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THE GLACIER JANUARY 24, 2014 VOLUME 47, ISSUE 9 ABOUT THE GLACIER The Glacier is published biweekly during the fall and spring semesters by the students of Moraine Valley Community College. SUBMISSION POLICY All submissions should be typed and letters to the editor must include the author’s name, phone number and email address. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted.
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INTERNATIONAL| from front page reading skills have already been learned upon admittance to MVCC, as well as basic comprehension. Schooling begins with grasping a firmer understanding of the language and after one or two semesters, students incorporate academic classes such as science or math in their schedule as well. Unlike a number of students from the U.S. who travel abroad, academia is the driving force behind international students attending MVCC. From the stance of an American student, short-term stays to popular destinations like Australia, France and Spain are mostly considered cultural experiences rather than educational ones. “Americans go for the experience,” explained Plous. “The U.S. is still so culturally isolated that we feel we don’t
By submitting content to The Glacier, the sender acknowledges that they represent and warrant all rights to the content. They agree to indemnify and hold harmless Moraine Valley Community College, The Glacier, hosts, affiliates, officers, readers or employees from any liability, damage or cost. The sender agrees to also hold this true for any claim or demand by a third party due to or arising out of the content they submit. The sender agrees to give The Glacier unlimited license in perpetuity to the content and the information therein. The Glacier reserves the right to edit content as deemed necessary. EDITORIAL POLICY The opinions expressed in the Glacier do not reflect the views of the faculty, staff or administration of Moraine Valley Community College. Views expressed by non-staff do not reflect the views of The Glacier. All content decisions for The Glacier are under the authority of student editors. Material is not submitted to college admin-
have to go outside of our borders.” The mutual goal of nearly all international students is to transfer into a University within the U.S. After obtaining credit hours from MVCC, students are in the Illinois school system, opening many doors for them. “We’re very proud of the program, we know we do a very good job. We ask students to rate what they liked and what they didn’t about orientation. Responses are always positive. It’s rewarding and amazing to work with such a unique group,” said Galvan. Plous closed with a piece of advice for local students at MVCC: “If you see an international student, say ‘hello’ and make a new friend.” Ashley Meitz can be contacted at news@ mvccglacier.com.
Bathrooms made equal By Ashley Meitz News Editor As of the 2014 spring semester, upstairs bathrooms in the U Building turned unisex. “We’ve been seriously entertaining the idea for about a year, but it was addressed before I started at Moraine,” explained Kent Marshall, Assistant Dean. A pivotal point in the mission to create unspecified gender restrooms was ‘Transgender Day of Remembrance’, sponsored by Celebrating Diversity Task Group and the GASP Club. This open dialogue panel invited those who are transgender from outside the Moraine Valley population to speak openly. To ensure comfort of outside speakers, temporary signs were posted on the restroom door allowing either sex to use the facility. “It was a quick fix,” said Marshall. “We want not only our visitors, but our students, to feel comfortable.” Unisex bathrooms allow all students to feel comfortable using the restroom for whatever reason. They’re for anybody to use which is why both symbols are posted. Each restroom is intended
for single occupancy and have locks from the inside. “We have mothers who need a place to breastfeed or pump. We also have students who do not feel comfortable in either a male or female restroom -- students who might be going through the transgender process. Or, perhaps they feel comfortable, but others do not,” explained Marshall. Any new buildings constructed at MVCC will most likely have similar facilities. They promote safety and comfort of students and serve as a place where no one has to feel they don’t belong or worry about what other people think. Jeffrey McCully, Advisor of GASP Club and faculty at MVCC, Campus Operations, College and Community Relations and the Vice President for Student Development helped turn the idea into a reality. “It was an initiative that several people were behind. Sometimes, things don’t affect you directly so you don’t think about it. This is just the right thing to do,” said Marshall. Ashley Meitz can be contacted at news@ mvccglacier.com.
Faculty Adviser Ted Powers powerst@morainevalley.edu
News Editor Ashley Meitz news@mvccglacier.com
Brian Ederhardt EderhardtTb3@student. morainevalley.edu
Editor-in-Chief Annie Parker editorinchief@mvccglacier.com
Views Editor Jayne Joyce views@mvccglacier.com
Layout Editor Connor Reynolds layout@mvccglacier.com
Entertainment Editor William Lukitsch entertainment@mvccglacier.com
Features Editor Ciara Barnett copyeditor@mvccglacier.com
Photo Editor Erica Sinnott photoeditor@mvccglacier.com
Contributing Staff David Alexander Gabriela Aviles Dimka Atanassova Matt Galvin Naimah Mitchell Donnell Outlaw Jerry Rodgers Kenny Torrella
Online Editor Jake Coyne online@mvccglacier.com
Distribution Manager Robert P. Boyer distribution@mvccglacier.com
Sports Editor Sean McDermott sports@mvccglacier.com
Graphic Intern Thomas John Schultz schultz37@student. morainevalley.edu
Nurses lead and inspire By Annie Parker Editor-In-Chief
42 nursing students received their coveted pins at the Nurses Pinning Ceremony, signifying success and commitment into such an important field of work. Dr. Pamela Haney, Vice President of Academic Affairs, gave the opening speech at the ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 10, enlightening students and commending all of them on their achievements. “Your dedication is an inspiration to us all,” said Haney. “Believe in what you are doing and have a passion for what you are doing. The nursing profession is
not just about hospital care, it is about so much more.” Everyone was reminded that the nursing profession, while a major component, is not just about tending to health of patients, but being committed to service, and using gifts of knowledge, patience, and kindness. These are talents that the students were instructed to continue to learn as their nursing careers take off. Dr. Pamela Haney reminded students, “People connect with nurses and trust them to do the right thing,” she explained. Second to speak was Professor Jennifer Van Cura, who recognized the rigNURSES | page 7