you don’t realize it, do so now. We have an amazing campus environment that is easily accessible and welcomes students with open arms. It is easy to traverse, to learn, and it definitely isn’t too big for students when we’re running late we can still make it to class on time if we run—even if we have to go all the way across campus. Campus Current is in deep, infatuating love with AACC. Call us love sick, but AACC, compared to other community colleges in the nation, is like the prettiest
one of a group of very pretty girls, with flowing blonde hair, silky smooth tan skin and blue eyes like the Caribbean ocean. AACC functions almost like a full-blown college, and many would be lost in believing it is if the words “community college” were not stapled across every building you go to. The outside campus isn’t all we have at AACC. If it were, our boasting would stop right here. But we have high end Apple Mac computers; a couple of fast-food restaurants because we college kids are bottomless pits; green bean bag chairs overlooking a Martin Luther King Jr. statue—and yes, we have an MLK statue on West Campus. We hope it is sinking in by now. We’re not even at the good stuff yet. Did you ever notice the towering art statue in front of the Careers Center? And here’s a really good one: We have an observatory
The AACC Arnold campus sheds its fall coat as the seasons change. Photo by Britney Pieraldi on our main campus. We would like to give a special shout out to the staff, which is equally as glorious as the campus itself; the staff from every department and job, from the police department to the administrators. They work hard to keep this
campus afloat and they treat us with as much love and care as our own mothers. So maybe next time you set your two feet on campus, take a brief look around. Soak in the environment, the staff and the buildings. You might just smile a little.
From the Navy to AACC Jacob Baumgart 410-777-2803 campuscurrentadverts @gmail.com Twitter @campus_current Facebook Facebook.com/CampusCurrentPaper Instagram campuscurrentaacc
AACC has two kinds of budgets: a capital budget to pay for buildings and other facilities, and an operating budget to pay for the college’s ongoing expenses. The college relies on the state and Anne Arundel County for capital funds. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in late January proposed the state’s capital budget, which includes full funding for AACC’s planned Health Sciences and Biology building, “so we are ready to go when funding becomes available on July 1,” the first day
of fiscal year 2018, AACC President Dawn Lindsay said in an email to the college community. With that money, the college will remove the Schwartz building, the campus swimming pool and the tennis courts, move the modular building and relocate part of Ring Road before breaking ground on the health sciences project. “This is great,” Melissa Beardmore, vice president for learning resources management, said of Hogan’s move. “We’re rounding third base and heading for home.”
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ping by nearly $2.8 million the year before. The Board of Trustees on March 1 will submit the budget to the Anne Arun-
campus, increase in fiscal 2017 by $1.8 million, to $113.7 million, after drop-
Black History Month at AACC Race in the Workplace Part 2 Soul Food Luncheon “Intimate conversations over lunch” Feb 1 : noon - 2 p.m CALT 100
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Student Government Association Vice President Francheska Salazar describes being a student-veteran. Photo by Britney Pieraldi back to the workforce and delay their education. Conversely, we have the opportunity to pursue educational goals that otherwise may not have been afforded to us without our benefits. My biggest resource, by far, is the support system I have both at home and on campus. I have had the great fortune of networking as the former AACC Student Veterans Association president and now as the Student Government Association vice president. Through these opportunities, I learned about resources and personnel available to help as many as
possible in the hope of paying it forward. To other military members transitioning, you do not have to do this alone. You have a community here that is willing and able to support you as you transition and attend school. No one person achieves this goal alone. As you learn, you in turn can help others. This transition is a process. So most of all, be patient with yourself and do not be afraid to ask for help. Salazar is a former Petty Officer 1st Class and law and jurisprudence transfer major.
Female stories show struggle Continued from Page 1
del County executive, who will weigh in on it before forwarding it to the County Council for final approval by mid-June.
Visit To National African American Museum Washington, DC Feb 3. : noon - 4 p.m. The Race Card Project (www.theracecardproject.com) Feb. 13-24 Wall displays can be found in SUN Dining Hall, CRSC Building (1st floor), and CALT Building, (1st floor).
African-American female participants from AACC. The 64-year-old woman goes to school during the day and sleeps in short shifts whenever she can between her classes and other obligations, according to Mauney. Another had to take two and a half years of remedial studies before she could begin work on her degree. Mauney’s concern is that these learners often seem to be left behind in colleges’ efforts to meet the needs of their new students. One reason, Mauney discovered, is that many learners lack the basic technology literacy that younger students have. The researcher said a
lot of them don’t want to ask for help because they don’t want their learning experience “watered down.” “They want to do the hard work,” she said, but noted that their challenges are compounded by a lack of understanding or empathy among administrators, faculty and classmates. Mauney said if colleges were more aware of the struggles these women face, they could better meet the learners’ needs during orientation and through student mentoring programs. In the future, Mauney hopes to do just that. Mauney plans to publish the study through Colorado State University when she completes her Ph.D. later this year.
"Which Lives Matter" by Activist Monti Washington. Feb 16 : 3 - 5 p.m. Pascal Center for Performing Arts
Lecture by Museum Founder Khalid El-Hakim, Feb. 22 : 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. HUM Room 112
African American Mobile Museum Feb 22 : 10 a.m - 6 p.m. SUN
Rosewood Film Feb. 23 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. HUM Room 112
Alternate math class available
Francheska Salazar Guest Columnist In my 13 years serving as a translator in the U.S. Navy, I had the great fortune of serving both stateside and overseas. It was difficult transitioning to student life. I found myself feeling lost without the sense of camaraderie and family I had in the military. I had been a sailor for so long that I had to find my place again with a new sense of purpose and family. Fortunately for me, I found that sense of community on campus. One of the struggles of being a student-veteran is the additional weight of following the GI Bill or Vocational Rehabilitation regulations to receive full benefits. If we drop courses without specific reasons defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, then the money we have to pay back can be quite substantial. This puts additional stress on the student-veteran and has caused some to go
Captial budget funds projects
Tuition rising in fall ’17
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Contact Us Campus Current Anne Arundel Community College Humanities 206 101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012 Phone: 410-777-2510 410-777-2296 www.thecampucurrent.com campuscurrent@gmail.com
lege algebra. High schools throughout the country offer statistics, giving students a helping hand for the transition to college-level math. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to read statistics,” said Luke Adams, a thirdyear film major. “It kind of bugs me that I can’t read all of the graphs I see on the news.” According to Marshall, college algebra professors had begun to notice that their non-STEM students did not need to take college algebra. The faculty also found the non-majors’ success rate in the algebra course was low, prompting them to begin moving students toward taking statistics instead, which could be more suited to their majors and fulfills their general education requirements. The college began offer-
ing a combination statistics/ algebra course in Fall 2014 that combined accelerated intermediate algebra (MAT 013), a non-credit developmental math course, with the three-credit elementary statistics (MAT 135). AACC offers another option: a combination class that includes MAT 013 with college algebra, (MAT 141). As of this semester, AACC offers a developmental pre-statistics course, MAT 035, which prepares students for elementary statistics. “This [combination course] was the fastest way to [get my credits], so I could finish math and move on to transferring to a four-year school,” Brad Dress, a sophomore, said. Since summer 2016, Marshall has been working with Dr. Uri Treisman, executive director of the Charles A. Dana Center at the Uni-
Professors at the college began to notice that students who were not in the STEM programs were not succeeding in college algebra. Photo by Britney Pieraldi versity of Texas at Austin, to coordinate a nationwide effort to align college math programs to better fit a student’s major. “It really is a nationwide conversation,” Marshall said. “Getting away from everybody needing college al-
gebra to everybody needing math [in general].” Marshall and math chairs at other two-year colleges statewide have worked to strengthen the syllabi for elementary statistics courses, increasing the chances that community college sta-
tistics credits will transfer to four-year universities. Marshall’s work with STEM programs has garnered recognition in INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine, which presented her with the 2015 Inspiring Women in STEM award.
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CAMPUS LIFE
Class attends sled dog trials
AACC gets new tech upgrades Tony Petro James Whitley Reporters
AACC’s internet services will be faster and more reliable beginning this semester. The Board of Trustees in December approved a contract to upgrade internet service on campus beginning last month. The bandwidth of the campus internet will increase from 100 MB to 1 GB, which refers to the amount of data storage on computers and cellphones. The $295,000 upgrade will also result in easier access to cloud applications like Microsoft Office 365. Chief Technology Officer Shirin Goodarzi said by increasing the bandwidth, she wants to offer the best service to the students. “Our goal is to serve
our students,” Goodarzi said. “We want them to have the best tools to succeed, so that’s how we contribute.” Katherine Weaver, a homeland security major, said she doesn’t have any trouble with the internet. “It’s pretty good,” Weaver said. “I don’t have any problems with reaching websites and downloading stuff.” In addition, AACC’s website is set to relaunch in April. Dan Baum, executive director of public relations and marketing, said the new website is much easier to use and looks more appealing. “We completely redesigned the site,” Baum said. “The new site aims for easier navigation, easier access to AACC’s social media accounts and a much more contemporary, fresh and accessible design.”
CAMPUS LIFE
Cody Colston Reporter
The internet increased its bandwith and the website will get relaunched in April. Screenshot courtesy of AACC Public Relations and Marketing The website, however, is still a work in progress. Baum said the first round of testing by the public relations and marketing and IT teams will finish up before February. Afterward, the site will proceed to other depart-
ments for a second round of testing. Finally, the students will evaluate the site. Students who are interested in volunteering to evaluate the new website can sign up at prm@aacc.edu, the official email for the co-
ordinated project. “Right now, the website is like a big hot air balloon being held down by sandbags,” Baum said. “Each test and evaluation releases those sandbags and in April, the balloon will lift off.”
Mary Wolf crossed the finish line loudly, her bike pulled by three white, fluffy Samoyeds: Cowder, Taki and Ambrosia. Her fourth sled dog, a retired Samoyed named, Sarah, barked and chased after her and her four-legged team. Wolf climbed off her bike and congratulated the dogs on their effort. As Wolf and other mushers practiced for an upcoming race in Elkton, Maryland, on Dec. 4, nine AACC students from Dr. Matt Yeazel’s Sports in America class cheered the team on. At the mock race, students listened to a talk by Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club President Johnn Molberg, who was a professional musher for 40 years.
Molberg explained that the mushers were doing time trials at Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area to prepare for a race the following weekend on the same track. “This is called dryland racing,” Molberg said. “For the United States, we’ve been out training on wheels forever. It’s something they did extensively in Europe. When we saw that they were doing it there and not getting killed or hurting their dogs, [we followed suit].” Molberg said Siberian Huskies are a favorite breed among mushers. Wolf said the sport attracts all kinds of participants. “One of the good things about mushing is that it’s not [a male or female sport], it’s a dog musher sport,” Wolf said. “It doesn’t matter if
Musher Mary Wolf tends to a sled dog at a dog-sledding practice that AACC students attended. Photo by Cody Colston you’re a boy or a girl; it’s all about the dogs. It’s amazing.” Yeazel gave his reasoning behind taking his students on the trip. “A critical piece for us is to critically examine all sorts of different kinds of things in a Sports in America class,” Yeazel said. “That does not necessarily mean we focus on your baseball, basketball, football, etc., but other,
AACC STUDENTS ATTEND DOG SLED PRACTICE
Dr. Matt Yeazel’s Sports in America class attends a dog sledding practice held by the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club. Photos by Cody Colston
broader sports that are part of the American landscape.” Students said they enjoyed the trip. “I learned there is no ideal number for what size team you want,” student Dani Florio said. “Like, Mary has four dogs, but only uses three.” Others said the trip was a learning opportunity. “I realized there’s this
whole other world of sports I didn’t even know about,” Harrison Wolf, a sophomore landscape architecture major, said. “I knew there were dog sled races. I didn’t know there were meetings going on this close to where I live.” Yeazel said he plans on making the trip a recurring option for future classes.
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CAMPUS LIFE
College online courses move students forward Amanda Haney Reporter Sophomore Grace Koehne quietly sips her latte, blending in with the buzz of the coffee shop. From an average perspective, she appears to be a typical college student, but school has not always been easy for her. The hospital has been a familiar place for her. Coming to campus to take classes was not an option for her when she “physically couldn’t do it” after her second surgery. So in 2015, she took an online communications course that allowed her to recover and heal when she “wasn’t able to stand”—without dropping out of school. Koehne is one of a growing number of college students taking online classes,
which do not require them to be on campus. In fact, they can access their courses any time of day or night via the Internet. Approximately 7,463 AACC students are enrolled in the college’s 216 online courses. And according to the Online Learning Consortium, a national organization, 5.8 million U.S. undergraduate students took online classes in fall 2014. More than one in four college students takes at least one distance education course, the consortium estimates. And although completion rates for online classes are lower than face-to-face courses, enrollment in them is on the rise. “I work full time and go to school, and I can balance it perfectly,” fourth-year stu-
dent Chris Snyder said. “I’ve never had an issue. The only reason I can see people having issues is if they neglect to check their classes, but they have a calendar on there for you to see when everything is due. … I even save on gas.” Computer Technologies professor Susanne Markowski said online classes are “a lot of work for both the student and the instructor.” Markowski is a mentor for new instructors on virtual courses. She earned her graduate degree online in the mid-90s when distance learning was just beginning. But Tre Mooring, a pharmacy technician major, characterized online classes as “really hard to fail.” Just as in traditional classes, he said, “you have to take initiative. … If you have good
known and “a natural leader in education.” “I’m hoping to bring my experience out and work with the expertise that is already [at AACC],” he said. “I think the change that is needed is already known at the college.” Bowen’s master’s degree is in cellular and molecular biology, and his Ph.D. is in environmental toxicology. Bowen “comes from a science background,” Eisenbeiser said. “I’ve learned a lot
since becoming interim dean in [2016] and [Bowen] will have a steep learning curve.” Eisenbeiser was the interim dean for both the School of Science and Technology and Learning Advancement and the Virtual Campus. Bowen will take over her position in the School of Science and Technology. “I’ve been with AACC since 1998, and all I can say for [Bowen] is he is coming to a great institution with
outstanding faculty,” Eisenbeiser said. “This department does some of the most amazing and innovative things. Be ready for a fun and exciting ride.” Before getting promoted as the dean of sciences at
as a whole has become more welcoming of the LGBT community. A 2015 Human Rights Campaign survey revealed 53 percent of the United States’ population viewed transgender citizens favorably. But in a poll by Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies last May, 33 percent of American voters said society has gone too far in its acceptance of transgender citizens. This finding contradicts the results of the informal
survey of AACC students. On campus, “everyone’s pretty accepting,” education major Michelle Ruiz said. “So, I like it.” Ruiz is bisexual and has transgender friends at AACC. “They’re respected around campus,” second-year student Ben Solee said of AACC’s transgender population. To show acceptance of transgender students and others in the LGBT community, AACC hosted Coming Out Week. Throughout the
week, speakers and seminars taught how to create an inclusive environment for all students. “All the Coming Out Weeks have been fun and interactive,” Gay-Straight Alliance member Olyva Utterback said. “Students ... seemed to participate.” GSA is a club at AACC that fosters LGBT equality. “So far I’m impressed,” first-year psychology major Sam Proctor said. “I can tell GSA has a strong presence here.”
Science & Tech school welcomes new leader Tony Petro Reporter AACC’s School of Science and Technology got a new dean Feb. 1. Dr. Lance Bowen, the former dean of sciences at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada, replaced the interim dean, Dr. Colleen Eisenbeiser, who retired from AACC. Bowen said he chose to take the position at AACC because the college is well
Ceramics professor at AACC shows life’s work Students find online courses more convenient than face-to-face classes. Photo by Nyia Curtis study habits, it’s fine.” Mooring took a hybrid math class last semester— half of the classes were in a classroom but the rest of the course was online. He called it “a better experience than when I took it as a lecture.” Dr. Michael Gavin, the vice president of learning, said at AACC and nationwide, students are less likely to finish or pass online courses than they are to succeed in the face-to-face version of the same class. Still, Gavin said AACC has increased its online offerings because of demand from students who find the
AACC students said the college community is accepting of its LGBT classmates. In an informal poll, 10 out of 10 students noted their classmates seem to accept their LGBT peers. “I honestly don’t think it could be any better,” firstyear student Paul Verner said of his perception of schoolwide acceptance of the transgender community. Like AACC, the nation
An AACC ceramics professor is displaying his work at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts until Feb. 25. Rick Malmgren, the coordinator of ceramics and a professor of visual arts, began a gallery residence at the hall on Jan. 9. His exhibit takes a look at his life as a potter and ceramic artist through a display of his life’s work. At a reception on Jan. 12, Maryland first lady Yumi Hogan bought two crystal-glazed vases for the governor’s mansion, with a firm place in mind for them. AACC President Dawn Lindsay also attended the reception. Dr. Suzanne Spoor, an English professor at AACC, said she took classes from Malmgren for four years.
“It’s an unusual thing to find someone who is such a great artist and also a great teacher,” Spoor said. Malmgren has worked with pottery for more than 40 years. One of his ceramic platters is on display at the American Museum of Ceramic Art in California. Another is in a museum in San Francisco. “I knew I was hooked the first time I smacked a lump of clay to the wheel head to make it stick,” Malmgren wrote in a brochure that he handed out at Maryland Hall, titled, “My Romance with Earth and Fire.” “Being able to spend a life working with this extraordinarily ordinary material has been a gift beyond all imagination.” Malmgren said he made his first piece, a small turtle, when he was very young. His mother had been a serious
potter since he was 10, but Malmgren said he refrained from the art because he wanted to avoid anything his mom would do. Right after college, with a pre-med degree, Malmgren went to work at a psychiatric hospital in Boston. Because of the stress of the job, and a “recalled love of clay” the summer before, he started taking night classes for pottery, he recalled. The summer after his junior year in college, in 1971, Malmgren took pottery classes in Washington, but didn’t go further. Malmgren quit his job in 1973 to become a potter’s apprentice in New Hampshire. In 1975, Malmgren started his own studio and became a full-time potter, selling his work to galleries for a living. In his brochure,
Professor Rick Malmgren shares his life’s work at Maryland Hall. Photo by Brad Dress Malmgren wrote that he “worked from 8 in the morning to 10 at night, day after day, week after week.” Not until 1990, when he was 39, did he accept a part-time teaching job at St. John’s College The following year, Malmgren accepted a parttime teaching job at AACC. He has been a full-time faculty member at the college since 2001. “My primary interest is in teaching,” Malmgren said in an interview. “The most notable [accomplishment] has been teaching here [at
AACC]. The rest of it … helps me do a good job teaching.” Rebekah Savice, one of Malmgren’s students, said she was greatly influenced by his work and will major in ceramics at a four-year college. “He’s one of my favorite people and by far my favorite professor at AACC,” Savice said. “He’s definitely one of the biggest mentors and influential people in my life.” The ceramics professor uses photographs of his work—published in ceramics textbooks—to teach the art to students. Malmgren plans to continue teaching at AACC.
Dr. Lance Bowen stepped into his office as the dean of science and technology on Feb. 1. Photo courtesy of Truckee Meadows Community College
AACC accepts LGBT community Jacob Baumgart Ad Manager
virtual classroom more convenient than coming to campus for classes. Colleen Eisenbeiser, AACC’s former interim dean of learning advancement and the virtual campus, said hybrid classes have higher success rates than online or traditional classes. She said a majority of AACC students take at least one online or hybrid class. As Koehne studied for finals last semester, she reflected on past semesters. “I was really pleased that I was allowed to recover without dropping out of school,” she said.
Brad Dress Associate Editor
CAMPUS LIFE
Truckee in 2014, Bowen was an adjunct professor for intro to biology, anatomy and phsyiology, among others. Prior to becoming dean of sciences, Bowen served as associate dean of assesment and planning at Truckee.
A CERAMICs PROFESSor’S ARTWORK The college has three gender-neutral bathrooms. Photo by Nyia Curtis
Professor Rick Malmgren’s life’s work in the art of ceramics and pottery are on display until Feb. 25 at Maryland Hall. Photos by Brad Dress
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CAMPUS LIFE
50% of AACC students seek mental health aid Lauren Hartman Reporter
Emily fell into severe depression in her second semester at a Boston liberal arts college after a guy she considered a friend sexually assaulted her. Her motivation to succeed in school disappeared, said Emily, who asked to be referred to by her first name. She loved school her first semester and joined a sorority, she said. After her sexual assault, though, she dreaded the thought of even leaving her dorm room. Emily used sleeping and eating as a way to cope rather than telling anyone. She eventually decided to talk to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed her with depression as well as anxiety. She moved home to Annapolis and began attending classes at AACC in
Spring 2016. Emily has regular meetings with a counselor and releases her pent-up anxiety at the gym. Emily is not alone in her battle with mental illness. More than half of AACC students struggle with a mental illness, according to the AACC counseling department. Though mental illness may not be a concern when
Mental Health Services Administration. “I think a lot of people don’t realize how common mental illness is,” sophomore Anne Aldrich, who struggles with anxiety, said. “It’s a part of life just like getting the flu so there is no need to be embarrassed. Just ask for help.” A variety of issues, in-
About 50 to 60 percent of AACC students seek treatment for a mental illness. a student begins college, young adulthood is a critical period for mental health, Diane Passero, a licensed clinical counselor at AACC, said. In 2014, an estimated 9.8 million U.S. adults ages 18 and older had a serious mental illness, including 1.7 million ages 18 to 25, according to the Substance Abuse and
cluding the growing use of social media, overbearing parents, stress over graduating on time and focus on finding a career, contribute to the growing number of students experiencing mental health issues, psychological experts have said. “Social media has created a more fast-paced world
CAMPUS LIFE
AACC gets new welcome pack Jesse Johnson Editor-in-Chief
Stress often leads to anxiety, AACC counselors say. Photo by James Whitley in general with more stressors than before for adolescents,” Dr. Jason Addison, service chief of the Young Adult Unit at Sheppard Pratt Health System, said. He observed how social media can prompt unfavorable comparison among peers, further intensifying symptoms of mental illness. “I start out the day feeling comfortable in my skin until I check Instagram and see a girl much prettier than me on my feed,” freshman Sidney Smith said in a focus group on mental health. “I immediately second guess everything I loved about myself only a minute before.”
LGBTQ college students have an increased risk of developing mental health issues. Despite the positive public movements surrounding coming out and gender issues, not all families or communities are accepting of these individuals. This unacceptance can make life especially difficult for those who are coming to terms with their identities, according to the American Psychological Association. Sophomore Davis Andrews said: “Coming out was the most anxiety-provoking moment in my life. ... Luckily every time I come out, I feel less anxious.”
Incoming AACC students will receive a Riverhawk-themed welcome packet from the college once admitted, beginning this semester. The project, put into place by AACC’s Public Relations and Marketing department, will introduce newly enrolled students to the lifestyle of the campus. Upon unfolding the packet, students will be greeted with a Riverhawk magnet. The envelope features a graphic of AACC’s mascot, Swoop, and a congratulatory message for becoming a Riverhawk student. The packet also will include 10 steps for getting started at the college. In the packet, AACC informs students how to apply for financial aid, as well as
how to pay for college. The packet also includes information on scholarships, meeting with an adviser, and how to get a student ID card. Dr. Dawn Lindsay addresses a personal letter to each student in the packet. In it, she writes how the students are joining 21,000 other credit students and thanks them for choosing AACC. AACC’s public relations and marketing team convened focus groups of students, who told them what they felt the packet should include. Focus group members from the Student Government Association and the Campus Activities Board suggested a map of the main campus and a brief tutorial on how to access Canvas, the college’s online learning platform. “We use [those groups] as a sounding board,” Baum
Room aids students Trevor Gardner Reporter
AACC plans to give fall 2017 students a newly designed welcome letter. Photo by Brad Dress said. “If we have some sort of question, we would propose it to them.” Baum said AACC has a rolling admissions process, meaning the college receives applicants throughout the year. The welcome packets, once finalized, will begin to go out to incoming students in time for the fall semester. Registration for fall courses begins in April and classes will start in August. AACC students can register online or on campus.
Stressed out? A room in the Health Services department in SUN 120 helps relieve students’ stress. The “StressLess” room gives any student the opportunity to chill out for up to 30 minutes. In the room, students can watch TV with stress management videos, surrounded by a Himalayan salt rock lamp, relaxing soundtracks on a CD player, and a massage chair with a foot massager. Health Services Manager Beth Mays said the room is meant to “decrease the stress rate.” Mays opened the StressLess room in 2005. “The No.1 complaint [from students] was stress,” Mays said about the creation of the room. “And I thought OK, there has got to be some-
The StressLess room at SUN 120 helps to relieve students of stress. Photo by Brad Dress thing that we can do.” According to Mays, NFL players have used similar rooms to help in their decision-making process. Fighter pilots also use relaxation rooms to maintain composure in the heat of battle. Students rate stress as the No.1 biggest negative impact to grades, according to a study by American College Health Association. Additionally, 31.8 percent of respondents agreed it was the No.1 negative impact on their grades. The StressLess room, staffed by licensed nurses, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is free. Health Services also has a lactation room and HIV testing, all of which are free.
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February | 2017 | campus current | 11
entertainment
Mozart classic comes to AACC Jymyaka Braden Reporter AACC’s Opera Club is preparing to bring Mozart’s The Magic Flute–hailed as one of the greatest operas he ever composed–to the college in January. The production combines the narrative storytelling of writer Emanuel Schikaneder with Mozart’s opera. The show will feature both operatic singing and spoken word. The plot involves the Queen of the Night, a character in the play, who tries to persuade a prince to rescue her daughter from the high priest Sarastro, the supposed villain. However, when the prince meets the assumed enemy, he discovers that maybe Sarastro is not the villain after all. Associate Professor of Music and Artistic Director of Opera Douglas Byerly explained the excitement in
bringing this production to AACC. “There is nothing more sacred in my book than live art,” Byerly said. “We’ve got beautiful music, there are costumes, lights. To go out and experience it [live] is unique, whether you’re going to a club, a concert, or in this case, the opera.” Byerly explained why many people believe The Magic Flute is one of Mozart’s greatest works. “I think there is something to be said about a piece of music that people still want to perform 225 years later,” Byerly said. “Essentially it’s a story about love and the pursuit of love. Not just romantic love but really the love of one another. Brotherhood, friendship and trust. What we live for as human beings.” AACC student Julie Bosworth, who plays the Queen of the Night, said the music of the character drew her
Club news
Rock ‘n’ roll set for History Club Tony Petro Reporter
The production combines a narrative story with spoken word and operatic music written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Photo by Britney Pieraldi into the role she plays. “I have always had a passion for singing,” Bosworth said. “Mozart is one of my favorite composers and his music is just so easy to sing, although this role as Queen of the Night does take me up into the stratosphere.” Bosworth also said she enjoys the experience of performing on stage and getting into different character roles. “I look forward to step-
ping into the role of the queen and scaring the living daylights out of the audience,” Bosworth said, “[and] keeping them on the edge of their seats.” AACC theater student Lizzy Cameron said she saw the production in seventh grade and knew she wanted to be a part of it. “When I heard Night Queen’s Aria, I thought it was the most beautiful song
I ever heard,” said Cameron, who is an ensmeble choir member in the rendition. “So when I heard the school was putting it on, I wanted to be a part of it.” The Magic Flute will show at the Pascal Center for Performing Arts from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4. General admission is $25; AACC student tickets are $5; and faculty and staff tickets are $15.
Professor edits, plans book on environment Brad Dress Associate Editor
Millennials believe it’s time to stop damaging the environment—before it’s too late, according to a new book edited by an AACC English professor. The book, “Coming of Age at the End of Nature: A Generation Faces Living on a Changed Planet,” is an anthology—a collection of writings by young writers of this generation—co-edited by AACC creative writing professor Susan Cohen and Julie Dunlap of University of Maryland University College. The book reveals the new generation’s stance on climate change. Cohen and Dunlap sent out a call for papers to young writers and environmentalists across the country in 2012. By sending out the call, Cohen wished to solicit personal essays from writers younger than 30 who wished to write about the effects of climate change. “We’re coming closer and closer to the point of
Dr. Susan Cohen recieved around 600 essays from students for a new book. Photo by Brad Dress no change” when it comes to stopping global warming, Cohen said. “It’s really important to hear from and engage the next generation” about the environment. The editors set few guidelines or restrictions because Cohen said they wanted the writers to freely discuss issues and personal
anecdotes concerning the environment. She received around 600 submissions, and 22 essays made it into the book. Former AACC student William Thomas contributed his essay to the book, and Cohen accepted it into the final version. Thomas wrote about scavenging through Baltimore’s abandoned warehouses, and how in a time of scarcity, humans must gather treasures where they find them. Although no other AACC students wrote for the book, some said they recognize the dangers humans are wreaking on the environment. “It is going to be our responsibility to fix any impact we have had [on the environment],” Bri Edwards, a second-year math major, said. According to the book, climate change has caused soil erosion and rising seas to sink islands in the Pacific Ocean and raise the strength of storms. It says animals are also in increased danger.
The History Club at AACC is switching its focus from baseball to rock ‘n’ roll for the spring semester. The club changes its theme each semester. In spring 2016, club members focused on Shakespeare, while in the fall, they spent time discussing baseball. This semester, the students and faculty involved in the club chose to highlight the history of rock music. “Music provides an interesting reflection on society,” faculty adviser Dr. Richard Hardesty said. “Artists use music to express racial divides, class divides and as a form of protest, expression and escapism.” The club will air films so members can discuss their historical significance, Hardesty said.
The films will highlight a specific decade of music, with selections including “Saturday Night Fever,” and “Straight Outta Compton.” Aside from discussing films, the club will take a trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the Newseum later in the semester. The Newseum is hosting an exhibit about how artists used rock ‘n’ roll as a form of protest. “Music is a part of our everyday life, culture and history,” History Club President Lucas Baker said. “Music changes as society does, and it is really important for everyone to see that. It’s a form of expression and communication.” Club members plan to start discussing rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s and work their way to modern music and other genres that are more popular today than they were in the past, such as hip-hop and rap.
The History Club will be hosting a live concert on campus in the spring semester featuring The Vibesmen, a reggae-and-rock band featuring AACC students. Photo by Judi Handel Conor Kelly, History Club treasurer, expressed that discussing the topic of rock ‘n’ roll for the semester is especially interesting. “I am very excited about the topic change,” Kelly said. “Rock has taught a lot of valuable lessons over the years with the messages in
the songs. I think it is very important for people to see how it has changed.” The club will also host a live concert on campus. The concert will feature the Vibesmen, a reggae-rock band that consists of students who attend AACC. “Playing at AACC is
a good way for the band to get people who are our age to check us out,” said Nick DePietro, the singer of the Vibesmen and third-year student. The concert will be on March 22nd in the Quad in front of the Careers building.
AACC’s $100,000 Business Pitch Competition Share the LOVE and invite your family, friends, and significant others to get creative this Valentines Day! Enjoy Mock-tails and delicious desserts when you buy your tickets to the Entrepreneur Club's Share the Love themed Paint Nite!
Learn how YOU can compete in AACC’s $100,000 Business Pitch Competition If you aspire to own your own business learn how to compete in AACC’s Business Pitch Competition by contacting: Contact Stephanie Goldenberg at slgoldenberg@aacc.edu For more information visit
Paint Nite supplies everything you will need during your two hours of instruction from one of our party hosts. Guests are expected to arrive 15 minutes before the official start time of the event to get their food and drinks, paint palettes, and to find a seat. Feb. 14th 6-8 p.m. : AACC SUN Dining Hall Tickets - $45 - To buy tickets go to https://www.paintnite.com/events/_1146565 If you would like to sponsor a student please contact Professor Carlene Cassidy cmcassidy@aacc.edu
www.aacc.edu/esi
12 | Campus current | 2017 | February
SPORTS
AACC recruits players from Md. high schools James Whitley Reporter
Coaches at AACC encourage high school student athletes to play for their teams to better themselves as people and players. Jim Griffiths, head coach of Women’s Cross Country and Women’s Lacrosse, said his recruiting strategy includes contacting the local high school coaches to see which recruits would be interested in playing for the college. “Finding out who might be interested in attending the community college, who isn’t set on going to a four-year college, getting their contact information and going from there,” Griffiths said, is his goal. Griffiths said he offers recruits a chance to play at a higher level. “With lacrosse, it’s an opportunity to play at a high level and to be recruited following their experience here,” Griffiths said. “We sent a ton of girls to four-
year schools to play. Our main thing is an opportunity to play at a highly successful program and opportunities that will present themselves, as far as moving on goes, after you play here.” Joe Snowden, head coach of Men’s Basketball, said he goes all over the county and offers other things that don’t have monetary value. “At the Division III level, we don’t have money to give,” Snowden said. “But we have a lot of hope and prosperity to give. The one thing I tell them is the educational side of AACC, a really great school for education.”
“At the Division III level, we don’t have money to give. But we have a lot of hope and prosperity to give.” —Coach Joe Snowden Men’s Basketball forward Marcus Dentley said former basketball coach Tom Smith told him AACC is a good place to get his name out there.
Univs round up JUCO athletes Megan Ladabouche Reporters
Several AACC student athletes are considering offers from four-year universities, the college’s athletic director said. Duane Herr said fouryear college coaches are looking at student athletes from AACC Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Soccer, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Men’s Lacrosse. Women’s Volleyball 1st Team All-Region and outside hitter Nicolette Powell is considering an offer from McDaniel College, Herr said. Men’s Basketball forward Marcus Dentley also has drawn interest from other schools, according to Herr. “I think more and more, because of the cost of schools, a lot of four-year colleges are looking at community college as a place for them to recruit,” Men’s Soccer head coach Nick Cosentino said. Four-year universities
“Playing junior college basketball is a great way to put your name out there for other four-year schools, not just for basketball but so you can also transfer and pursue your degree,” Dentley said. “Another thing he said was that I could be a part of something pretty special for two years and grow as a player and he’s right.” A few Division III fouryear schools contacted Dentley in high school to play basketball for them. However, Dentley said looking back on it, he made the right choice playing at AACC. “I made the right choice ... I’m a better player than
usually do not start recruiting athletes until their second year in college, Cosentino said. Cosentino said two second-year soccer players received offers from fouryear schools, including 2nd Team All-Region and center-midfielder Brandon Long and 1st Team All-Region and forward Christian Masters. “I’ve been contacted by a couple of four-year schools to play at. … I haven’t decided on where I’m going to go next year or if I am going to continue to play [soccer],” Masters said. “But if the right opportunity comes along, then I would look forward to playing.” Men’s Lacrosse head coach Joseph Stanilaus said his athletes are considering offers to other schools as well. “We have several players this year that are looking at a four-year [university] and will be moving on to the
before,” Dentley said. “They push me a lot here to get better so I’ll be ready for the next level, without a doubt.” Men’s Basketball point guard Larry Stevenson said
The college recruits talented high school students for its sports teams. Photo courtesy of the AACC Athletics he called Smith, who invited Stevenson to a workout. “[Smith] said he really liked my game and that he wants me to be his starting guard that season,” Stevenson said. Stevenson also said he made the right choice coming to AACC and playing for the Riverhawks. Athletic director Duane Herr said the coaches and staff of AACC athletics want to create a strong relationship with Anne Arundel County Public School coaches. “We host several high school summer or fall leagues
to build a network with the community,” Herr said. “We stay current with all recruiting policy and educate coaches so that we guarantee compliance. A large percentage of our athletes are from Anne Arundel County but we also have students from other counties within Maryland and from several other states.” Herr said the college’s goal is to help the players they recruit from high school grow and achieve their goals, whether that is to play at a four-year school after AACC or focus on their educational goals.
Know your division
Four-year universities are scouting AACC athletes, including Men’s Basketball forward Marcus Dentley. Photo By Brad Dress next level,” he said. Stanilaus said he uses his contacts at four-year schools to give his athletes the exposure they need to move on to the next level of lacrosse. “If they’re definitely interested in going to a fouryear school you have to make sure that you have that contact with the four-year coaches,” Stanilaus said, “building that relationship with the schools and their coaching staffs, and then finding the proper fit for that student athlete.” Other student athletes are good enough to play at
a four-year college level, Cosentino said; however, they prefer to focus on their classes and school work instead. “I want to focus on my education and I think that if I played soccer for a four-year it would be hard to balance my book work and sports,” sophomore Men’s Soccer midfielder and 1st Team All-Region Garrett McLendon said. Herr said he and the coaches do everything they can to promote a student athlete who wishes to continue playing the sport at a fouryear school.
The National College Athletic Association has three different levels of play—Divisions I, II and III. Division I is the most competitive. The main difference among the three divisions is the amount of money a college athletic department can award each student athlete. Division I schools have a minimum and a maximum amount of financial aid each must award to students, according to the NCAA. Nearly 53 percent of these athletes receive multi-year athletic scholarships. Nearly 56 percent of Division II student athletes usually receive a mix of athletic scholarship money, grants and loans, according to the NCAA. Finally, Division III athletes receive no financial aid related to athletics, while 75 percent of receive non-athletic scholarships.