Art World Revolution PG. 9
Jeff the Librarian PG. 9
SFCC alumni starts T-shirt business
Jeff Davis keeps the library organized
Sports Scholarships PG. 10
How will Budget Cuts Affect Athletic Scholarships?
May. 30 - Oct. 11, 2013
Volume 44 | Issue 12
Tech fee is raised to $40 for 10 credits Emily Norton
The Communicator
Christopher Roberts | The Communicator
George Suttle speaks to students about imrpoving study habits.
SAP updates expectations Corbin Bronsh
The Communicator Federal financial aid has updated its Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules, which could cause students to lose financial aid if they do not meet minimum requirements. A CCS-wide memo sent by CCS Chancellor Christine Johnson stated the requirements needed in order to qualify and keep financial aid are: maintaining a 2.0 grade point average every quarter, completing a minimum number of credits per quarter based on whether full time or part time, and completing a degree within a maximum time frame determined by the length of that specific program. According to the memo: “Your SAP is evaluated at the end of every quarter - whether or not you receive financial aid. Financial aid staff must look at your grade point average, how quickly you are completing the classes in your major and the number of classes you attempt versus the number you complete.” The new regulations take effect immediately, but the Chancellor worries that students may not change negative behaviors as quickly. “My main concern is that students won’t read all the regulations and that some students won’t take these rules seriously,” Johnson said. “These are going to be high stakes for students and their education.” The regulations also bring some
SFCC’s technology plan has been approved by student government for 2013-2014, and is awaiting approval by the Board of Trustees. Each year, SFCC creates a technology plan which starts with input from students and various department faculty in order to determine their technology needs for the year. These needs are then prioritized by student government and administration officials, and voted on. The technology fee that each student pays quarterly with tuition accounts for about 25 percent of funds going into the technology plan budget, according to the SFCC website. “We’ve been able to purchase some really helpful equipment for our students enrolled in Physical Therapy programs,” Marie Cole, Physical Therapy Program Director, said. “The equipment we purchase helps prepare students for careers in physical therapy.” The tech fee has provided SFCC with part of the resources needed to improve technology in classrooms for student use. The cost per student
Honoring American Heroes Pg. 11
twitter.com/_communicator
Tech Fee | Page 2
Mireesha Huff | The Communicator
Marica Gadda walking on the new support tredmill. It was made to help stroke victims walk again.
Service and Activity fees on the rise Chandler George
The Communicator
Brace Yourself...
Page 6
Randy Breedlove and Ashley Hiruko| The Communicator
SAP | Page 2
IMAGES
is determined by how many credits a student is taking and is $4 per credit for the first 10 credits for a maximum of $40 per quarter, per student. “I don’t mind paying a tech fee,” Paige Eckhaus, first year SFCC student, said. “As long as I’m getting my money’s worth in classroom equipment that I might be using, I don’t mind paying extra.” A committee of student government and staff members meet annually to determine where the money will be spent. The money is only spent on student needs. Faculty technology needs are addressed separately. “The idea is that students pay into something that will benefit them,” Laura Lee, Vice President of Student Services, said. “The students are represented by student government and their approved tech plan is then sent to the Board of Trustees for final approval. The technology fee covers all technological equipment that may be needed for classroom activities. The requests vary based on student needs and classes offered. Computers, wiring, monitors, and software programs are among the majority of items ap-
FOCUS
Chairs Coffee House Pg. 5
SPOTLIGHT
Jerry O’Neal Set to Retire Pg. 9
COMMUNICATORONLINE.ORG
Rumor had it that there would be a 30 percent tuition increase for all students next year. This would be a high increase in tuition. “Tuition is not going to increase the fall quarter of 2013,” Vice President of SFCC, Darren Pitcher, said. Even though tuition is not raising, the college is in the process of raising Service and Activity fees. There are many things that the S&A fees cover for students. “This money supports clubs, sports, new technology, new buildings, bus passes for students, work study, et cetera,” Heather Mckenzie WaitE, Director of Student Funded Programs at SFCC said. The list keeps going since many services and activities need money. In order to keep the ball rolling there has to be enough funding for all of these things. One thing that is on the mind of the people on the board is S&A Fees | Page 2
SIDELINES
NWACC Championship Results Pg. 10
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