Triton's Call March 2012

TRITON’S CALL

University of Guam Campus Newspaper

march 2012 volume 33 issue 06

inside: Is a master’s degree worth it?

Transfer students share their experiences Over the hill and still an undergrad Campus Fashion File: Gracelle Manaloto

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Campus News

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012

Transfer STudents Share Their Experiences

BY JOHN ROUSAN, JR. TRITON’S CALL A great deal of the UOG student body is made up of transfer students from GCC, institutions in the mainland, colleges in Micronesia, and even foreign countries.

According to the statistical report by Deborah Leon Guerrero, Director of the Office of Academic Assessment and Institutional Research at UOG, there are more than 500 transfer students currently enrolled this spring semester.

Although transferring to the University of Guam has been beneficial to many students, the transition can also be difficult.

According to Shannon Gibson ,23, who has attended three different institutions in the U.S. before transferring to UOG in the

Psychology major who transferred from the College of Micronesia-FSM in Pohnpei, she chose to come to UOG because of its proximity. Yad explained that since UOG is in Micronesia, if she needed to take a trip back home, the flight would be an easy one to make.

“If I want to go back and visit its cheaper,” said Yad. For the Psych major, just getting situated in the dormitory was a difficult undertaking. According to Yad, when she applied for the dorms online, UOG staff confirmed her admission into the dorms by email.

However, when Yad arrived at UOG she found out that she was on the waiting list.

Yad had to wait a couple of weeks to finally get a room in the dormitory. “I guess someone cancelled their application and that’s

Lodge applied for admission and her credits from COM-FSM were transferred to UOG without much trouble.

“Maybe because of the relationship between UOG and COM-FSM for the education program is what makes it easier for me to transfer here,” Lodge suggested.

The process of transferring from another institution to the University of Guam is pretty straightforward but some students seem to agree there are big problems on the administration side of it. For students who have transferred to the University, the hassle of transferring credits or securing a dorm is a reflection of the University personnel.Gibson sums up the impression some students maintain and stated, “Staff, some are helpful some are not.”

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From left to right: Shannon Gibson, Jennifer Yad, and Stephanie Lodge.

All three students transferred from different institutions and are now enrolled at UOG. Photo by John Rousan, Jr.

spring of 2011, the University of Guam has been so far her all time favorite college.

Gibson has found the students and staff to be very helpful and friendly.

However, to her, everything about transferring to the University of Guam was hard. Gibson said that the most difficult aspect of transferring to UOG was getting her transfer courses approved. In order to fulfill the requirement for general education courses as well as courses for her major, Gibson needed to have the courses she took at previous institutions to be approved

by UOG. “The hardest part is the running around trying to get things done,” Gibson stated.

The University of Guam is also home to students from the neighboring islands in Micronesia. According to Jennifer Yad, a

when they told me I have a room,” explained Yad. Yad wished that UOG could provide more information to transfer students so that there is less confusion. When Yad first came to UOG, she thought it was going to be just as simple as COM-FSM. “I thought it would be just like COM-FSM pretty laid back and relax,” she said. “Here at UOG, students need to know how to meet deadlines and everything just seems harder.”

For Stephanie Lodge, transferring to UOG was a decision made by her parents.

Lodge is an Education major who transferred from the College of Micronesia-FSM Chuuk campus. For Lodge, transferring to UOG wasn’t as convoluted an experience as it was for Yad and Gibson.

Publisher: Dr. Aristides E. Pereira Editor-in-Chief: Jerick Sablan Assistant Editor: Jasmine Stole Staff: Christina Cruz Marlon Molinos John Rousan, Jr.

Contributer: Maryanne Pascua

Triton’s Call is published by the Division of Communication and Fine Arts in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and is funded in part by student fees. Reporters and editors participate in the newspaper as journalism students or as contributing writers, photographers, and designers.

Campus News

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012

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V-Day Plays Raise $7,300

UOG Float Artwork Contest

Get Fit For Free

The Vagina Monologues and i Famalao’an ni Manmesngnon raised $7,300 for local charities that help women on Guam.

“The auditorium was packed all three nights combined with students and non-students. Overall I’d say at least 750 people came,” said director Michelle Blas about opening weekend of The Vagina Monologues.

The charities that benefited from the plays are Erica’s House, Island Girl Power, Oasis Empowerment Center, and Victims Advocates Reaching Out (VARO).

The University of Guam Liberation Day Committee is pleased to announce the details of an art contest that will be the source of inspiration for our float entry this year. For the purpose of this contest the objective is to find a float design that will represent the University of Guam while concurrently showcasing Chamorro culture, values and traditions. This contest is open to all entrants who have an affinity to the University.

UOG Students and staff can take advantage of free Zumba classes offered every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings at the Field House. Classes start at 5 p.m. and usually run for about an hour.

Winners of the Float Competition will receive the following cash prizes: 1st Prize $300, 2nd Prize $200, 3rd Prize $100, Deadline: the contest runs from Feb. 27 through March 30. All contestants must provide their name, email, age, mailing address and phone number. All entries are to be digitally submitted or hand delivered to the President’s Office, Attention: Norman Analista, no later than 12:00 noon March 30, 2012.

See contest guidelines at http://www.uog.edu/newsDtls.aspx?id=1018.

Back and At it again: Returning as an older, wiser, undergrad

BY MARLON MOLINOS TRITON’S CALL Going back to school as a college student after being gone for an extended period of time can make anyone feel out of touch, out of place, and hard to relate to classmates.

Kudos to those who have worked their way back to college in the pursuit of a new career or position. Some of the things that might be running through one’s mind when returning to school would be the process of reenrollment, and what classes to take because of a possible change of curriculum and catalog. Another concern that a returning student may have is how they can relate to the younger generation of students.

Some reasons as to why students may want to come back to the University include a better life for their family or a promotion that is withheld without having a college degree.

One can only speculate about the many reasons there are for returning to UOG. Once settled on that decision to regain ones status as a student it takes several steps such as obtaining a re-enrollment form from the admissions and records office, get-

ting cleared by the school nurse, and registering for classes.

John Davis, or JD to his friends, is a returning student and graduating senior attending UOG. JD first enrolled when he was 18 and now at 31 he is ready for graduation.

He is a communications major with a focus on mass media and public relations.

"I went back to school as an attempt to save my marriage. I already work in the Comm. industry,” JD said.

Davis shared his past experience at UOG was more relaxed and there weren’t as many restrictions.

“Playing cards with friends at the EC building was how we passed time between classes,” Davis said. “Blue Night was awesome with alcohol and wet t-shirt contests, bands were killer good.”

Mark Smith, who graduated last summer, returned to school in his early 50s.

Mark has been living on Guam for more than 30 years. He came to Guam with the Navy in 1978 and was honorably discharged in 1990. He worked for commercial diving companies until 2007

“Thinking about the future, my age, and the reduction of dive work in Guam, I approached the Veteran's Administration if they could assist me in finding a civil service job,” Smith said.

Due to a car accident in 1984, Smith was able to pay for school through the VA disability program.

Smith gives this advice to returning students.

“Break down college experiences into manageable pieces and take it one semester at a time. Also students should focus and study on each subject one at a time, study as hard as you can for each exam one at a time,” Smith said. “Also allow yourself time to have fun. The college years will fly by, and if you keep at it, you'll finish and you'll be in control of your options.”

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campus News

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012

Value Vs. CO$t of A Master’s Degree

BY MARYANNE PASCUA FOR TRITON’S CALL Saddle up, future graduates. We are approaching yet another end of a semester and the University is preparing to promote another batch of young professionals. Aside from their daunting capstone courses, what else could be on a graduating student’s mind but the next step to their education? A master's degree.

While most agree on the importance of higher education, the reality is that education is expensive and not all degrees are practical.

Our beloved University of Guam is a convenient choice and far more affordable than other off-island masters programs. The downside is the limited number of graduate programs UOG offers. Other online institutions offer upwards of 30 different master’s programs while UOG only offers 15, six of which are in the Education concentration. It would be a “natural” choice otherwise.

But do not be hasty to jump on bandwagon that is an online education. In some cases, it may pay to stay off your PCs and drag yourself to an actual classroom. A 2009 survey by WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies and the Campus Comput-

ing Project reported that only 20% of accredited colleges charge less for an online education versus on-campus learning. In addition, GetEducated.com says non-residents still pay $10,000 more for online graduate degrees despite saving on travel costs.

“ALTHOUGH OUR PASSION FOR LEARNING MAY RUN DEEP, OUR POCKETS MAY NOT EXTEND AS FAR.” It is true that college graduates now occupy jobs that used to employ high school graduates and it is likely that a bachelor’s degree will be devalued as well. Because of this, many students seek refuge from the sad economy in the walls of graduate studies. But even that isn’t safe.

It is no secret that listing a master’s degree will ornament your resume, if you can afford it. According to FinAid.org, 25% of graduate and professional students will borrow and additional $42,000 for a master’s degree. With that type of cost, you’d better hope your resume sparkles like diamonds to employers. Otherwise, you could spend a large chunk of your post grad years battling unem-

ployment and scraping away at your accumulated debt.

Even after landing your dream job, there is no guarantee your newly acquired master’s will pay you back. According to Census Bureau data, young adults with master’s degrees can earn $8,000 more than bachelor’s degree holders, which should reach into the low six digits in a lifetime.

But be wary. Not all degrees are made alike. Liz Pulliam Weston, a personal finance columnist for MSN Money, says in the New York Times Opinion pages, “In some fields, such as business or engineering, a graduate degree typically boosted income by more than enough to justify the cost. In others — the liberal arts and social sciences, in particular — master’s degrees didn’t appear to produce much if any earnings advantage.”

It is a lot to think about, but the job market is no joke and neither are the extravagant prices of graduate education. Although our passion for learning may run deep, our pockets may not extend as far. If it means being plagued by considerable debt, is upgrading your alma mater really worth it? Decisions, decisions.

school web site outdated, confusing

BY JERICK SABLAN TRITON’S CALL The University of Guam web site is described by some students as hard to navigate, not updated regularly, and overall not user friendly.

The web site is arranged in a way that often times leave students confused.

Vincent Carbullido, an undeclared sophomore, said finding things on the site is difficult.

“There’s so many portals and there are lot of terms we don’t normally see,” said Carbullido.

For example, in past years, the link to the Web Advisor program was labeled as “Web Advisor,” but as of last year, the same link has been labeled as “Online Registration and Grading.”

Another issue students find irksome is the way content is organized. For example, to

find electronic copies of the student catalogs one might assume to click under the “Student” menu. Student catalogs, however can be found under the “UOG Publications” tab, under the “UOG” menu.

“Finding the student catalog was hard.

I thought it would go under students,” said Carbullido.

Overall, the site does not make finding things easy.

“In order to find something we have to go in here and then go to another place. It should be easier to find what we need,” Carbullido expressed.

Another issue users might find taxing is the site’s search engine.

Miklenne Guzman, a sophomore majoring in Early Childhood Education, said the search engine is not good.

“The search doesn’t work,” Guzman said.

Some areas of the school web site are

outdated and also not updated.

“There are some things from a year ago. It’s not updated much,” Guzman said.

Cathleen Moore-Linn, the University’s Director of Integrated Marketing Communications, is in charge of the school’s web site.

Moore-Linn agrees that the site is hard to navigate. “Others may have to dig a bit to find what they are looking for. The drop down menus are too long,” Moore-Lin said.

The Director noted some improvements needed for the web site. “Navigation and search functions need improvement. I’d like to see a cleaner presentation,” MooreLinn admitted.

Moore-Linn explained why some parts of the site are not updated and how the site is actually made.

Story continued on page 05

Campus News

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012 Story continued from page 04 “Each unit is responsible for the information on their pages. Our content management system works like Microsoft word, so it’s easy to use and no coding is involved,” she said.

While some programs update regularly, others do not. However, there isn’t much that can be done other than try to encourage personnel to update the unit’s information on the web site. “No single person can update 1,400 pages which is the number of pages we have on our site now. It can only work through delegation and unit responsibility,” she said.

Moore-Linn stated that some programs and areas of the site are updated often. “Education was recently overhauled and is more functional. Our front page and scrolling news pages, our scholarship page and our registration page are updated often,” she said.

She said that the site has been the same since 2008 and she plans on making some changes to it.

www.uog.edu: The current UOG homepage. Students find the web site confusing to navigate.

“We are in the beginning stages of a process to create an updated web shell. Our current site is functional, but needs updating,” Moore-Linn said.

Moore-Linn invited students to give

SSS Hosted Cultural Interest Workshop

BY JASMINE STOLE TRITON’S CALL On Friday, March 8, 2012, TRiO's Student Support Services program hosted a cultural interest workshop for the program's participants.

During the two hour workshop, SSS participants were able to learn more about a neighboring island's culture. Three students from Yap gave a presentation about the unique Yapese culture and customs. Students were also able to watch the film Papa Mau: The Wayfinder. The film documents the life of the late Micronesian master navigator, Mau Piailug and his legacy in Micronesia and Polynesia.

SSS is a federally funded program that assists college students in successfully completing a post-secondary education. SSS offers workshops on financial aid, math and english tutoring, cultural and social workshops, mentoring, as well as general education counseling.

The program also offers a grant aid for eligible students and use of the TRiO computer lab. For more information about the program or participant eligibility call 735-2246 or visit the SSS office on the 2nd floor of the Field House.

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feedback and also to help the web site get updated. If your program’s page isn’t updated ask them to update or help them do it, she suggested.

Scholarships Available RotaRy Club oF tokyo ShiRokane FRiendSCholaRShip is a total award of $10,000 to one qualified undergraduate within the last 60 credit hours of their undergraduate degree. Completed applications are to be submitted to UOG Financial Aid Office by April 13, 2012.

SoCiety oF ameRiCan militaRy engineeRS is offering up to $2,500 for first or second year students and up to $3,500 for students enrolled in an approved upper level architecture or engineering program. Qualified undergrads must exhibit sincere interest in obtaining an engineering or architecture undergrad degree. The completed application is due on April 27, 2012 by 5:00 PM. the William maRmie miCRoneSian StudieS SCholaRShip is an award of $500.00 to one or more students admitted to the Micronesian Studies Master of Arts Program at the University of Guam.

The completed application is due on April 23, 2012 by 5:00 PM. the guam SoCiety oF ameRiCa is offering $500 - $ 1,500 to qualified college students and $500 - $1,000 to qualified high school graduates.

Completed applications are due on Monday, May 28, 2012 by 11:59 PM. the philip malilay White memoRial ReSeaRCh SCholaRShip is an award of $1,500 to an full-time undergraduate student and $1,500 to a full-time graduate student both in their final two years of study. The application is due on July 6, 2012.

Ship

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION STIPULATIONS ABOUT THESE AND OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND STUDENT LOANS CAN BE FOUND ON THE UNIVERSITY OF GUAM'S WEB SITE, IN THE FINANCIAL AID SECTION, FOUND UNDER THE "STUDENT" MENU.

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Charter Day 2012

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012

photos by Jerick Sablan and Jasmine Stole

Student STyle

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012

Campus

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Fashion File:

Gracelle Manaloto

BY JASMINE STOLE TRITON’S CALL "I adore her," says Gracelle Manaloto, 20, of New Girl actress Zooey Deschanel. Along with Deschanel, Gracelle draws sartorial inspiration from celebrities like Rachel Bilson and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.

It's easy to see Zooey Deschanel's influence on Gracelle's style.

Deschanel is known for her "adorkable" behavior and quirky, feminine outfits. Although Gracelle herself does not break into song at a moment’s notice, she does share Deschanel’s love for dresses and feminine pieces.

Unlike Deschanel, Manaloto has quite the eye for finding and pairing flowy, girly pieces with more structured, bold accessories. On the day of our interview, she had on a peach, chiffon tank top with a floral pattern and denim shorts.

To give her outfit some grit, Manaloto threw on a pair of combat boots and a boho-style braided headband. For most, a bohemian headband comes off as contrived, but for Gracelle, the outfit comes together almost effortlessly.

"On lazy days, it's easy for me to put on a cute dress and wear a leather jacket, a casual blazer or a cardigan over it," said Manaloto.

For her, most of an outfit’s magic is in the shoes. "An outfit can be boring but putting on the right shoes make a big difference," she explained.

The Education major stands a little over 5 feet tall and as petite as she is, her personality, like her wardrobe, packs an impeccably chic punch.

For more of Gracelle's style and the rest of her interview, visit: WWW.CAMPUSFASHIONFILE.TUMBLR.COM. If you know someone who would like to be featured in next month's Campus Fashion File, email TRITONSCALL.CFF@GMAIL.COM or submit your photo through our tumblr blog.

Cute In Combat : Gracelle rocks a chiffon floral tank with denim shorts and combat boots. For more of Gracelle’s style visit campusfashionfile.tumblr.com Photo by Jasmine Stole

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Entertainment

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012

St. Patrick's Day Word Search

Monthly ‘scopes for April 2012

by Linda Miller Everybody's Irish on March 17, and you'll be deserving of the "wearing o' the green" when you find the 80 people, places, and things Irish in this St. Paddy's Word Search.

from www.ehoroscope2012.net

Aries

Romance flows freely in your life this month. It always does at this time of year.

There could be some real surprises along these lines. Persons could step from the shadows with flowers for you. Persons you had never considered romantically before could pursue with vigor and visa versa. During the last half of the month you shift to matters regarding your employment and health. There could be advancements on the job or you could take major steps to improve you health at that time.

On the last day of the month, a matter regarding where you live could and should be finalized. Clear and sound thinking make whatever is occurring to come together in a very solid and beneficial way.

Taurus

The home front is looking so right this month. Any improvements you have made or are working on pay big dividends during the first half of this month.

If there are things that you would like to change regarding you abode, this would be the right time to undertake that effort. The results will be very satisfying.The last half of the month has you focused on your romantic life.

There will be many opportunities at this time with people you would not normally find yourself attracted to. Still, take the risk and experience something new and different. You could receive a very meaningful romantic communication on the last day of the month. It will be safe to take it face value and trust it.

Gemini

This will be an interesting month for you as the emphasis is on communication.

There could be a flurry of information coming your way. The problem is Mercury is retrograde for the month. You may have to triple- check that information before releasing it to others.The last two weeks of the month will find you drawn to your home. Something there calls to you and the backyard barbeque looks so inviting.

A home improvement project could find its wheels during this period with surprising results.On the last day of the month, there could be something of a very solid agreement reached that could effect you for sometime to come

www.crpuzzles.com

SUdoku Cancer

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Leo

APRIL FOOLS !

Virgo

Try this prank on your co-workers or classmates

Invisible Ink Go into the victim's office and locate every pencil and pen in their desk.

Paint the tips with clear nail polish. When they try to write, none of them will work. After the prank is revealed, the nail polish can be removed by dipping the pens and pencils in polish remover. from www.aprilfoolzone.com

Libra

Your money is highlighted this month. It’s all good news, though. You may be feeling the effects of a budget put into place months ago, thus resulting is a surplus of funds. Also, changes that you could have made at the personal level bear meaningful fruit during this two-week period of April.After the middle of the month, communication picks up in your life. Be mindful that Mercury in retrograde could effect the flow and content of that communication. Try not to take anything at face value, but check out it’s validity before you accept it.On the last day of the month you could receive a very meaningful insight about yourself. This something could be of a very solid nature. What a nice gift from the heavens.

You’re bubbling with energy this month with the Sun and Mars in your 1st house of self. The energy last for three weeks and it’s a good time to get out there and do the projects you’ve been thinking about. During the month, there could be confusing signals and signs coming from your Committed Other. Postpone taking action on joint money matters until after the 11th. Good luck could come your way during the last half of the month in areas regarding resources and cash. Long forgotten loans and favors could suddenly be repaid to your surprise and pleasure.

Normally, this is your month for taking it easy, but April finds you dealing with a behind the scenes well spring of energy that must be dealt with or there could be consequences to your health that would be hard to diagnose.

Seek ways to alleviate the pressure. Also try to avoid overindulging in food or drink during the last half the month. Friends could provide you with some solid moneymaking opportunities this month. Be patient and hear them out.

You could reap some handsome profits and do it quickly. On the last a day of the month, you could make a new a long lasting friend. There is also the possibility of receiving a gift that could last you a lifetime. How nice for you.

Activities with friends sweep you through this April with fun at every turn. Short trips during the first two weeks could find you in lovely surroundings. If you must travel, make sure you triple check everything before you leave with Mercury retrograde all month. The last half of April could provide you with some surprises on the job and regarding your career. Some will be very visible and some will come from behind the scenes. Career changes made on the last day of the month will be the most beneficial and long lasting.

Entertainment

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012

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april 2012 horoscopes con’t.

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

The career sector is jumping with activity and excitement this month. You may be thrust into the limelight over your accomplishments. There could be major advancements and pay increases from ideas and hard work you have put forth. Traveling for business or transactions at a great distance work best on the 17th.

Double-check all the figures before agreeing to anything though. If you must travel this month, wait until the last day when aspects favor a journey filled with peace, smooth sailing and quiet joy. Traveling with friends is also favored. There could be some surprises from them along the way.

Now is a good time to consider increasing your knowledge at the higher education level. Perhaps embarking on a new path of enlightenment or just a reading really thick book. Travel is favored as well, but with Mercury retrograde it’s advisable to triple-check you plans, schedules, and itinerary for mishaps that could catch you by surprise. During the last half of the month your career sector gets a big boost with Jupiter, Mars and the Sun all crowded into this house. Sudden acclaim could come your way, shining the spotlight on you. The benefits of this will be most felt on the last day of April.

Joint money, taxes and insurance will hold your attention for the first two weeks of the month. Good news could be coming your way, just when you needed it the most. Careful planning may be required to stretch funds after the 21st, at a time when you feel the pull of the open road and the need to get away from it all. If traveling is on the agenda, remember to triple-check everything like schedules, planes tickets and reservations. The last half of the month finds you in pleasant company and focusing on your committed other. Solid ground may be gained with this person if you remember to listen closely to what they are saying.

Aquarius

Pisces

Personal committed relationships dominate your life for the first three weeks of April. Renewed romance and enthusiasm could find its way back into this area. If you’re not in a committed relationship look for happiness to come through your business partners. Remember to acknowledge them for all they do in your behalf. It will pave the way for the remainder of April. During the last half of the month your focus shifts to shared resources. A quick accounting of the joint checking account could find you with a surplus of cash you did not expect to find. A quick, spontaneous trip may be in the offing. Be mindful that Mercury is still retrograde until the end of the month and could move to foul your fun.

Your job scene is hopping with action and fun this month. You could get a raise or a promotion, or both. Your health should be in tip-top shape so get out of the house and move around. This would be an excellent time to start a new diet or exercise plan. During the last half of the month your focus shifts to partnerships and serious relationships. They are blessed with some great aspects. If you’re planning on popping the question, wait until the last day of the month to do so. At that time the planets line up to really cement anything started on that day.

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Campus news

duriNg the moNth of march purchase a double filet-o-fish extra value meal aNd a portioN of the proceeds from sales will beNefit the uog capital fuNd.

TRITON’S CALL, March 2012

march

Celebrate the Triton Spirit!

EAT FOOd. RAISE SOME dOuGh. april

Next moNth, iN april, briNg iN a cpK flyer aNd 20% of your bill, excludiNg purchases of alcoholic beverages, will be doNated to the uog capital fuNd.