Carbondale Commentary The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, e-mail editor Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.
CMC: Committed to communities and one another By Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser This past weekend, I joined a crowded room in Glenwood Springs to listen to those who may be affected by potential changes to federal immigration policy. Organized by a local attorney, the meeting was filled with educators, elected officials, government workers, representatives of nonprofit organizations, and many students, children and families. All were seeking to understand the potential effects following the recent national election and to hear from community members who expressed fear and uncertainty about the future. The truth is that none of us knows what will change – if anything – come Jan. 20. Many campaign promises were made, but actual plans are unclear. What we do know, however, is that many in our communities are anxious. They, like all of us, have heard stories of heightened bullying in schools, seen racially charged graffiti on the news, and watched multi-day protest marches in dozens of American cities. Some who could be affected by changes to federal law have started to ask my colleagues and me whether college is even worth the effort anymore. To a lifelong advocate for equity and college access, I find this sentiment to be both troubling and sad. In the midst of this anxious environment, I want to offer clear and accurate information about the laws governing tuition and enrollment at Colorado Mountain College and the conduct expectations for those affiliated with it. First, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is not necessary to pay the
lower “in-state” tuition rate at Colorado’s public colleges and universities for many, if not most, current high school students. Colorado has a separate law called ASSET that allows students who have been in our state’s high schools for three or more years and graduated to earn in-state status. This law could change, of course, but it would require action from the Colorado legislature, not from Washington, D.C. Second, students do not need to be U.S. citizens to enroll in public colleges or universities. Our colleges routinely enroll students from around the world and have many students whose statuses are uncertain, such as homeless youth. There are certainly a number of very important requirements necessary to establish eligibility for in-state tuition, which is considered a “public benefit,” but these policies only apply to costs and do not affect one’s opportunity to participate in college. Similarly, all students who are enrolled in our local high schools are allowed to participate in concurrent enrollment programs at no cost for tuition. The concurrent enrollment program is governed by Colorado laws and is unique to our state. As long as students are enrolled in public high schools, concurrent enrollment can be available to them. Finally, federal law has never permitted undocumented students access to federal financial aid such as Pell grants and student loans. All students enrolled in college, however, may receive support from private foundations and certain merit-based financial aid programs. So, a number of scholarship resources may be available for enrolled students.
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The most important message is: don’t give up on your education or your dreams. As the future unfolds, CMC remains committed to helping every student succeed regardless of citizenship or political views. The results of the recent election compel us to listen and better serve those disadvantaged by our global economy. As such, CMC is committed to developing the skills necessary for all students to achieve economic success and resiliency. Connect with our admissions or financial aid teams. Share your aspirations with our counseling staff or spend time with our terrific faculty. Again, don’t give up. As a final reminder, let’s all honor and observe the expectations for conduct found in our Constitution as well as the rules we live by at CMC. Both governing frameworks allow freedom of speech and the right to peaceably assemble to share opinions and ideas. As an unbiased institution, the college embraces these ideals and encourages opportunities for debate, exploration, learning and growth that are peaceful, respectful and civil. The college also takes seriously the responsibility to ensure that the freedoms, rights, and safety of all students and employees are honored and protected. Fifty years ago, CMC was established by our mountain communities. That commitment will not waver as long as I’m president, so please join your college and your community to ensure we are – and forever will remain – open and inclusive to all. Para leer esta columna en español, vaya a este enlace: www.coloradomtn.edu/espanol Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser is president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College. Reach her at cbhauser@coloradomtn.edu or follow her on Twitter at @CMCPresident.
Dandelion Market benefits from even slight upticks Annual meeting Nov. 17 Exhale. The country has spoken clearly that we need change. More than ever, we need to pause, embrace our community and focus on local change we do have control over. Healthy local food is truly one of the most important, and easiest, sustainability choices we have as fortunate consumers. Buying locally and seasonally removes links in the global food chain of sourcing, packaging and shipping food. There are exciting things happening with our local food revolution. There are more young farmers than ever. Harvest festivals and farmto-table dinners are selling out. New farmer’s markets are popping up. Food is being embraced as culinary art in our new creative district. Local hops are going into local beer. We have a community bread oven and a seedsaving library. Kids are eating healthy organic lunches. In the background, there are many humble organizations doing the hard and thankless work to connect the dots and build the food hub that will keep us healthy, happy and resilient. We are very lucky to have a local food al-
ternative in the Dandelion Market, Carbondale’s community food co-op. Although the Dandelion Market is abundant, vibrant, fresh and more locally sourced than ever, it’s lease will expire in June 2017 at 559 Main Street. The market needs a new home, and it really needs a downtown home in order to remain an anchor for our vibrant community. What can you do? The market needs you to speak up, vote with your dollar and volunteer your time to help our market transition and thrive. The Dandelion Market is small and mighty. We weathered the Whole Foods influx, the Great Recession, two store expansions and several staff transitions. The next storm will likely be a new City Market near the roundabout, which has been approved.
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Financial reality
on a daily basis. Whether you are a curious shopper, or a veteran member-owner, please come visit us to get some Paonia carrots, Silt greens or Nieslanik beef. You will meet great people, learn new things and feel good about doing your part in helping something grow. Please stop by our annual members’ meeting on Nov. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Third Street Center Calaway Room, to share some potluck food, vote in new board members and get involved with an exciting future for the Dandelion Market. This is our food cooperative and the time is now for all of us to work cooperatively to find a new home and create positive local change. For more information, either stop by the store at 559 Main St., call 963-1375 or access the website at communityfoodcoop.org. Hable Espanol. It is happening! Jason White Member-owner Dandelion Market Carbondale
Yes, our financial reality in the mountains is that we all need to shop at City Market for some of our food items. We just don’t see the true cost of food because it is hidden within the corporate financial model. On the contrary, with such a small footprint and opPlease turn to page 15 for erating budget, the Dandelion Market benefits greatly from even slight upticks in sales
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • NOVEMBER 17-23, 2016
Letters to the Editor
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