The Collegian collegian.tccd.edu
Which chicken sandwich is better? Page 8
S E RV I N G T H E TA R R A N T C O U N T Y C O L L E G E D I S T R I C T
Wednesday, August 28, 2019 – Volume 32 • Issue 2 DISTRICT
New state laws affect Title IX landscape GUNNER YOUNG campus editor
Changes to the federal anti-discrimination law Title IX are going into effect in Texas on Sept. 1, and the new rules will change the way that sexual misconduct is reported on college campuses. Instructors and other staff are required by law to write a report over any signs of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking abuse regardless of whether or not the victim wants
CONNECT
it written or not. An expert on Title IX and NW assistant professor of government Paul Benson said that the changes have more to do with how report filing are being enforced, and less to do with the requirements. “I’m not sure there are even changes in the requirements to report but it would seem it is now being enforced.” Benson said. One of the things that is being enforced is faculty members’ comments about students appearance. Chief Title IX officer Ricardo Coronado recommends faculty to be cau-
tious. “Even if the comments were a mild innuendo, an innocent joke or a light teasing in your mind, the question is how the student perceived them.” Coronado said. Though the faculty’s comments on student appearance is not being strictly enforced, there is extra emphasis on caution. “Common sense would have told us not to do that for the last 10 years.” Benson said. Another focal point of the new legislation has to do with the See Title IX, page 6
Title IX changes
All employees at institutions of higher education in Texas are required to report incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking against students and employees. The Chancellor is required to report to the Board of Trustees every semester on the number of incidents, disposition, and disciplinary action taken.
DISTRICT
Fun, activities welcome new students Digital campus reaches milestone JUAN IBARRA
editor-in-chief
Taking only an online classes is so common in 2019 that it’s hard to believe not too long ago, it was once not a possibility at TCC. The fall semester of 2014 welcomed the introduction to Connect Campus, TCC’s purely online counterpart to the traditional in-school setting. Five years later, Connect Campus stands on it’s own as a single campus, and provides school to thousands of students who are unavailable to go to a physical campus. Connect president Carlos Morales has been with the campus since it’s conception, and he maintains a firm view on the positives on why students choose Connect over any other campus. “Online learning, by default, provides for more vibrant learning environments through the utilization of multimedia objects (audio and video), gaming and library resources,” Morales said. “There is convenience because there is no travel time, no need to haggle for a parking space, which these amount to savings of the overall cost of education.” While Connect classes seem relatively simple and easy to use now, in the beginning there were a lot of questions about the way the campus would work, one of these questions pertained to infrastructure. According to “TCC: The First Half Century” by Bill Lace, Morales and the other campus presidents had a rough transition as they were preparing for the launch of Connect Campus. The responsibilities for the full-time faculty was being split between the campuses and TCC Connect, said Lace in his book. The rough start to Connect Campus was only temporary as in Feb. 2015, one semester into Connect Campus, it was reported that 15,260 students were enrolled in Connect. “In the fall, there was still a little bit of angst on the part of the faculty, and they were kind of opting out,” said Joy Gates Black in Lace’s book. “Now that they’ve settled down and they see that TCC Connect is still a part of TCC, they’re willing to teach. In the spring, we did not have problems” Although the rough transition seemed worrisome, it ended up coming together and to this day still remains to be the largest campus in terms of enrollment. See Connect, page 6
Joseph Serrata/The Collegian
SE student Justin Hinton gets into a water gun fight with another student. There were a variety of activities on multiple campuses, such as dunk tanks, food and prizes for students to get back in the groove of the semester. See page 4 for more welcome back week photos.
DISTRICT
Former city executive takes on new role for college JUAN IBARRA
editor-in-chief
Joseph Serrata/The Collegian
Chief operating officer Susan Alanis is in the newly created position after working with the city of Fort Worth for 30 years.
TCC has gained not only a new executive employee, but a new position as well, in the form of new chief operating officer Susan Alanis. Since 1996, Alanis had worked for the city of Fort Worth as Assistant City Manager and was part of major projects such as the evolution of Sundance Square and the creation of the recently built Dickies Stadium. Originally she started as a budget analyst and for the last 23 years has built her career up from there. After being a budget analyst, she realized she would need more experience in other aspects of the city if she wanted to pursue growth in her career. “I realized I didn’t know anything about land use, which is really important in city management, and so I made a move into what was then the developmental department and eventually became director of planning and development.” Her move into these new roles helped her learn more about zoning and developmental activities around the city. Her newfound experience helped to further her career, but it was when gas drilling
was exposed to the city council that she found her next step that would give her the experience she would need to become COO. “I ended up getting promoted to assistant city manager and was there for nine years in that role,” Alanis said. “My portfolio was very similar to here [TCC] in a lot of ways it was all of the support services, like IT, HR, finance and budget at one point.” The two roles of assistant city manager and COO share more than one similarity and allowed an easy transition for Alanis from one job to another. “I currently have HR, IT, I interestingly also have police and emergency management,” she said. “I worked with the police department for six years with the city running their administrative services. I also have real estate and facilities.” Prior to the creation of COO, real estate and facilities as well as finances were separate positions held by two different offices. “The vice chancellor for finance and vice chancellor for real estate and facilities positions have been eliminated at TCC,” said Reginald Gates, vice chancellor of communications and external affairs. See New COO, page 6
News
Page 2 • August 28, 2019
The Collegian
NORTHEAST
Dreams come true for aspiring novelist JUAN IBARRA
editor-in-chief
Rebecca Balcarcel is a NE Campus associate professor of English with a published poetry book who had the dream to publish a novel for everyone to read, and on August 20, 2019 that dream became a reality. “The Other Half of Happy” is a novel written by Balcarcel that revolves around a twelve year-old, bi-cultural girl named Quijana as she struggles to find out who she is and where in life she belongs. “The novel can speak to such a large leadership, and is being marketed as middle-grade which is ages 10 or 9 all the way to 13 or 14,” Balcarcel said. “Adults are telling me that they’re enjoying the book too because it has universal themes of identity, belonging and navigating your cultural identity. Balcarcel has experience in publishing before, but the process for writing, editing and finally publishing a novel versus poetry is much different than one might think. Balcarcel said she needed to worry about things like plot and character arcs. “I had to relearn that, and a lot of the revisions had to do with making sure the plot worked in a mechanical way, because plot has a very specific structure and you need to follow that structure,” Balcarcel said. “My early drafts of this book were more like poetry and less like fiction and so I transformed it into a novel.” Although the outcome of releasing a book may appear effortless, it requires hard dedication that is almost never seen beyond the author’s point of view. “I rewrote the book like four times,” Balcarcel said. “Like big rewriting, not just tweaking and editing but adding a character and adding scenes, then the publisher said ‘OK here is 13 pages of notes about the book and ways you can revise it even more.’ And, so I rewrote it a couple times, probably three full rewrites.”
Balcarcel’s peer and NE associate professor of English Mina Thompson watched her work through this book for the last five years. Thompson feels the hard work and concentration Balcarcel went through was necessary and just shows the dedication she holds for her work. “She’s well deserved,” Thompson said. “She is our creative writer and has already published many other things. She has a short story that got published in a journal many years ago, and I still use that short story in my English class to teach description and organization. It’s a wonderful little story.” Balcarcel’s students have a unique position of having a now published author as their instructor. Rachel Green is an ex-student of Balcarcel from the early 2000s and is not surprised by her success. “I can’t begin to describe how uplifting and inspiring it is to watch all of this unfold for Rebecca and her book,” Green said. “This is the result of many years of hard work, sacrifice and persistence.” After publishing the book, even if it was tough work, it all was worth it, according to Balcarcel. Balcarcel believes the small interactions in her life that show she has affected someone are what have reminded her of where the real success comes from. “I got a message on Twitter that a younger, Latina reader said ‘I have never felt more seen in a book’,” Balcarcel said. “I hope the message is universal and that not just kids straddling two cultures, but all kids can relate.” One of the most touching interactions for Balcarcel was when her father went up to a shelf in a book store and saw his daughter’s book. “My dad, who is in his 80s, went and touched the book on the shelf at the book launch,” Balcarcel said. “He saw the book on a real book shelf in a real bookstore and he just touched the spine, so I snapped a picture because he is so proud, and it was a beautiful feeling to give that gift to him.’”
Joseph Serrata/The Collegian
NE associate professor of English Rebecca Balcarcel having a good time in the middle of her book signing at Interabang Books in Dallas. The event showcased Balcarcel’s love for literature.
Photos by Joseph Serrata/The Collegian
Materials are laid out while the reconstruction process of the hardwood floor takes place on South Campus. The gym was flooded over the summer due to water accumulation.
SOUTH
Gym undergoes construction in the wake of water damage The gym floor is being resurfaced and treated for the water damage . The treatment process is performed in stages.
The water damage occured due to their being no irrigation sytem in place on the roof for the water to travel.
LUCRETIA WHITE reporter
Faculty and staff wondered at the sound of water flushing from the rooftop on South Campus. During a meeting in the spring, staff could not determine why it sounded like the gym had a pool on the roof. Soon after, water fell from the ceiling splashing the bleachers and ruining the wooden floors. According to kinesiology instructor Staci Smith, the roof line is flat, so when it rains it just sits up there like a swimming pool instead of draining down the gutter like other rooftops. There was a hole in the ceiling and the water came down on to the floor, Smith said. In 2012, the roof did not show
any visible display of deterioration that required immediate renovation. In reference to the general campus assessments, the roof only showed visible signs of deterioration near the face of the roof. “They had to temporarily replace the floor, as the one before had been there for over 50 years,” said Paul Brockway, adjunct health and physical education instructor. Construction is in the process of fixing the floor, so as of now the floor is two shades due to the renovation during summer break. The darker color is still the old floor. and the lighter color is the new floor they just renovated. The floor is only fixed temporarily so that the gym could be used this semester for classes. “It’s like a Band-Aid to a problem, we are excited about the new floor, “ Smith said.
On the first day of class this semester, Smith was excited to see the new floor. She took her shoes off to feel the floor. The last time she saw it, it was dusty and nasty. Before the temporary fix, students and visitors could not use the gym floor for three months. The gym floor was sectioned off so students could play around the parts that were lifting up. “The boards soaked in the water instead of being flat. They were rising up in different directions and warped the whole floor,” Brockway said. In December during winter break, it will be replaced and the lines on the gym floor will be repainted. They will use salac, or an oil based sealer, and will apply nine different coats so the floor can be the same color.
News
The Collegian
August 28, 2019 • Page 3
Joseph Serrata/The Collegian
The first week of school can be stressful for some students. SE student Essence Steadman-Johnson talks to veteran’s counselor Dartanian Chandler about her benefits.
DISTRICT
Students explain first week of struggles VICTOR ALLISON reporter
Students had a lot to chew on the first day back at SE Campus. Aug. 19 kicked off a new fall term, and new students and firstday jitters filled the busy corridors around the district, but for a few on the SE Campus, the stress of opening day was a little high. Like many students, Ashley Sandovao said her issues came from the long lines for the Registrar. “I thought it was going to be a five-minute thing like come drop the class and leave,” she said. “I’ve been here for over an hour.” Sandovao, who was on campus because of an issue with Webadvisor, said she called the school beforehand, but wasn’t informed
that the wait would be so long. The communications major, who is also a student at Tarleton, said she had to make a 45-minute trip from Midlothian with her 1-year-old son Witten to SE because she couldn’t make changes online. “Whenever I called, I wished someone would have told me it is a longer wait so I could have better prepared myself,” she said. “At Tarleton, I could have walked in and dropped my class within five to 20 minutes.” While Sandovao waited to be seen, student volunteers and staff around campus worked steadily to hedge anxiety for newcomers who feared getting lost. Meghan Flynn, a volunteer at the Snag-a-Snack table in the Main Commons, said she had been helping some students learn the layout of the campus from as early as 6:30
a.m., by handing out maps. “With the SE location I know it’s a whole lot different,” she said “[Classes have] the same room number, but they’re different sections. It took me a good several months to figure it out. I still kind of get confused” Her co-volunteer Ahmad Sheikh agreed. “It can be quite stressful,” he said. “It can even go horrible for some people. So we try to eliminate the anxiety.” Things did go awry for some on opening day. “Registration rescue”, a one-stop shop in the library where advisers from different departments worked to fix registration issues, was set up for students with cancelled classes, or who’ve missed the registration deadline. “All the problems that might keep someone from getting reg-
campus events
istered, they are all there in one place to rescue students,” Director of library services JoTisa Holladay Klemm said. Klemm said much of the issues are understandable. “Part of it is because it is online and they don’t have somebody there helping them,” she said. “Most of it is just because we’re humans and mistakes happen.” It may be the normal flow of operations on opening day inside a campus with over 12,000 students, but it was far from normal for one student outside. Around 4 p.m., SE student Sylvio Jiotsop said he was waiting for a ride at the edge of campus when he witnessed a two-car collision at the intersection of Southeast Parkway and New York Avenue that left him shaken. “I heard a honk,” he said. “I
Visit collegian.tccd.edu for more events.
Aug. 28
Sept. 4
Play dodgeball with students, faculty and staff as a part of NW Campus’ intramural sports program. Entry will be free from 3:30-6 p.m at WHPE 1102. Contact aaron.garcia1@tccd.edu or 817515-7641.
In Learn How To Learn students can learn how to increase their GPA and useful tips in order to transform their academic experience and succeed in all aspects. This workshop will be 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the North Ballroom on SE Campus. Contact Gracie Williams at gracie.williams@tccd.edu or 817-5153340.
Meet with registered student organizations at Club Rush and find out how to get involved 12:30-2:30 p.m. in NSTU South Hallway on NE Campus. Contact Cara Walker at cara.walker@tccd.edu or 817-515-6234. Job Fair Basics will prepare students on how to approach employers and how to network at a job fair. The workshop will be from 9-11 a.m. on SE Campus. Contact Gina Maloy at gina.maloy@tccd. edu or 817-515-3597. Free and confidential HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C screening for participants 18 years old or older. The event is open to the public from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. in TREF 1312 on TR Campus. Contact health services at tr.healthservices@tccd.edu or 817-515-1059. Vet Success Center will be hosting an Open House event. On TR Campus at noon and ends at 1:30pm in building TRTR room 1401A. Contact Veterans Deborah Hamilton at deborah.hamilton@tccd.edu or 817-515-0242.
Aug. 28-29 Career services will help students create a resume for a job fair that will be held on Sept. 10. Bring saved resume on a flash drive. On both days, the event will be between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in SSTU 1102A on South Campus. For more information contact career services at so.careerservices@tccd.edu or 817-5154551.
Aug. 29 Artwork from drawings, paintings, video and ceramics from SE Fine Arts faculty will be on display from Aug. 29-
Aug. 28 Join clubs, learn about campus services and meet other students. Music and lunch for the first 600 students, and campus engagement will all be available. Food, freebies. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. in WSTU 1303 on NW Campus. Contact Alicia Coleman at alicia.coleman@tccd.edu or 817-515-7795. Oct. 10 for all students to view during regular school hours. An opening reception will be held 5-7 p.m. in Art Corridor II on SE Campus. Contact Christopher Blay at christopher.blay@tccd.edu or 817-515-3406. Join the welcome back pool party by connecting with the intramurals program. The pool party is from 2-4 p.m. in the SHPE pool and gym on South Campus. Contact Ana Contreras at ana. conteras@tccd.edu or 817-515-4045. Health services will give out free and confidential HIV & STI screening at 10 a.m.-2 p.m. SACC 1331 on South Campus. Contact Tina Ingram at tina. ingram@tccd.edu or 817-515-4254. Pizza with a Purpose: Study Smarter, not Harder Student Success Seminar will provide some useful study tips presented by Supplemental Instruction 12:30-1:30 p.m. in NSTU 1615A in Center Corner on NE Campus. Contact Cara Walker at cara.walker@tccd.edu or 817-515-6234. Visit Career Services to take a career assessment and receive tips for exploring different careers. Snacks and rewards will be provided 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. in
overlooked it. Then out of nowhere I saw the white one come from the left side and smack the front of the grey van. The entire front got busted, oil started leaking. I ran out and saw smoke.” Jiotsop ran out into the street to stop oncoming traffic and told passerby’s to call 911. A firetruck, ambulance and Arlington police arrived on the scene shortly after. “I was scared for the white SUV Lexus because when it hit, it flipped and skidded in the air upside down, and it hit the ground hard,” he said. “I honestly thought they were gone or knocked out.” Jiotsop was left in shock and awe. After getting back into a tough first week, this was the last thing he expected. “It was too devastating. It was like a sudden shift from 0 to 100,” he said.
WSTU 2818A on NW Campus. Contact career services at nw.careerservices@ tccd.edu or 817-515-7785. Texas Wesleyan University will be visiting NW Campus to discuss transfers, scholarships and courses offered. A table will be set up at 8 a.m.-noon in WFAB 1101 on NW Campus. Contact the transfer center at NW.transfercenter@tccd. edu or 817-515-7712.
Play volleyball with students, faculty and staff as a part of NW Campus’ intramural sports program. Entry will be free from 3:30-6 p.m.at WHPE 1102. Contact aaron.garcia1@tccd.edu or 817515-7641. The Back to School Job Fair, hosted by career services, is an opportunity for students to meet potential employers. Students can bring applications and be prepared for potential job opportunities in a professional setting. The job fair will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Commons on SE Campus. Contact Gina Maloy at gina.maloy@tccd.edu or 817-515-3597. Global Gateway is an interactive se-
ries of workshops to help students create goals, objectives and to infuse their value from the perspective of global citizenship. This event will be 12:301:30 p.m. in ESED 1212 on SE Campus. Contact Divya Patel at divya.patel@ tccd.edu or 817-515-3584.
Sept. 5 Students can learn about how to get involved with more activities and groups on campus. The Fall Club Crawl will give students a chance to meet representatives from TR Campus student organizations. The Club Crawl will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Main Street on TR Campus. Contact Kelsey Bratcher at kelsey. bratcher@tccd.edu or 817-515-1908. Have a chance to learn about the clubs and organizations on SE Campus. Representatives from various student organizations will provide information about their clubs in order to recruit new members. The Club Expo will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Commons on SE Campus. Contact Courtney Travis at courtney.travis@tccd.edu or 817-5153949.
Aug. 30 Vet Success Center will host a second Open House event. The event will take place noon-1:30 p.m. in TRTR 1401A on TR Campus. Contact Veterans Deborah Hamilton at deborah.hamilton@ tccd.edu or 817-515-0242.
Sept. 3 Bridging from Education to Employment will have experts teach students how to write a noticeable resume and answer tough job application questions. This workshop will be 11 a.m.noon in ESED 1212 on SE Campus. Contact Gina Maloy at gina.maloy@ tccd.edu or 817-515-3597.
Sept. 3-4 NW Campus health department will be holding a blood drive sponsored by Carter Bloodcare, and a bone marrow donation program sponsored by Cook Children’s Hospital from 10 a.m.-2 p.m in WSTU 1303 on NW Campus. Contact Diane Alvarado at diane.alvarado@tccd.edu or health services at 817-515-7672.
News
Page 4 • August 28, 2019
The Collegian
Photos by Joseph Serrata/The Collegian
SE students enjoy a variety of activities including water gun fights during Big Splash II, a back to school celebration on SE Campus sponsored by student activities.
DISTRICT
Back-to-school activities populate TCC campuses
NE student Reece Laper attempts to guess the weight of a watermelon to win a prize during back to school activities.
NE student development associate Karen Raulerson high-fives TCC’s mascot, Toro the Trailblazer, at a table where students could spin a wheel and win prizes.
NORTHEAST
Paralegal program helps law students get their start ELYSSA GIDEON reporter
When going to college, there are so many decisions to make, such as where to live, whether to go to an in-state school or out-of-state school, and how to pay for everything. However, one of the questions one might as themselves is “what is my major going to be?” Although there are plenty to choose from here at TCC, if one has ever thought about a career in anything remotely related to a legal field, the paralegal program at the NE Campus is an option students may not be familiar with. According to NE professor and co-coordinator of paralegal studies Karen Silverberg J.D., the goal of the paralegal program is that “students leave the program with practical skills pertaining to all major fields of law to allow them to assist
attorneys in whatever field of law they choose.” Some students decide to go on to law school after they complete the program and their bachelor’s degree. Randall Davis, a student in the paralegal program who also happens to be the president of the Student Paralegal Association, is planning to take this route. “It is my plan to become an attorney one day, and I do not know of a better way to get a head start on understanding and excelling in law school,” Davis said. If law school isn’t the plan, or new students at TCC already have their four-year degree but are looking for a career change, then there is another choice for those students, too. “We offer two options, both of which are approved by the American Bar Association. We offer an Associate of Applied Science Degree for students who do not already have an earned baccalaureate
JUSTIN T. HOLT Mallory, Lollar, Holt & Associates, P.C.
3 Tarrant County Locations 817-831-4321 www.TrafficTX.com
TRAFFIC TICKETS
Drug Offenses • DWI Assault • Speeding Accident Citation Class C Misdemeanors
WARRANTS LIFTED
degree,” Silverberg said. “And an advanced certificate of completion, which requires a student to hold a baccalaureate degree in any subject prior to beginning the program.” There are many classes within the program. Danielle Mikework, a student in the paralegal program, said she likes wills and probate because “it relates to contract law and lineage, which are two things [she] enjoys researching.” Striving to be an attorney is why Davis’ favorite class is Business Organizations. “Business Organizations is known as the most difficult class,” Davis said. “It taught me to think critically, like an attorney, which has helped me at my current job.” However, if one is still on the fence about whether the paralegal program is right for them, Patrick Rake J.D., professor and co-coordinator of paralegal studies, suggests taking Introduction to the Legal System and Legal Research. Silverberg agrees these are
great options to take together because they “give a student both an overview of the law and the role of a paralegal in the legal system,” Silverberg said. “And an understanding of the organization and use of legal materials and the type of work involved in being a paralegal.” Peers in the program as well as professors are good resources while researching the program, once in it there are more invaluable resources, including the law library at NE Campus. “TCC NE Campus has a Legal Research Center that rivals most universities or law schools in its content of legal materials. The breadth of materials we provide for students to learn legal research in both Federal and Texas areas is significantly larger than most community colleges and in fact exceeds what is available in most Universities, unless they also have some form of Legal Studies program,” Silverberg said. “In their site visit report, the American Bar Associa-
sues s i New ry eve y! a d s ne We d
tion review committee emphasized the quality and breadth of information provided to students.” The Student Paralegal Association is another resource for those in the program. According to Davis, SPA can be utilized to “connect with like-minded students, and build relationships. It helps students in Paralegal Studies find their internship, and we also introduce our members to multiple well-known attorney, judges and paralegals throughout Tarrant County.” If it turns out the Paralegal program is the right move, academic advising is a useful resource when deciding what classes to take. “Be sure to do your advising beforehand so you don’t take classes out of order.It will make the process and curriculum easier to understand,” Mikeworth said. If choosing a major is more difficult than expected and a law career is of interest, the paralegal program at NE Campus is always an option.
The Collegian
Entertainment
August 28, 2019 • Page 5
Photo courtesy by Patrick Harbron/Netflix
Jonathan Groff portrays FBI Agent Holden Ford (left) as he interviews Jerry Brudos the Shoe Fetish Slayer, played by Happy Anderson in “Mindhunter.”
TV SHOW REVIEW
“Mindhunter” season 2 captivates viewers JILL BOLD
campus editor
True crime junkies of the world rejoice -- “Mindhunter” season two is here to satiate the natural curiosity of all murderinos across the land. This Netflix series directed by David Fincher returned for its second season Aug. 16, dropping nine episodes all at once for the binging pleasure of its massive viewership. One of the most popular shows on Netflix currently, “Mindhunter” portrays a team of FBI agents led by Agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench and one female scientist Dr. Wendy Carr, who collectively develop the Behavioral Science Unit in the 1970s and ‘80s by conducting interviews with serial killers in an attempt to understand their way of thinking. Season one established the ultimate goal of the unit, which is to narrow down the search
of an unknown suspect by profiling or listing a variety of characteristics that the killer may possess in order to narrow the suspect pool. Their work during the first season has seemingly pigeon-holed the team, particularly the main character Ford, into believing that serial killers fit a particular profile with no real deviations. The newest season showcases the continuation of this work of studying criminals. The team continues these graphic interviews in earnest, supplemented by more support from the higher-ups in the FBI. As expected, the FBI’s additional support serves as a double-edged sword. Politics and the usual meddling occur, but in return the BSU team adds two very famous killers to the interview list thanks to some FBI clout. This season’s research illuminates new perceptions of serial killers. Numerous incarcerated killers were interviewed throughout the nine episodes, with Son of Sam killer David
ARE YOU DRIVEN? With TCC’s EasyRide Program, your student ID doubles as your free pass on all Trinity Metro buses, Trinity Railway Express (TRE) and Mobility Impaired Transportation Service (MITS) to TCC’s Northeast, Northwest and NW Campus Alliance Center, South, Southeast and Trinity River Campuses. You can also travel to areas inside Tarrant County with your Student ID.
With EasyRide, your drive time becomes study time and all that money saved on gas? You probably have other ideas. As long as you are enrolled in three credit hours or 48 continuing education contact hours, you’re good to go! Be sure your student ID is activated by visiting the Copy Center on your TCC campus.
For more information: tccd.edu/easyride Plan your trip: www.FWTA.org
Ride On and enjoy Success Within Reach!
Berkowitz and the mass-murdering cult leader Charles Manson making appearances to entice viewers to continue to peer into the minds of these brutal men. Several plotlines intertwine to give this season interesting storytelling. This season shows Tench’s family suffering from the events of this season, with his complete dedication to his work throughout these episodes having a profound effect on his loved ones. Carr attempts to forge a relationship with a female bartender with mixed results. It’s interesting to see Carr’s life portrayed beyond the realm of her scientific work, especially how she and her girlfriend navigate a homophobic and unaccepting world. Altlanta Child Murders case was extensively featured throughout the season as the main source of action. Finally arresting the suspect that would eventually be found guilty of some of these murders, the team endures a great deal of frustration and contradiction in
dealing with the manipulative and soft-spoken man. The season finale brought together all the work and investigative efforts of the local Atlanta police and the FBI to a sad and seemingly fruitless conclusion. Some of the most compelling scenes in this series belong to Dennis Rader, living as the undetected BTK Killer. He is an undeniable creep. He lives his life as a seemingly normal human being, and BTK’s role as a terrifying walking contradiction is powerfully juxtaposed against Holden’s almost narcissistic-level confidence that his season one analysis of serial killers is always correct and is now the unwavering standard. Dennis Rader’s mere existence shatters many of the BSU operating theories, and allowed him to elude capture for decades. Season Two solidifies the fact the BSU team deconstructs most of what they thought they previously knew about serial killers, opening the door for a lot of potential drama in a possible season three and beyond.
News
Page 6 • August 28, 2019
Connect
(continued from page 1) The largest success of the campus has been the ability to reach students who were previously unable to take classes at TCC. “The creation of flexible learning opportunities for those students that cannot come physically to campus, Morales said. “The satisfaction of being a facilitator of students’ goal of obtaining a higher education credential by bringing the college to them” Former TCC Connect Student Rebekah Winkler received her degree within a year and a half, and is grateful for Connect Campus being around, as her associate’s degree might not have been possible. “I probably would have ended up dropping out if it weren’t for all of my online-only classes. Her success at TCC stemmed from the ability to take online classes, however it wasn’t always easy. “Having to carve out the extra time to learn the material versus being in a classroom to learn it was a challenge, but I got it down.” NE associate professor of government Doris Jones watched the evolution of online classes at TCC grow from independent classes to the structural change with Connect Campus. “We used to just have the director of distance learning, and that’s even a throwback to when we did the iTV courses on television,” Jones said. The evolution of off-campus classes at TCC has a long history, from correspondence in which students would physically mail their work back and forth to the aforementioned iTV courses that students participated in by watching TV. However, now the future of off-campus classes is in online and digital. Connect Campus is the first time a larger structure was brought to the campus.
Title IX
The Collegian
(continued from page 1)
punishment involved in a failure to make a report or makes a false report. The offending faculty member is now required by law to be fired, and can also be fined and even jailed. “[The change] requires the institution to terminate the employment of an employee who knowingly fails to make the report with the intent to harm or deceive, or knowingly makes a report that is false, Coronado said. The law also requires Title IX violations to be reported to the Chancellor on a quarterly basis, and they are required to report them to the Board of Trustees every semester or else they risk being sent to jail. “It would be shocked if there was actually jail time unless it was a really egregious case,” Benson said. As part of their training, faculty had to attend a four-hour meeting before the fall semester began that was intended to familiarize them with the new rules. NW geology instructor Josh Fairbanks acknowledged the timing of the meeting, but also saw
New COO
the benefit of it as well. “A lot of the faculty were annoyed at the timing of the meeting since they needed that time to prepare for the beginning of the semester, but I’m one of the few that was glad we got it done.” Fairbanks said. “It’s important.” NW student Briette Johns believes the positive things that will come with the new changes outweigh the negative. “I feel like the stand being taken on the sexual abuse is a good stand, and that it might bring out more issues that have been happening in the school system.” Johns said. The overall impact of the new changes are intended to make TCC a safer and more comfortable space for students. “The law provides confidentiality for reporting students and employees, victims and witnesses and protects their names from disclosure.” Coronado said. “Its overall impact will positively impact our students in that it provides additional layers of protection, reporting and support for them in the event of an incident of sexual misconduct.”
Title IX changes Makes it a misdemeanor crime for an employee who fails to report or makes a false report. Requires the institution to terminate the employment of the employee who knowingly fails to make the report with the intent to harm or deceive, or knowingly makes a report that is false. Provides confidentiality for reporting students and employees, victims and witnesses and protects their names from disclosure. Imposes potential criminal liability and substantial fines to institutions who are not in substantial compliance Provides additional layers of protection, reporting and support for victims in the event of sexual misconduct.
(continued from page 1)
The idea of shifting the two roles into one new one came from a plan to increase the strategy at TCC and plan for the future. “The new role of chief operating officer aligns the departments of finance, procurement, real estate and facilities, police, emergency management, business services, human resources and information technology under one leader and will allow the college to more efficiently leverage these support resources to advance the strategic work on the college’s three goals and eight principles,” Gates said.
Although the change has taken the work of two jobs and combined it into one, Alanis is familiar with the workload and her experience allows her to be comfortable in her new job. “I’ve never been in higher education before, but it is also another form of public service and it is very mission-oriented, much like what my work with the city was,” Alanis said. “So, lots of similarities.” When deciding on someone for the position of COO, Alanis’ skills, knowledge and experience helped to confirm that she was the
right person for the job. “Susan brings outstanding experience in the operational management of a large organization which includes leadership of large-scale system implementations, debt sales, financial reporting and budgeting in a $1.7 billion operation with 7,000 employees.” Alanis’ executive assistant Frida Castañeda-Lomónaco, who was also the executive assistant to former vice chancellor of finance Mark McClendon, believes Alanis brings a fresh take to her position. “I was a little nervous, just not
improve Your Performance By At Least One Letter Grade!
knowing who was coming in and their personality and all of that,” Castañeda-Lomónaco said. “It’s been really impressive to see her.” Alanis was hired at a time when TCC is doing some large things, such as the upcoming bond election, on top of that she is taking on the responsibilities of two jobs, however she remains positive and up to the task. “Being a part of higher education is going to be really fun and I’m excited to learn more and be a part of something that I value so highly.”
here to help you
do what you love with the products you need
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a free academic enrichment program that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions to help participants master their course material and improve their performance by at least one letter grade! These regularly scheduled, informal review sessions involve students comparing notes, discussing course reading assignments, developing organizational tools and predicting test questions.
MOBILE | ONLINE | IN PERSON
SI is not the same thing as tutoring. The group sessions are facilitated by SI Leaders – students who have previously excelled in the course and who attend all class lectures, take notes and help SI participants excel, too. What is the purpose of Supplemental Instruction? · To improve student grades and increase retention in historically difficult classes · To help students develop better study habits they can use throughout their academic career · To encourage student collaboration, which is proven to improve student performance Courses Supported by Supplemental Instruction: KINE 1164 FDNS 1447 MATH 1314 BIOL 2401 BIOL 2402 BIOL 1407
GOVT 2305 HIST 1301 SPCH 1311 DRAM1310 MATH 1324 BIOL 1406
PSYC 2301 CHEM 1411 GOVT 2306 HIST 1302 AND MANY OTHERS.
For more information about the SI opportunities on each campus, visit: tccd.edu/academics/academic-help/supplemental-instruction
MANHATTAN
Pizza & Pasta
DINNER SPECIAL
DELIVERY SPECIAL
any purchase of $25 or more VALID AFTER 4pm - Dine in or carry out -
2 XL 1-Topping Pizza, and a 2 liter Pepsi soda
With coupon only. One coupon per table. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 05/01/2021
Limit one per order. Please mention when ordering and present at delivery. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 05/01/2021
$5.00 OFF
1 XL 1-Topping Pizza, choice of appetizer and a 2 liter Pepsi soda $22.00 - DELIVERY ONLY -
OR
$22.00
$1 D 8721 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, 76180
A I LY S P E C I A L
additional topping 50¢ dine in or pick up only LIMITED TIME
THE COLLEGIAN
817-479-3077
* Minimum of $5 on credit card
Opinion
The Collegian
Viewpoints
Jay-Z is not the hero NFL needs, deserves
VICTOR ALLISON reporter
Jay-Z isn’t qualified to lead a social justice movement. Jay-Z just struck a deal with the NFL to become their social justice representative Some think that’s a good idea. It’s not. Many who agree with the partnership will cite his past work for social justice, like producing documentaries concerning police brutality or working with rapper Meek Mill on criminal justice reform initiatives. This makes him a fine candidate for philanthropist of the year, but there’s a difference between being a well-meaning philanthropist and someone who can strategize for liberation. When Colin Kaepernick, who was blackballed by the NFL for protesting the national anthem, was trying to make a change, his objective was to voice the pain of the people.
Jay-Z wants to tell the people how to feel, and nothing made this more apparent than his recent press conference announcing the deal. “We moved past kneeling,” he told reporters when asked if he still supported on field protests from NFL players. Somewhere in Jay-Z’s mind he believes that his ascent from Marcy Projects in Brooklyn to black billionaire status means he knows the way for disadvantaged people. He thinks he has the blueprint for success, and that the masses should shut up and follow his lead. But, the leader of a movement’s job is to be a servant of the people, not the dictator. I’m not sure Jay-Z’s ego will allow him space for that. This is certainly not all Jay-Z’s fault. Leadership in the black community has become defunct. No more Martin Luther Kings or Malcolm Xs. Many look to the brightest of brightest stars for guidance, like celebrities, athletes and black billionaires because they “made it” or have influence. Some think they have the key to the promised land. Jay-Z is a billionaire. What he can do is raise money and leverage his cultural cache to make social justice cool. However, what he should not be doing is telling us how to feel, or where we should go from here.
Governor fails to fully address gun problems
GUNNER YOUNG campus editor
Texas Governor Greg Abbott held his very first town hall meeting at the University of Texas in Tyler. Presumably, his goal was to address the many questions that Texans have about the recent El Paso shooting; specifically how Abbott will prevent tragedies like it from happening again. Texans deserve answers, and yet his answers, as well as his history as a politician, made it clear he had no intention of addressing the gun debate, and no intention of rejecting the rhetoric that his own party pushes that inspired the shooter’s manifesto. In 2015, his first year as Governor, Abbott tweeted a statistic citing Texas was second in the country for new gun purchases, and said he was “embarrassed” and urged Texans to “pick up the pace” in order to take the number one spot.
It serves as no surprise that Texas has the third most mass shootings in the U.S. since 1982, and has had seven since Abbott took office. California, who tops the list of new gun purchases, also tops the list on the amount of mass shootings. Abbott has tweeted similar anti-gun control messages, and has historically opposed things like red-flag laws pertaining to gun sales. During the town hall meeting, when asked if he had changed his stance on red-flag laws, he mentioned the laws Texas has in place currently Another flaw with Abbott’s response was his claim that the shooter’s manifesto was racist and hateful. The manifesto uses much of Trump’s own language, calling the prominence of immigrants in Texas an “invasion” just as Trump did. In 2016, Abbott endorsed Trump in the presidential race, with his reasoning being that “Sitting on the sidelines isn’t OK.” If Abbot t w ants to represent Texans, native or immigrant, white or Hispanic, he has to take the never-ending gun debate off the back-burner and make his supporters uncomfortable in order to achieve progress in the fight against domestic terrorism, and denouncing Trump’s anti-immigrant comments would be a step in the right direction.
August 28, 2019 • Page 7
Editorial
Sarisa Rector/The Collegian
Affordable college tuition is possible In a world where nothing comes for free, it’s hard to imagine where student loan debt forgiveness fits in. “The New York Times” reported on the most recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump, an order designed to better accommodate a loan forgiveness program for disabled veterans. This order will qualify more of these injured warriors for debt forgiveness eligibility. Although it is designed to assist 50,000 disabled veterans to eliminate an average of $30,000 worth of debt per person, where does that leave the remaining almost 45 million debtors in America right now? Equifax reports that between 2007 and 2017 student debt has doubled for older millennials and Generation X and continues to grow for the current generation. This debt issue affects college students of all ages and backgrounds. The concept of debt forgiveness is finally being recognized as a potential solution and possibly an important element in restoring economic freedom and combating wealth inequality in the U.S. today. In a competitive job market, it seems unfair that only the rich and privileged should reap the benefits and unparalleled resources of an expensive Ivy League school. The pitfalls of amassing incredible amounts of student debts mean college graduates, who already struggle with an uncertain job market and economy, spend their prime earning years not being able to get ahead in savings and retirement planning. Many delay starting their families and even marriages in an attempt to first wrangle in their explosive debt. This leads to questions about who pays for loan forgiveness and who is eligible to receive it. 2020 presidential hopefuls who claim to have a progressive agenda provide a variety of answers with varying degrees of debt erasure, with the most extreme purported plans promising to eliminate all student debt. Reallocating existing tax revenues within
the federal budget could be the simple answer. Bernie Sanders, a current Democratic presidential candidate, proposes a Wall Street speculation tax as source of college tuition funding. If the U.S. Congress can bail out Wall Street for billions of dollars, then it’s only a matter of priority as to whether or not the federal government will dedicate funds where they are truly valuable. America’s college students from all financial backgrounds are entitled to a chance at a solid education. Academic ability and a desire for education should be the only barrier to a chance at higher education. If student loan forgiveness creates a robust opportunity that didn’t exist before for students in financial need, then opposition to the concept seems cruel or at least indifferent. Taking this issue to its final stage requires exploring what happens if all debt were systematically erased and that debt balance returns to $0. Does the U.S. maintain some sort of debt forgiveness program indefinitely, or should solutions revolve around preventing debt and reining in education costs in the long run? Loan forgiveness could be an invaluable, yet temporary tool. The problem originated from skyrocketing college tuition rates that did not exist in past generations, and recognizing this fact is paramount to finding the permanent, long term solution to the student debt crisis. All students are worthy of forgiveness and deserving of higher education. In the meantime, a quality, affordable education from a community college can help propel a financially strapped student into the academic stratosphere with scholarships, lower tuition rates and other valuable networking opportunities. Students with lower incomes have always been forced to work hard and get creative when raising funds for higher education. Now is the time in American history to put actual dollars into the institutions that add true value to society.
Join the discussion at collegian.tccd.edu Facebook.com/ TCCtheCollegian
Meet EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Juan Ibarra
the
Staff
Letter Policy
LAYOUT & DESIGN Christa Jarvis, Thami Santos
CAMPUS EDITORS Gunner Young Jill Bold
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Conner Love
PHOTO EDITOR Joseph Serrata
ILLUSTRATOR Jay Jones Sarisa Rector
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Michael Foster-Sanders
PHOTO ASSISTANT Jonthan Johnson
PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacy Luecker
The Collegian is a weekly student publication serving the Tarrant County College District. Editorial statements and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the TCC administration. Letters to the paper should be 150 words or less, free from libel and poor taste and include the writer’s Colleague ID or telephone number (the numbers will not be published). Letters may be brought to The Collegian office (NCAB 1124A, NE Campus), or mailed to:
PROFESSIONAL STAFF SR. OFFICE ASSISTANT Martina M. Treviño
Instagram @TCCtheCollegian
Twitter @TCCtheCollegian
ADVISERS Chris Whitley, Jocelyn Tatum
The Collegian • 828 Harwood Road Hurst, TX 76054 Office: 817-515-6391 Editor: 817-515-6394 Advertising: 817-515-6619 email: collegian.editor@tccd.edu TCC is an equal opportunity institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status or disability.
Feature
Page 8 • August 28, 2019
Popeyes
The Collegian
Chick-fil-A
Wendy’s
Nick Kindelsperger/Chicago Tribune/TNS
Illustration by Christa Jarvis
Chicken sandwiches preferred by TCC students
War for best chicken sandwich sets social media ablaze GUNNER YOUNG campus editor
16% 8%
Other
12%
64%
Statistics based on interviews with 25 TCC students.
Pick a side. The biggest Twitter feud of 2019 so far is what social media users are calling “The Chicken Sandwich Wars” has stirred the internet into a frenzy. It all started when popular fast food franchise Popeyes’ Chicken promoted their new menu item via Twitter. The tweet consisted of a picture of their new sandwich as well as a list of the ingredients. Chick-fil-A, a restaurant known primarily for their chicken sandwiches, posted a subtle jab at Popeyes with a post calling the
Chick-fil-A sandwich “the original.” Popeyes’ Twitter saw that as an indication that Chick-fil-a was worried about the new player in the chicken sandwich game and slapped back asking Chick-fil-A “y’all good?” The tweet gained massive popularity and has since gained thousands of retweets and favorites. Not only that, but multiple Popeyes’ locations actually ran out of their new sandwich due to the surge in attention on social media. Wendy’s, another fast food restaurant, joined the battle claiming that everyone was fighting over “the second best chicken
sandwich:” implying that theirs was indeed the best. According to NW student Gaby Majai, Popeyes’ is lacking in flavor and doesn’t give the same punch as Chick-Fil-A. “It’s the flavor of Chick-Fil-A that I like, and I’ve never liked Popeyes,” Majai said. “Chick-fil-A sandwiches are much better.” The general consensus among students was that Chick-fil-A had better quality of chicken, and that the Popeyes’ chicken sandwich is all hype. The conflict has caused online debates about which sandwich is truly the best, and ultimately who will win the great sandwich war of 2019.