Feb 04, 2015

How is social media affecting relationships?

Page 5

Coffee wars brewing in Monroe.

Page 6

Feb. 4, 2015 Vol. 61, Issue 1

Student-built car at Detroit auto show “There are two electrical systems, a high and low voltage system, and the programming was pretty difficult,” he said.

The model, which originally started as a standard Formula SAE car, was transformed by the students to an all-electric model. It was the only pure electric model displayed.

“The biggest difference between the electric and the standard models are the greater amount of torque in the electric, and the lower center of gravity. The electric one is also so much quieter, all you can hear while it’s running are the chains,” Williams said.

The SAE car was displayed alongside student constructed cars from other colleges, including Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Lawrence Tech.

“We’re the only all-electric car here;

Julia Grzywinski Agora Staff

Photo by Julia Grzywinski

MCCC students built and displayed the only pure electric car model at the auto show.

The North American International Auto Show is a week where car companies are able to shine, but this year it was MCCC students who were given the opportunity to shine at the Cobo Center.

Students from MCCC’s Formula SAE (Society for Automotive Engineers) club displayed an electric car at a booth around the Innovation Track at the NAIAS, which ran from Jan. 17-25.

The car was manufactured by a group of 10 students. It had been in development for nearly four years, although the majority of the progress was in the last two years.

Michael Williams, a 20 year old engineering student, said the hardest part of the development process was the electrical programming.

it’s cool,” Williams said.

“There is still always something that we can learn and take away from the other schools.”

The MCCC Formula SAE is one of the first to ever be displayed from a community college.

“How many community college students can say that they have helped build a car from the ground up? It’s awesome,” Williams said.

“I was a first-year student working to build a car.”

The students are hoping to be able to compete in races with their car next year.

“Overall, the experience of building the car was great, and the time at the Auto Show has been amazing,” Williams said.

For more pictures check out the slideshow at www.mcccagora.com

EDM

#Now trending: Electronic Dance Music Jacob Adams Agora Staff

Students seek an accepting environment; EDM answers.

EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, has become one of the most popular catagories in today’s music.

To see what it was all about, I attended an event in January.

I arrived at the venue in Detroit around 10 p.m. Things had started a few hours earlier and it was obvious because I could hear the bass from my car across the street.

Waiting in line, I overheard MSU college student Samantha Davis saying she couldn’t wait to get inside.

“It’s going to be so much fun!” she said to her friend. “Are you ready to have a blast?”

The energy was practically tangible, even waiting in line in the cold. Everyone seemed excited, and I didn’t see one person who wasn’t smiling.

After getting through security and being frisked in a manner remincsent of an airport, I made it inside.

It took my eyes a few moments to adjust to the light. The sound of the music pulsed in my ears. The lights - lasers and strobes - jumped through the air, and good vibes were instantly contagious.

Huge speaker stacks framed the stage.

Six or more feet wide, and at least twelve feet high. They were loud. Some people even leaned up against them. I can’t imagine how loud it must have been against the booming equipment.

There were people dressed in costumes: superheroes and animals. In stark

contrast were hulking police officers, clad in body armor and combat boots.

They imposed a feeling of safety, and it was impossible to not be intimidated.

No one seemed bothered by the security guards, though.

Many people wore bright neon colors. There were glow sticks, as well as countless beaded bracelets.

“The bracelets are called Kandi, with a K,” said Laya Turso, who had bracelets up to her elbows on both arms.

“It’s like a way to meet new people.

You don’t have any, let me show you,” she said.

She showed me a secret handshake, and once our hands were joined together, she slid a bracelet onto my arm.

“It’s called PLUR,” she said. “Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. I try to embrace everyone, and treat them with PLUR values.

“It’s really important to remember the values.”

The handshake consisted of our hands making Peace signs (Peace), forming a heart (Love), joining together (Unity), and then interlacing fingers and gifting a bracelet (Respect).

After we’d spoken, I was surprised by a hug. The whole encounter was so friendly, and the values she spoke about were reflected in everything I saw as the night went on.

On stage, past the large crowd of people, practically hidden behind the lights and neon signs, was a DJ. I was surprised that there was hardly any focus on him.

Continued on Page 3

Photo by Jacob Adams

EDM concerts have become a popular destination for young adults seeking an accepting environment featuring lights, music, and love.

Enrollment shows no improvement Josh Cappuccilli Agora Staff

MCCC winter enrollment fell for the seventh consecutive semester.

The number of students is down 6.2 percent, or 216 students, from last semester and down 9 percent, or 326 students, from this point last year.

Mark Hall, director of Admissions and Guidance Services, explained the trend correlates with the state of the economy.

“Historically, it’s been the biggest predictor of our enrollment than anything else,” Hall said.

Inside:

The college reached an all-time peak for enrollment at 4,723 students during the Fall 2010 semester, which was in the middle of the recession.

“When the economy’s bad, a lot of transfer students stay at home because of money,” Hall said. “As the economy improves and more money is out there, they tend to go off to school.”

Older, non-traditional students came to the college during the stagnation, earning two-year applied science degrees in order to return to the workforce.

“Typically for community colleges, enrollment declines when the economy gets

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better,” Hall said.

Hall also explained that the average age of the student body has steadily decreased.

In fall 2010, the average age was 26 years, compared to 23.8 years for Winter 2015.

The lower average age is influenced by a couple of factors, Hall said. More of the older students have returned to the workforce, and younger students are taking advantage of dual enrollment, middle college and direct high school enrollment.

“It’s bad for us, but it’s good for the people returning to work; sort of a double-edged sword,” said Randell Daniels, vice president of Student and Information

Services.

Currently the college has 550 dual-enrolled students and the middle college has approximately 250 students.

Direct enrollment is a program where Monroe High School students can take college courses taught by MCCC’s professors without leaving their high school.

Currently the program has registered 88 students.

The college has also raised its standards. Several prerequisites were added in the fall to ensure that students are better prepared for college courses.

Tighter restrictions on entry to classes

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like Anatomy and Physiology I and Accounting 151 prove challenging for some students.

“Anytime the college raises its standards, the population suffers,” Hall said.

Cut scores also were introduced. In core subjects like Math and English, students who score below specified minimums on the ACT or COMPASS placement test must successfully complete a remedial course prior to enrolling in a 100-level or higher course.

That also has reduced enrollment, Hall said.

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The Agora

Campus News

Feburary 4, 2015

Administrators side with transfer faculty Math 151, lab science

part of gen-ed requirements

By Julia Wells Agora staff

After months of deliberation by faculty, Math 151 will be a general education requirement for most students hoping to earn an Associate’s Degree at MCCC. A laboratory science also will be included as a general education requirement.

In a rare occurrence, MCCC President Kojo Quartey and Vice President of Instruction Grace Yackee both chose to overturn a decision by the faculty Curriculum Committee.

The committee voted 5 to 4 against ac-

cepting revised learning objectives for Math 151. By the same vote, the committee also turned down the Science learning objectives because they included a laboratory science.

The votes took place at a Dec.17 Curriculum Committee meeting. Yackee, however, chose to intervene and overturned the decisions.

That kept Math 151, with the new learning objectives, as one of two courses approved to meet the Math gen-ed requirement. The other course is Math 124, Technical Math II, which is designed for technology students.

Yackee’s decision also retained the term “laboratory” in the science gen-ed requirement.

The new requirements will be published in the catalog for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Yackee’s decision was appealed to the president by committee members.

Quartey announced after a Jan. 15 meeting with the committee that he supported Yackee’s decision.

The five “no” votes came from faculty representatives of “occupational programs” – Health, Technology, Business, Computer Science – and a counselor. The four votes in favor came from representatives of “transfer” programs – Math, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences.

The occupational program representatives apparently thought the learning objectives for Math 151 were too difficult, and that students should be able to meet their science requirement with courses that do not require labs.

In a memo sent to committee members on Jan 7, Yackee stated that her decision to overrule the vote was due in part to the long period that faculty members had to

get involved in the general education decision process.

After six years of work, the Faculty Council last May approved six competencies that will be used in the future to determine whether students have met general education requirements for graduation.

They fall under three goals: Critical Thinking, Communication, and Social and Cultural Awareness.

The Critical Thinking goal has two compencies, one science related and one math related.

The Commucation goal also has two, one about writing effectively and one involving technology.

The Social and Cultural Awareness goal’s two competencies reflect knowledge of the Humanities and of Social Sciences.

A series of faculty task forces also

wrote objectives for each of the competencies. The objectives are used to determine which courses satisfacy the competencies - in other words, which courses students need to take to meet Gen-Ed requirements.

The Curriculum Committee reviews and approves the objectives for each of the competencies.

That’s where the controversy over the math and lab science courses surfaced.

The representatives of the occupational and transfer areas of the college couldn’t agree over details of the objectives.

Math 126, a Business Math course, also has been discussed as a possible satisfier of the Math gen-ed requirement. The course was discussed at the Curriculum Committee’s Jan. 28 meeting. It was approved as a course, but turned down as a Gen-Ed satisfier.

Global studies now recognized on transcript

By Evan Kutz Agora Staff

Starting next fall, MCCC students will have a new opportunity to earn recognition for global studies.

The new designation will be included on their transcript, to help students in transferring to a university or getting a job.

“We don’t have anything like it,” said Joanna Sabo, professor of Political Science and adviser of the International Studies Club.

The Global Studies Degree Designation can be earned while pursuing any degree. It will demonstrate a student’s knowledge on cultural diversity and the global market.

“It’s not a degree, it’s not a certificate,” Sabo said. “It’s a special designation on your transcript from this institution, placing additional language that says you completed the Global Studies Degree Designation.”

To fulfill the requirements, students will need to complete 15 credit hours from a list of eligible courses, such as Intro to Anthropology or International Business.

Student’s taking eligible courses will notice the indicator on the course syllabus.

Courses that have already been completed also count, giving students a potential head start toward receiving the designation.

These global studies courses intend to teach students about the world at large, from art to business, and are applicable to many majors.

“The goal is to help you in transfering, and most importantly, in employment,” Sabo said.

Many schools, such as Harvard and the University of Michigan, are now requiring a global experience, Sabo said.

“Now employers want to know that

Photo courtesy of Dan Shaw

MCCC Political Science Professor Joanna Sabo photographs students in Lisbon, Portugal, during a 2013 Study Abroad trip.

you understand the world has been globalized — do you understand other cultures, international relations — if you’re asked to talk to another country, do you know what that entails? Employers want to know you have a global experience,” she said.

Sabo said that if a faculty member makes 25 percent of a course internationally related, it can be added to the list of

Crime Report

eligible courses.

“As this list of courses expands, it’s going to be easier for a student to meet the requirements,” Sabo said.

A student going on study abroad, for example, could potentially meet all the requirements on the trip alone, Sabo said.

“There’s a lot of ways somebody can meet this,” she said.

Jaclyn Young Agora staff

Building Larceny: There still has been no word on the Blu-Ray player that was taken from the CTC building on Nov. 3.

A different Blu-ray player was discovered missing on Nov 4.

The classroom missing the player is a video over IP computer classroom with doors on opposite ends of the room.

All Blu-ray players are the same model and only secured with velcro, but the Technology Department has started to cable lock the players.

When the players are removed, it stops

The Agora Co-Editors: Shelby Spencer Mariah Tevepaugh Adviser: Dan Shaw Staff Jake Adams Jeff Brown Stevie Pipis Julia Wells Makailyn Ellison Julia Grzywinski Mika Kotanova Evan Kutz Mitch Perkins Dakota Sherrick Jaclyn Young Josh Cappuccilli Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@ monroeccc.edu.

Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel.

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what you’d like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper. E-mail submissions: agora@monroeccc. edu .

Students on an MCCC StudyAbroad trip will attend at least three presentations, which will fulfill the three speaker/ lecture requirements.

“It’s pretty exciting; we’re going to give our student’s an edge, I think,” Sabo said.

If students go on a field trip with another class, they can come to their global studies adviser and ask to get recognition if the nature of the trip taught them about

all applications from that computer.

Nothing was going on in the classrooms when the players were taken.

Security Incident: Two witnesses saw a man in the CTC building on Dec. 15.

The man showed signs of anger, and had started using vulgar language.

The witnesses flagged down one of the campus security officer, but when the officer went into the CTC building the angry man had already left.

The officer tracked the man to the A building, and the cashiers reported that they saw him and were afraid of him.

The man was eventually found in the

another culture or global interaction.

Students will finish with a global studies resume and portfolio, which they will be expected to be able to explain to a potential employer.

For example if a student kept a journal in International Relations, they can use that as part of their portfolio.

A global studies adviser will sign the student’s application, then send it to the registrar.

The student will then be awarded the degree designation.

Sabo hopes that members of the International Studies Club will sign up for the designation program.

“Word of mouth is powerful. When one student does it, they tell another student,” Sabo said.

Sabo has been working on this for over two years, modeling it after a presentation she saw at a conference. Her goal has always been to bring the world outside of Monroe here to MCCC, and this is her next big step.

“There are a lot of other community colleges that have a degree designation,” Sabo said.

“Some even have outright degrees and certificates you can earn in global studies — and maybe we’ll go that way someday.”

The focus for now is helping students be competitive amongst applicants to universities, she said.

Sabo said she has a passion for giving student’s a global experience.

“The world’s a very amazing, incredible place — there’s a lot outside Monroe County that we should live and experience, and it starts here.”

Questions concerning the Global Studies Degree Designation can be directed to jsabo@monroeccc.edu

Financial Aid office where he was talking to the people in financial aid.

The man was becoming angrier, and he was making statements that did not make sense.

The man made a statement about shooting Jesus Christ and about having knives and a rope.

The man also asked if the reporting officer was armed, and the reporting officer advised him that he was armed.

The officer led the man back to security. The man was told to leave campus, and that he would be prosecuted for trespassing if he returned.

Correction

The typical pay rate for adjunct faculty was incorrectly reported in the December edition of The Agora.

The average adjunct faculty pay for a typical course is about $40 per contact hour, times 45 contact hours, or about $1,800. A typical course meets 3 hours a week for 15 weeks, or 45 total contact hours.

Major snow storm closes campus

“At 6:45 a.m., Mother Nature started to create the MCCC Ice Arena,” Daniels said.

MCCC was closed for the He said several people shared first time this winter due to the their frustration with the timing two-day storm Fe. 1-2. of the announcement. Daniels Snow fell continuously for 28 said the call allowed the mainhours and accumulated an avertenance team time to salt the age of 14 inches in the city of sidewalks, making it safe for Monroe, according to the Naeveryone on campus. tional Weather Service.

“Our maintenance team does Cities all over Monroe Couna fantastic job,” Daniels said. ty reported similar figures; In addition to the inclement Dundee – 12 inches, Carleton weather, there were land line – 13.1 inches, SW Monroe – 15 and internet issues that iminches, Newport – 15 inches. peded the effectiveness of the According to the Monroe Emergency Notification SysNews’ snowfall records, the tem, he said. blast easily ranks in the top 10 Photo by Mika Kotanova In the event of a Snow/Emerstorms to have hit the region.

The list was topped by the 20 By the time students arrived Tuesday morning, sidewalks had been cleared. gency college closing or delay a message is sent via the MCCC inch snowstorm on Dec. 1, unable to maintain more than one lane for emergency notification system, the “College 1974. travel.

Closing Status” link is updated (www.monSunday, Feb. 1, at 6:17 p.m., MCCC’s EmerAt 9:22 p.m., MCCC announced the college roeccc.edu/snow/) and an announcement is gency Notification System announced that would be closed Monday. placed on the MCCC Snow Line (734) 384due to adverse weather conditions,the college 4223).

MCCC also was closed until 10 a.m.

Thurswould not open until noon on Monday, Feb. 2. day, Jan. 29, because of inclement weather.

In the event of a late opening, students At 8 p.m., The Monroe County Sheriff’s Ofshould go to their class normally in session Between 4:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., Randy fice issued a medium level travel advisory for Daniels, vice president of Student and Infor- at the time of opening. If the college is closed all county roadways. mation Services, conducted a road assessment all classes, workshops and activities are canA medium level travel advisory means that and all was quiet. celled. severe road conditions exist and services are Josh Cappuccilli Agora Staff

Feature

February 4, 2015

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|3

Feel the rhythm, see the lights E

Continued from page 1

veryone in the crowd was dancing. The frantic lasers and overpowering sound fueled them to become lost and to let

Photos by Jacob Adams

Music Roared, lights flashed, and people danced the night away at a club in Detroit

“It’s all about positive people and great vibes. The music is absolutely amazing because of how many different genres there are,”

go.

Brooke Voran, an MCCC student I’d spoken with previously, explained that EDM isn’t about the DJ or getting famous.

“The DJ’s don’t make the music to get famous, they make it for the fans,” she said.

I had a chance to “talk” with one of the DJ’s, DJ Short, after his set.

We stood behind a huge speaker stack behind the stage and communicated by typing on our phones and then showing one another because it was far too loud to hear or speak.

“Why did you want to be a DJ?” I typed.

“I just love the community. I’ve always been a fan of electric music, and now I have a chance to perform and give the crowd some electricity,” he responded.

This encounter was much shorter then I’d hoped. As he handed my phone back to me, he motioned goodbye and disappeared further behind stage.

The sense of community was something I hadn’t been prepared for. Everyone was looking out for everyone else.

A reccurance I saw often were personal light shows. One person wears gloves

effects on the heart, kidneys, and the liver have been observed.

Brooke Voran also spoke about drugs and their connection with raves and EDM. “It’s implied drugs will be at raves.

Some people abuse them, but a lot of people just use them occasionally. There’s a fine line between use and abuse. I don’t promote it at all. It’s just something that you have to deal with,” she said.

By 3:00 a.m., very few people had cleared out to go home. I spoke with more college students to see why they enjoyed EDM. “Being a college student as well as working five days a week adds up to a lot

with lighted fingertips and performs a lightshow very close to someone’s face.

As an entranced party goer slowly stood up after his own lightshow, I spoke with him about the encounter.

“Well I’m on Molly right now but the light and everything just, like, put you in another dimension,” he said.

“You don’t have to be on drugs, it’s awesome either way. People enjoy giving lightshows and others enjoy getting them.”

Molly, the street name for MDMA (Methylenedioxyphenethylamine) is the drug of choice for many rave goers. It was obvious throughout the night that some people were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

MDMA is a psychoactive drug, which gives the user a strong euphoria, often produces feelings of love and affection towards those around the user, and reportedly enhances music and colors.

It’s not without its dangers, however; Problems with dehydration, and negative

of stress and little time to make plans,” said Germany Caushi, who attends Macomb County Community College and was there with his girlfriend.

“Raves are a fun way to meet great new people and just let loose and forget about your problems for a night.”

It seemed like the most persistent theme I encountered was having a good time, and ensuring everyone else did too.

EDM is definitely prevalent in the college demographic. Almost everyone I spoke with was a college student, and most events are ages 18 and up.

The environment that a rave provides is what many college students long for: an accepting, embracing environment that holds no judgment. A place for letting go of problems, being with your friends, and having a good time.

Shelby Williams, a student at U of M, echoed the same concepts as others had.

“It’s all about positive people and great vibes. The music is absolutely amazing because of how many different genres

Shelby Williams UM student

there are,” she said.

“Going to shows like these is a great way to meet lifelong friends. All-in-all there’s nothing negative about it. It’s just about having a good time.”

Kendra Wilson, another Macomb County Community College student, spoke about her past.

“I never had a place before. I’m new to this whole thing. I used to cut myself.

Coming here helps me. I don’t want to when I’m here. I feel loved.”

EDM, which has risen dramatically in popularity in the last few years. You can hear it in pretty much every form of media today. And since it started, countless subgenres have sprung forth.

Skrillex, one of the most famous DJ’s today if not the most famous, encourages the community to stick together. He gave a speech about love and acceptance at a New Year’s event in December of 2014.

“I see black kids, white kids, Chinese kids, Asian kids, Russian kids, PuertoRican kids, Mexican kids, all you guys are here now. That’s amazing man.”

“Let’s take this positivity over to 2015, because we need more positive shit on this planet. I feel like this is what it’s about man, we’ve got 6,000 people here, no one is fighting and everyone is having a good time. I’m so impressed on this stage looking at you, I really am, I really appreciate your energy.”

“If you see someone at your school, or

at your work and they look left out man, all you’ve gotta do, our New Year’s Resolution is to hand a hand out in 2015 and say ‘Hey, it’s alright, I know how it is.’

Make some noise for love in 2015.”

And really, that’s what I saw time and time again during my experience. I didn’t see any fights. I didn’t see any conflict.

All I saw was a body of people coming together. People who needed somewhere to be themselves.

Our generation’s EDM culture is akin to the 60’s hippie movement. The values of love and harmony, peace and kindness, are at the core of both. The 60’s were a time of great civil change. So it is now as well, which can be observed in the countless civil issues in recent media.

Once it was time to leave, and I was headed out to my car, I still felt the positive energy.

It really was contagious.

4 | mcccagora.com •

The Agora

Campus News

February 4, 2015

Prof wants Mac lab for design students

By Mika Kotanova Agora staff

Photo by Mika Kotanova

Students work on Windows-based computers in a Graphic Design Concepts class taught by professor Bradley Hesser.

Currently all graphic design students at MCCC are using the Windows 8 operating system for their classes.

But Bradley Hesser, associate professor of Graphic Design, believes bringing a Mac Lab to campus would give students an edge in the workforce.

“Many students are going to leave here and work in a design studio that is going to be run on Apple,” Hesser said.

“Past institutions I have worked at, we had a Mac lab mainly for the graphic design students.”

Most of the software used by grapic designers — Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and other programs — runs on both Mac and Windows computers.

“Yes, I can teach the Creative Suite and we are teaching it well, but there is other software that I would like to have as part of the program that I currently can’t because it is strictly Apple operated,” Hesser said.

Currently, the issue is tabled because of budget concerns, but there remains strong interest in a Mac lab.

Graphic design student Christina Turner does all her designing on her Windows-run computer. She cannot afford a Mac computer, but if the campus had a Mac lab, she would use it.

“I definitely think if MCCC had a Mac lab, us graphic design students could go

“Many students are going to leave here and work in a design studio that is going to be run on Apple.”

Bradley Hesser Associate Professor of Graphic Design a lot farther in our learning in class,” Turner said.

“The quality of work you can produce on a Mac outshines Windows any day.”

MCCC Graphic Designer Doug Richter, who works in the college’s Marketing Department, has spent his whole career on a Mac computer.

“It would be beneficial for students to be able to work on Macs, especially since that is what they are going to walk into,” Richter said.

Hesser plans to continue bringing up the issue of a Mac lab.

“I think we have to make the move at some point, sooner the better,” he said.

“Sooner we get it, sooner we start training our students to utilize an Apple environment, for their education and also for their careers.”

For now, students will still be taught on the Windows operating systems.

“The longer we wait, the farther we get behind,” Hesser said.

Womens’ group wants to open branch on campus

Board welcomes new member, new chairman

By Makailyn Ellison

Agora staff

Agora staff

Professor Terri Kovach has been a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) for years and is now trying to create a club for the organization on the MCCC campus.

“I’ve belonged to the national group for years and I just recently joined the local group,” Kovach said.

The AAUW is a non-profit group of women who focus their attention toward eliminating boundaries for women, specifically in education.

The organization has a nationwide network of 150,000 members, 1,500 branches, and 500 college and university partners.

The group also raises money for the women’s shelter, funds scholarships, and supports agencies who fund women in need.

Women still struggle with equality in the work place, Kovach said.

“I think the rule of thumb is that for every dollar a man earns, a women only earns 77 cents,” she said.

Mariah Tevepaugh

First meeting Thursday An organizational meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. thursday, Feb. 5, in Room C222.

Kovach is looking to create a partnership with the AAUW national level group and MCCC. “We do a lot. The AAUW gives out a $1,000 scholarship to a student, and he or she doesn’t have to be an MCCC student,” Kovach said.

“This is going to be open to men and women. If we’re talking about non-discrimination against women, we certainly aren’t going to discriminate against men.”

So far, the college has been able to reach out to about 12 girls.

“We’re going to invite them to a meeting in February,” Kovach said.

Due to March being Women’s History Month, Kovach is putting together a gathering to kick off the beginning.

“I’d like to show the film Girl Rising, it looks at education rising. I would like to have an open showing right here on campus,” said Kovach.

Photo by Julia Grzywinski

Terri Kovach, an MCCC Sociology professor and resource librarian, wants to bring a branch of the American Association of University Women to campus.

MCCC’s Board of Trustees has a new member.

Lynette Dowler was sworn in on Jan. 26 along with two returning members, Mary K. Thayer and Bill Braunlich.

All three were elected to the board at the Nov. 6 election. Dowler replaces Linda Lauer, who didn’t seek re-election.

Board member Joe Bellino was named chairman of the board, replacing William Bacarella. Thayer was chosen as vice chair and James Devries as secretary.

The board approved raising the minimum wage for student workers.

The financial report indicated both revenues and expenses were down again, reflecting the decline in enrollment.

The board talked briefly about reorganizing a Strategic Finance Committee, but nothing was decided.

The board discussed the need to keep several open positions unfilled.

Some positions may be redefined or combined before they are filled, President Kojo Quartey said.

Briefs Culinary Club selling V-Day treats

Enriching Lives award winner named Plans close for “Gala at Gatsby’s”

MCCC’s culinary club, Club Culinaire will be selling chocolate dipped strawberries for Valentine’s Day. The strawberries will be $12 per dozen, and come in a decorated box. They are pre-order only.

All proceeds will go to helping the club send students to Chicago for the 2015 food show.

All orders must be in by Feb. 12. Pick up day will be Feb. 13 in room A-149 from noon - 2 p.m.

To order, contact John Feaganes at (734) 652-0339 or at jfeaganes28113@my.monroeccc.edu.

Liz Raymond, Learning Assistance Lab counselor, was the recipient of the Fall 2014 Enriching Lives Performance Award.

The person who nominated her said that she helps students and faculty work together, and is positive and encouraging.

“I appreciate her positive attitude and encouragement and know that my colleagues feel the same. It is a privilege to work with Liz. She is truly an individual who is enriching lives.”

Archaeology Club offers knapping The MCCC Archaeology Club will be putting on a flint knapping class.

Students will be able to learn how to make their own arrowheads out of flint.

The event will be from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Feb. 19 in room C222.

March of Dimes plans kick-off party MCCC will be helping the March of Dimes sponsor Monroe County’s March for Babies kick-off party.

The event will take place Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the gym of the H Building.

Teams will be able to pick up information packets and refreshments will be available.

For more information visit MarchForBabies.org or call March of Dimes at 734-418-7738.

MCCC hosts Black History Month MCCC will be hosting a series of events in honor of Black History Month this February.

The events will include several presentations and an African American artwork display in the lobby of the A Building.

Planned events include: Wednesday, Feb. 4: “European Slavery in Africa,” presented by MCCC President Kojo Quartey, from noon - 1 p.m. in the A Building Dining Room.

Monday Feb. 16: “African Diaspora,” a presentation by Professor Edmund LaClair from 2 - 3 p.m. in the La-Z-Boy Center. LaClair will discuss communities around the world that are descended from the movement of people from Africa.

Saturday, Feb 28: Negro League baseball player Ted Toles Jr. will give a speech at 1p.m. in the La-Z-Boy Center. Toles was a pitcher in the Negro League in the 1940s and 1950s.

All events are free and open to the public.

For information regarding Black History Month events, contact Molly McCutchan, director of human resources at 97340 384-4245 or at mmccutchan@monroeccc.edu.

Marshall Tucker Band concert Friday Job Fair and Career Expo planned The Marshall Tucker Band will be playing in the La-Z-Boy Center on Friday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $33, and VIP seating is $43. They can be purchased online at www.monroeccc.edu/theater, in person at the Cashier’s Office in the Administration building, or via phone by calling the MCCC Ticket hotline at (734) 384-4272.

Group rates, catering, and rooms are also available. For more information, contact Tom Ryder at (734) 384-4201 or at tryder@ monroeccc.edu.

This year’s Career and Opportunity Expo is scheduled for Friday, March 27, from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The event will be held in the Health and Education building.

For more information visit www.monroeccc.edu/careerexpo or contact Barry Kinsey, chair of the Career Expo, at bkinsey@monroeccc.edu or at (743) 384-4124

Student Government is finalizing plans for the “Gala at Gatsby’s,” a ball that will be held March 6 at Crystal Gardens in Southgate.

The ball will be from 6 p.m. - midnight. MCCC student Josh Zarza has been hired to DJ the event.

Dinner is provided and the entrée choices are being finalized. An open bar will be provided to all of those attending who are of legal drinking age.

Comfort Inn and Suites in Taylor has offered a complimentary shuttle to and from the ball with the rental of a room for that night.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the Cashiers office starting Monday, Feb. 9. A final price has not been determined, but it is estimated at $35 to $40.

Poetry Night Winner Announced The MCCC Writing Fellows put on a poetry/open mic night in late October.

Students were able to submit an original poem or story, and the winner received a voucher for the bookstore.

This year’s winner was Abigail Buick. Her poem is titled Life, but Not Living: Inhale, exhale go to work.

Dress yourself impress yourself impress the world Make yourself break yourself build yourself back up.

Make friends Get by as it slips by clock in, clock out alarm clock tick tock Break free enjoy your breaths

take slower steps.

Trip sometimes get back up slip sometimes wise up.

Explore a lot fear a little.

Feel a moment don’t worry about saving it.

This life we live is fleeting.

Soak it up live it up it won’t be repeating.

Features

Feburary 4, 2015

mcccagora.com • The Agora

Social media ignites conflict Mariah Tevepaugh Agora staff

Live tweeting, Facebook messaging, Snapchat, and Instagram are almost as important as breathing.

Social media is embedded in our culture, from almost in the cradle to one foot in the grave.

Social media can connect people around the world in seconds, but surprisingly, most couples agree that social media has hurt their relationships rather than helped.

“Social networking is the only fights we’ve gotten in,” said Chelsea Miller, an MCCC student. “If Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram never existed, we wouldn’t be perfect, but we wouldn’t fight about hardly anything.”

In some ways, social media has helped people meet each other. Facebook helped MCCC student Miranda Lyons and her boyfriend get to know each other.

“We met online and I could see that he was honest with what he was saying by checking his Facebook,” she said.

Lyons said that social media doesn’t hurt their relationship.

However, student Connor Harmon said that social media can be harmful.

“It ruins relationships,” he said. “She has her notifications turned on and she’ll ask me – Why did you favorite this girls tweet?”

It’s not just Twitter that causes havoc between couples, but other social media like Facebook and Snapchat as well.

Miller said Snapchat is what hurt her relationship the most.

She noticed her boyfriend Snapping someone she didn’t like and asked him to stop. She thought all was well until she found out he had another Snapchat account.

“I would have rather he told me upfront -

if you don’t like it, deal with it - rather than lie to my face, go behind my back, and make another account. I would rather he was honest with me,” she said.

Miller said it made it harder to trust her boyfriend, even after a year has passed.

Student Cynthia Evans agreed that it has to do with trust and jealousy.

“I think if neither of us had social media, then we wouldn’t be as worried about talking to another guy or girl,” Evans said. “I know the types of girls he’s friends with on there, and he has problems with dudes liking my pictures.”

“Social media does affect our relationship because of our pasts and jealousy issues,” she said.

Another student, Ian Leach, said that social media creates problems in more ways than trust. Leach said that it exposes everything in your private life to the public.

“I have been seeing a guy who is not yet “out” to his extended family and so he feels uncomfortable with me posting things about him,” he said. “Social media is everywhere and the potential to tweet, post, or blog something is readily available at every memorable - or not - moment.”

To some people, it seems that social media is being taken too serious.

MCCC student Nick Scheer said he wouldn’t worry about his significant other over social media.

“It depends on how much you trust the person,” he said. “This girl I was dating had social media and I didn’t really care – I trusted her to be shooing guys away.”

Scheer said that he enjoys social media.

“It’s not important, but it is entertaining to watch people fight with each other,” he said.

So, why do we find the urge to fight with one another over the internet; why is it nec-

essary to subtweet how someone irritated you yesterday?

MCCC alumni Tyler Berry said that he has seen social media destroy friendships because of sub-tweeting.

Berry said social media was making a couple he knew lose some of their friendships.

“They’ve pretty much cut ties with everyone because they’re so far up each other’s asses and insecure about their relationship, that all of their friends have tried to stop talking to them,” he said.

Some students agreed that social media is, in a sense, destroying face-to-face communication.

“We glue our faces into our phones and take social media way too seriously,” Berry said.

“As a result, it’s made us afraid of face-toface conversation and somehow seem to get tougher behind a keyboard and social media.”

Leach said that he doesn’t see this socialmedia disaster improving.

“We use it because it’s there and it’s stayed around because people are very interested to hear what people are up to,” he said.

MCCC student Matt Tischler agrees that social media seems to be taking over, and not in a good way.

“My girlfriend is always on it, always has to check Twitter and Instagram at the wrong time,” he said. “Like when we’re talking and she’s just checking her Instagram- why do you need to check it? Nothing has changed from the last 5 seconds.”

Tischler said he doesn’t use social media that often and if he wanted to get a point across, social media would not be the answer.

“People connect over social media and texting, they feel more comfortable texting rather than talking face-to-face,” he said. “When I have a problem, I’ll straight up tell you.”

|5

Illustration by Darryl White

‘A time to be selfish and get to know yourself’

The magical exploration of your twenties

Shelby Spencer Agora staff

For those in their early 20s, dating may just be a waste of precious time.

The season of love is upon us; it’s everywhere we look. However, is the loneliness really worth the heartache.

Your early 20’s are a time to find yourself and grow as a person, which can be difficult if there is pressure to be satisfying the needs of someone else.

In a study done by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only one in ten couples who marries in their early 20s stays married beyond ten years.

MCCC Speech professor Mark Bergmooser tells his communications students to just date around.

“From your late teens to your late 20s is a time to be selfish and get to know yourself, figure out who you are,” Bergmooser said.

“You can’t commit to someone else until you know who you are.”

Twenties are the years for exploring what’s out there for yourself without wondering what someone else is going to say about it.

“You have endless opportunities to take advantage of and the best part is you don’t need to verify your actions with anyone,” said Ashely Fern in an article for Elite Daily “You want to travel the world? Go for it. Try things that having a counterpart

would prevent you from doing.”

How much can a person truly know about themselves at 20? Most young adults aren’t even taking care of them-

selves, let alone another person.

MCCC student Sami Simon, 19, has been dating her boyfriend, 21, for two years.

She considers him a main priority in her life.

While she says that he hasn’t held her back from doing what she wants in life,

she knows he could.

“If I wanted to do something or go somewhere, I would ask him first,” she said.

Simon’s boyfriend also has a daughter and Simon fears that when they get married they won’t be able to move.

Student Mackenzie Boismer, 18, is also in a long term relationship, but thinks that the beginning of college isn’t the time to be starting a new relationship.

“Most people can’t even handle college without the stress of a relationship,” she said.

She said that her and her boyfriend put their friendship before their romantic relationship, which is what makes things work.

“It’s not easy, you have to learn to adapt,” Boismer said.

“It’s not a bed of roses, and if it is, you need to get out, because it’s not a real and healthy relationship.”

Psychology professor Melissa Grey says that relationships at a young age are possible and can even be beneficial if the people involved are ready.

“Relationships are work and they do take time. They also can be a source of support when people are juggling all of those life challenges,” Grey said.

College honors two retiring employees

By Evan Kutz Agora staff

MCCC honored longtime employees Nancy Adams and Connie Zarb at a reception Jan. 27 in the Atrium of the La-Z-Boy Center MCCC President Kojo Quartey and many co-workers were there to say a few words about Adams and Zarb.

Adams, administrate assistant to the Vice President of Instruction, has served the college for 32 years, starting as an administrative assistant in the Community Relations office.

Zarb, administrative assistant to The MCCC Foundation and Director of Marketing and Communications, was a student at the college in 2001.

She graduated with an Associate’s Degree, and received recommendations from faculty members to fill a temporary part-time position in the Office on Institutional Advancement.

She assisted with The Foundation’s campaign to construct the La-Z-Boy Center, then remained with MCCC, taking on a variety of responsibilities in the Institutional Advancement and Marketing departments.

Nancy Adams gets a hug from Grace Yackee, vice president of Instruction.

Photos by Evan Kutz

Retiring administrative assistants Connie Zarb, left, and Nancy Adams relax during the reception in their honor on Jan. 29 in the Atrium of the La-Z-Boy Center. The bucket at right was used for Adams’ “bucket list.’

Connie Zarb gets a hug from Joshua Myers, executive director of the MCCC Foundation.

6| mcccagora.com •

Features

The Agora

February 4, 2015

Coffee Shop Wars

Monroe’s coffee competition standards raised by better atmosphere and taste Julia Grzywinski Agora staff

As students are becoming more dependent on caffeine to make it through late night study sessions and early morning classes, there is a growing debate over the best place to get coffee.

With widely known franchises such as Tim Horton’s, Biggby, and Starbucks opening up more stores, and small local shops sprouting up, it isn’t difficult to find a decent cup of coffee.

The hard part, though, is picking a favorite.

For students looking for quick, inexpensive coffee on the go, the most popular choice seems to be Tim Horton’s.

“It’s quick and easy, and it tastes better than anywhere else I’ve gone. It’s sort of like the fast food of coffee for me,” said Bailey Minney.

Tim Horton’s is a good place to go for students on the run, but it is not the best stop if you are looking for a wide variety of selections.

“I really like it, but sometimes I just want to try something different, and they don’t really have as much to offer like Biggby and Starbucks do,” Minney said.

Looking for a wide variety of coffee, lattes, teas, hot chocolates, and freezes? Biggby and Starbucks may be just the right spot, but watch the wallet, it can get a little pricy.

Big franchises like Biggby and Starbucks offer customers hundreds of possibilities with their menus.

A Biggby store recently opening on Telegraph Road in Monroe, introducing more students to the world of specialty drinks.

“I like that whenever I go in there I can get something different, and can add whatever flavor I want. It’s also nice to finally have one in town so that I don’t have to drive so far anymore,” said Sarah Dusseau, a Communications student.

Although the prices are noticeably higher than Tim Horton’s, Biggby does offer a rewards system, and emails weekly and monthly coupons to customers.

“It’s nice to have the reward card so that I can get a free drink or bagel every now and then, and I also get email coupons, which lower the cost for a lot of my coffee stops,” Dusseau said.

Although some students believe the quality of Starbucks’ coffee is better than the main competitors, the distance and the costs are a little unsettling.

“I’ve only been to Starbucks a few times, and I did really like it. It was just too expensive, and too far away for me to make it my first choice,” Dusseau said.

If the prices of Starbucks seem a little unappealing, they offer a rewards system as well.

The system has three levels, Welcome, Green, and Gold. When a customer accumulates so many stars within a one-year period, they will reach the next level.

To enter the Gold level, a customer must earn 30 stars within one year. This will make the Gold member eligible for a free birthday drink or food item, and a 15 percent off coupon, email offers, free in-store refills for brewed tea of coffee, a free food or drink item after every 12 stars, and a Gold Card.

With the opening of a new Starbucks in Monroe in the works, the competition is sure to increase.

“Usually Biggby would be my first choice, but now that Starbucks is supposed to open soon, I’ll probably start going there more,” said Zach Morrison, an Applied Sciences student.

Although it’s nice to be able to grab coffee on the run, some students are also interested in being able to sit down, relax, and try to get some work done. This is where a smaller coffee shop is the optimal choice.

Julia Toniolo is a 19-year old MCCC student, and also a barista at a local coffee shop in Monroe. Agua Dulce is a coffee shop focused on European style coffee and drinks.

“People who come into our shop are not only coming for the coffee, but also for the quiet, relaxing, and laid back vibe,” Toniolo said.

If you are looking for somewhere with a different atmosphere than the mainstream “fast” coffee, there are a few places around Monroe that offer a new coffee shop scene.

“We stand out above bigger companies because we care about our customers, and are focused on having happy customers,” Toniolo said.

For students who are looking for both variety and the “vibe” of a small shop, Agua Dulce, offers over 60 specialty teas, fresh fruit smoothies, and food.

“We have much more than just coffee, we can really serve anybody who comes is,” Toniolo said.

Elizabeth Camper, a Business student, is a self-proclaimed “coffee snob” who agrees that the smaller shops are the places to go for the best vibes and coffee.

“I think the bigger places are fine when you are on the road or in a big hurry, but smaller, locally owned shops are definitely the ones with the best quality,” Camper said.

“There is a certain vibe you get from these shops, it’s relaxing, and quiet. I like that.”.

Whether you like to go somewhere quick, quiet, or cool, students are never more than 15 minutes away from a needed caffeine fix.

Photo by Julia Grzywinski

Biggby Coffee is one of many threats to local coffee shops in Monroe.

A Divided World A point of view on how we’re tearing each other down instead of building each other up Mariah Tevepaugh Agora Staff

I’m 20 years old, going to school fulltime and working full-time.

I have been in trouble with my parents. I have learned lessons the hard way.

I have fallen in love, back out, and in again. All of which, I’m sure, every human being has experienced.

I have been discriminated against for being too young, so I must be naïve and reckless. I have been judged as stupid and irresponsible because of my tattoos.

I have been told I won’t be successful in life as a journalist.

Well, having tattoos does not make my IQ instantaneously drop and my current age does not limit who I am, have been, or will be.

Whether I’m black, Asian, mixed or white; whether I have tattoos or not; whether I’m Buddhist or Christian; and whether I’m male or female, doesn’t define me.

It gives me a label, but does not say who I truly am.

I am who I am based on life experiences, how I was raised, and my morals.

Just because I’m a journalist does not mean I’m a liberal, just as a police officer isn’t a pig, a racist, or a hero.

Just because I’m white does not make me racist.

I may never know what it feels like to be a slave fighting for my freedom, but I know what it feels like to be judged because of factors I can’t control.

I’ve been stereotyped as a slut, based on what I wear or don’t wear.

I know what it feels like to be told I won’t be as great, or as successful in life, because I’m female.

I also know what it feels like to be

judged because I’m white. Because I’m white, I must be racist and I must think I’m better than everyone and anyone else, well, except a white male, of course.

None of this is true.

I’ve never thought I’m better because I’m white.

I’ve never thought I got a job or, didn’t get a job, because I’m white. Here is what I have

done.

I have stereotyped.

Yes, I admit it, I have stereotyped, just like everyone else on this planet. I will never knowingly treat someone differently

because of their color, religion, sexual preference, or gender, but we are all guilty of thoughts that are based on peoples’ looks or actions. So, how do we stop this?

How do we come together and stop the

hate between classes, races, religions, or genders?

Maybe we need to be more kind to each other - accept our differences and connect on our similarities.

Maybe we shouldn’t judge someone until we get to know more about them and what they’ve been through.

Maybe we should stop with the racial slurs and the stereotyping.

It could be as simple as not laughing at racial jokes, blonde jokes, or gay jokes.

What if we’ve only carried on these awful jokes because we’ve been told it’s all done in good humor, so we laugh and we accept.

I laugh when someone makes a sexist joke.

“Hey Mariah, get back in the kitchen,” or “Where is my sandwich?”

But if I laugh every time, the jokes won’t stop, they will only grow.

That joke will spread until it seems like a fact that all women should be in the kitchen.

How much longer will we keep accepting the hurt until were not joined together by laughing, but we’re separated by these false “facts.”

Instead of pointing fingers at others, I’m going to try to stop my own stereotyping.

I’m going to try not to judge based on how someone looks or their actions.

I’m going to accept that, yes, we may all look different, think different, talk different, but we are all humans.

We all want to be respected, understood, and accepted.

We need to realize that we’re all capable of doing the same amount of good and evil.

A&E

Feburary 4, 2015

mcccagora.com • The Agora

|7

Indie-rocker Sufjan Stevens to release album, play Detroit

By Mika Kotanova Agora Staff

Indie music king Sufjan Stevens recently announced the release of his seventh studio album, “Carrie & Lowell.”

The album’s subject matter is described as “life and death, love and loss, and the artist’s struggle to make sense of the beauty and ugliness of love,” according to the singer’s press release. The press release also promises that the album will be a return to Steven’s “folk roots.”

It has been five years since his last full-length album, “The Age of Adz.” In that time, Stevens has kept busy being involved with his side project, Sisyphus, where he released both an album and EP. Aside from that he has also scored a documentary and released two more Christmas songs.

“Carrie & Lowell” is named after Steven’s mother and step-

father. The album cover features a picture of them.

“Carrie & Lowell” is an eleven track album. The anticipated album will be released on March 30 in Europe and March 31 in the United States.

A snippet of the album can be heard on the album’s trailer which can be viewed on Pitchfork.com along with the album track list.

Collaborators on the album include Thomas Bartlett, Sean Carey, Casey Foubert, Ben Lester, Nedelle Torrisi, and Laura Veirs.

Along with the new album, Stevens announced a North American tour in the beginning of April.

On April 27, Stevens will be playing at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.

Tickets are available at carrieandlowell.com.

Halo 5 Beta paves way for a promising fifth game

By Jeff Brown Agora Staff

Owners of Halo: The Master Chief Collection recently had the chance to play the Halo 5: Guardians Arena Multiplayer Beta.

If you weren’t able to play it, you’re in luck, because here we are with our first impressions on the Beta.

This game feels like Halo with some modern twists to the gameplay.

In the first controversial change that 343 industries made to the Guns, Melee, Grenade formula that has always been the bread-and-butter of the series, they allow everyone to sprint at any time. They balance this by not allowing players to recharge their shields while sprinting, creating more risky decisions like, “Do I try and sprint away and maybe get shot and killed while trying to find cover or should I be aggressive and try to turn the tides of the battle by outgunning my opponent.”

This seemed to work fine and I found myself playing much more conservatively and using the sprint much less than in Halo 4 or Reach.

In the next controversial move, 343 Industries added a feature call “Smart Scope.” Smart Scope is just a fancy name for Aim Down Sights. This is a shoe-in for every modern multiplayer shooter, but it is only now coming to the Halo formula. A lot of people might get worried by this development, but I’m here to tell you that it works really well.

Smart Scope works just like scoping in any other Halo game except instead of most guns having

“Overall the halo 5: Guardians Beta was a hell of a good time and the most fun I’ve had playing a Halo game in years.” just a visor zoom in, everything has a holographic sight similar to the Battle Rifle or DMR. When you get shot, you get taken out of the scope and you’re forced to fight without it.

Some other new additions include a booster pack that gives you boost in any direction, allowing the player to escape battles easier or surprise unsuspecting foes. With this addition, the booster adds the ability to do a ground pound attack. While in the air you hold melee and aim a red crosshair at the ground.

When you’re charged, your Spartan slams down on the ground instantly, killing any enemy unlucky enough to be in the crosshairs and draining their shields.

This sounds crazy and over-powered, but during my 25+ hours of gameplay I couldn’t land a single kill with this ability and I was only killed by it a few times.

By far my favorite addition to the game is clamber. This is when you jump toward a wall and hold the jump button, your Spartan reaches out and pulls

himself up, so now instead of missing a jump by a few inches and looking like an idiot while you slide helplessly down a wall, you’ll grab the ledge and pull yourself up.

I haven’t had this much fun playing Halo in a long time. The gameplay is fast and fresh and the maps are designed well. However, with all the new and awesome stuff, there were a few problems.

The default controls are really bad. In fact, any of the other controller variants are much better and would be more comfortable for most players, though they still aren’t perfect. This is the first time that I played a game and said to myself that maybe the modern controller doesn’t have enough buttons.

Another problem was matchmaking. Sometimes it would take up to ten minutes to find a match and other times it would completely boot me to the main menu while searching. Even though this Beta is still nine months from the full launch, this worries me.

It is three months into the shady launch of The Master Chief Collection and it barely works, which makes you wonder if we’ll ever be able to play consistent uninterrupted multiplayer games of Halo ever again.

The Beta sported a hefty seven multiplayer maps, and three game types over the three weeks that it was available.

First was Classic team Slayer. After that they introduced the first all new game type, Breakout, which is a round-based, team-oriented game; after player are slain, they don’t respawn until the next round, similar to what you would see in games like Coun-

ter Strike. In the third week, Strongholds was introduced. In this game, type two teams of four battle across the map to control three territories; the only way to score is to have two of the three under your control at the same time.

The Beta’s seven maps were all small, arena-type maps that were built with the 4v4 multiplayer play in mind. We won’t cover all the maps, but the best two were the two from the first week, Regret and Empire.

Regret is a remake of the classic map Midship and is scaled for the increased mobility of the Spartan in Halo 5. This is a classic map that holds up very well with the new formula. This symmetrical battleground was by far the favorite of the community as well.

Empire is a completely new map and even though it is the least visually pleasing map of the bunch, it’s possibly the best designed. There are no angles or corners above 90 degrees and it has plenty of vantage points and cover positions. It has an outside balcony and a base inside that are usually used for teams to camp or regroup picking up power weapons. It’s also symmetrical and it plays best when you have good team communication.

Overall the Halo 5: Guardians Beta was a hell-of-a good time and the most fun I’ve had playing a Halo game in years. There are plenty of issues, but I have faith that having a beta nine months before official release should give 343 Industries plenty of time to polish and improve the game.

Halo 5: Guardians is scheduled to release this holiday season for the Xbox One.

Upcoming game releases Treat yourself this Valentine’s with these hot new titles

After being announced at the 2013 E3 event, The Order 1886 will be exclusively released on PlayStation 4 on Feb. 20. The Order is set in a fictional historic era in London and encorporates supernatural elements with historic characters, such as King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

February 3 February 3 February 4 February 10 February 10 February 11 February 13 February 13 February 13 February 13 February 17 February 17 February 17 February 20 February 20 February 20 February 24 February 24 February 24 February 24 February 25

Criminal Girls: Invite Only Vita) SpongeBob HeroPants (360, 3DS, Vita) Deathtrap (PC) Evolve (Xbox One, PS4, PC) Unmechanical: Extended (PS4, PS3) Hyperdimension Neptunia ReBirth2 (Vita) The Escapists (Xbox One) The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (3DS) Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (3DS) New 3DS XL Dead or Alive 5: Final Round (Xbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC) Resident Evil Revelations 2 (Xbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC) Total War: Attila (PC) The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 (PC) Kirby and the Rainbow Curse (Wii U) The Order: 1886 (PS4) Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse (Xbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC) Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires (Xbox One, PS4, PS3, PC) Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart (Vita) Resident Evil Revelations 2 (Xbox One, 360, PS4, PS3, PC) Homeworld Remastered (PC)

8 | mcccagora.com •

The Agora

Fitness center encourages competition Mitch Perkins Agora Staff

The Fitness center is holding challenges for students and faculty to help promote fitness as they bring in the New Year.

Fitness instructor Karen Turner is helping participants train for the Push Up Challenge. Training sheets are passed out each week for participants to help them prepare for the challenge.

There are twenty people who are already signed up for the challenge but any one is able to sign up for it still.

The challenge will be held on Friday, March 6th at noon. Pushups will be recorded and the par-

ticipant who does the most pushups will receive a $25 gas gift card.

The other competition being held in the fitness center is the Spring Break Slim Down Challenge.

There are five people participating in the seven week long challenge and they each weigh in once a week. The winner will be whoever loses the most weight by percentage. This is done to make things fair to all participating no matter how much they weigh at the start of the challenge.

The winner will also receive a $25 gas gift card when the final weigh in is done on March 2nd.

Sports

February 4, 2015

Photo by Mitch Perkins

Nick Scheer works out in preparation for the pushup competition that will take place March 6. The winner will recieve a gas gift card.

NFL playoffs full of ‘what-ifs’ Mitch Perkins Agora Staff

The NFL Playoffs came to a close Sunday, Feb. 2, and after each grueling week the same question was asked. What if?

The opening round of Wild Card play had local fans riled up as the Lions matched up against Dallas in AT&T stadium. The close game held fans on the edge of their seats until controversy reared its head in the fourth quarter.

A defensive pass interference penalty was thrown after a pass from Mathew Stafford to Brandon Pettigrew. After the penalty had been announced to the stadium, the referees made the decision to pick up that flag and the penalty yards were not awarded.

Confusion led to conspiracy theories as the referees did not report to the stadium the reasoning behind the picking up of the flag.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo led his team down the field to take the lead, and eventually the win.

What if the penalty hadn’t been picked up? What if?

During the divisional round, the Cowboys faced

a Green Bay Packers team that was undefeated at Lambeau Field this season.

After Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers led a second half comeback, his team led the Cowboys 26-21.

With just over four minutes left in the game, Romo threw a ball to wide receiver Dez Bryant on fourth and two that was caught near the goal line.

After video review, the call of a catch was overturned and it was decided that he did not have possession of the ball through the catch after contacting the ground.

Bryant and Cowboys fans pleaded their case that he was reaching for the goal line and that should be considered a “football move.”

These cries were to no avail as the ruling on the field was overturned, the ball was turned over to the Packers, and the Packers went on to win the game, running the clock out on their next drive.

Again the question was asked: What if that call hadn’t been overturned?

In the Divisional Championship round, the Packers traveled to Seattle to take on the number-one ranked defense in the league, as well as “The 12th

Man”.

After holding the lead for almost the entire game, the Packers punted the ball away to the Seahawks with just less than four minutes left in the fourth quarter.

After a seven play-seventy yard drive by the Seahawks, quarterback Russell Wilson ran the ball in from one yard out.

Pandemonium ensued in Seattle when an onside kick was recovered by the Seahawks after Green Bay tight end Brandon Bostick mishandled the kick.

Seattle went on to score on that drive, followed shortly by a Green Bay field goal, sending the game to overtime.

Seattle received the ball to start overtime and it took Russell Wilson just six plays to march down the field and score, sealing the win for Seattle.

A wild series of events led to the Seattle win bringing up the question again. What if?

Finally, the Super Bowl had arrived. Both teams were the number one seeds in their respective divisions.

The Patriots battled controversy for the two weeks leading up to the game, dealing with the “Deflate

Gate” scandal from their divisional championship game against the Colts.

After a tight fought game through four quarters, the Seahawks found themselves in prime position to win the game. They were down four points with the ball on the Patriots’ one yard line after a circus catch by wide receiver Jermaine Kearse over Patriots’ defender Malcolm Butler got them into the red zone.

With just twenty seconds remaining on the clock and a time out in his pocket, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll made the call to have Russell Wilson throw the ball on second down.

The play resulted in an interception by Malcolm Butler, sending the game into a frenzy as a fight broke out on the next play, resulting in the ejection of Seahawks defender Bruce Irvin.

After Tom Brady won his fourth Super Bowl ring, it leaves many fans and reporters wondering why Coach Pete Carroll did not run the ball.

With Marshawn Lynch, the running back with the most touchdowns in the NFL this season in the backfield, most people believe running the ball was a no-brainer.

Leading one last time to the question. What if?

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