Published by the students of Coming Community College 4/ ORIENTATION EDITION Surviving your first week at CCC by Doreen DiNardo The transition from high school to college is never an easy one. Often it is helpful to get advice from those who have already been through the experience. For this reason, we conducted a survey of graduating seniors and CCC student leaders and found they have a lot they want to say to you, the incoming Freshmen. □ Two pieces of advice came through loud and clear - - keep up with your studies, and get involved in campus activities. Guaranteed, the work will be harder than expected. Don’t be disillusioned by all your "free time" - - you will need that time for school work. Skipping class should be avoided at all possible costs. A lot of work and valuable information is packed into 50 minutes of class time, and much of it is difficult to adequately make up. College-level work differs greatly from what you are probably used to, so be prepared. Contrary to popular belief, Corning is not a "Mickey Mouse school." Or, as one student put it, "CCC isn’t i 3th grade." The best way to meet people, make new friends, have fun, and learn something, all at the same time, is to join a club or organization, and CCC has many to choose from. The sooner you meet people, the sooner you’ll feel comfortable here and the more you’ll like it. CCC has something for just about everyone.Don’t be shy to meet people with interests similar to yours - -everyone else is new, too. As one student put it, "Get involved with the clubs and organizations - - it can be fun if you do!" □ All of those questioned said that they’re glad they chose to attend CCC and gave the following reasons: the variety of interesting, friendly people they’ve met and the fact that the college experience has broadened their outlooks on different matters. Most stated that CCC is an inexpensive introduction or stepping stone into a four-year college -- particularly if you’re especially young or undecided about what you want to do with your future. Several cited the free tutorial services CCC offers, including the Math • and English labs, as extraordinary features not found in most other colleges. (Surprisingly, only about half reported that they will complete the requirements for their associates degree in the usual two years - - the other half will take longer, so don’t feel pressured that you must get your degree in two years.) □ Current students had a vast array of first impressions of CCC, ranging from loneliness, confusion, and "megamounts of work” to a small, pretty campus with nice surroundings and a helpful staff and faculty. Other responses to this question included: "friendly, but hard to meet people unless in a club," "lots of new faces," "great architecture," "it seemed like another year of high school because I was still living at home," "I thought it was big," "it has good potential, but people don’t get involved," and "I was glad to be going to college instead of being unemployed." □ After first impressions comes adjusting to college life, and we students have all been through it. When asked what the hardest thing to adjust to at CCC was, responses included: being away from best friends and home, the daily commute, the fact that many students leave campus right after their classes, which makes it a lot harder to get to know people, and the increase in freedom and absence of structure of high school. , 80% of those surveyed reported having a problem balancing their time and maintaining good grades and offer plenty of advice to help you in that department. They suggest setting aside daily studv time, making a tight schedule, and then sticking to it. This requires discipline, but works wonders. Others recommended reducing the number of hours spent working at a part-time job and/or socializing. And, as a last resort, one can Continued on page 2 1986-87 ACADEMIC CALENDAR FALL 1986 AUGUST 25 CLASSES BEGIN OCTOBER 6-10 NO CLASSES— SEMESTER BREAK NOVEMBER 24-28 NO CLASSES—THANKSGIVING BREAK DECEMBER 12 LAST DAY OF CLASSES DECEMBER 13-19 FINAL EXAMINATIONS SPRING 1987 JANUARY 26 CLASSES BEGIN MARCH 9-13 NO CLASSES—FIRST SPRING BREAK APRIL 20-24 NO CLASSES— SECOND SPRING BREAK MAY 15 LAST DAY OF CLASSES MAY 16-22 FINAL EXAMINATIONS MAY 31 COMMENCEMENT L BUSINESS TEACHER MAKES A POINT THE DATA GAME THE CRIER “WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO A NEW STUDENT IN YOUR DEPARTMENT?” "Corning Community College offers a variety of exciting educational opportunities. The college also provides a number of academic advisors who are eager to assist in finding the right educational program for you. As a first step, meet with your academic advisor to insure that you have all the facts about what the College has to offer." Dr. Donald H. Hangen President "Your decision to go to college is one of the wisest decisions that you will ever make. What you learn, no one can take away; neither inflation nor constant use will diminish its value; education will continue to serve you all Dr. Gunars Reimanis Dean of Instruction your life. Our college has an excellent success record, and I can easily show you that our courses of instruction compare favorably with the best ones in the nation. You have come to the right place." "1. Develop a schedule for getting course requirements satisfied. 2. Establish "study groups" to prepare for tests. 3. Seek out someone John W. Kelley / Dean of Student Services on campus (staff, faculty, student) whom you "trust," who can give you good information on issues that develop during your college program. \ V "Students should subject matter. Also, be have a good background in flexible. Keep your options science and math. It’s also a open because of the new good idea to be inquisitive and ever changing career and observant and be opportunities." 4. willing to work hard on John Brennan Chairperson of Biology and Chemistry Surviving Continued from page 1 always drop a course that can be retaken or drop an outside activity. Several students mentioned LS 100 -College Study Skills - as having been invaluable to them in learning the most effective and efficient methods of study. Others, when asked if there were any courses they wanted to recommend or felt should be mandatory, mentioned Interpersonal Communication (SH 121) or Introduction to Acting (TH 102). Both are excellent ways to overcome shyness and inhibitions, meet many people, and become comfortable speaking in front of groups while earning three credits. Others feel a basic computer class (such as CT 122, for non-majors) or a Word Processing class should be mandatory for today’s job market. Other specifically-mentioned courses include Career Planning (CP 100, an intensive, in-depth three-credit course for those who are uncertain about their future), Technical Report Writing (EN 150), and Self-Defense (PE 113). □ The campus experience, as with anything in life, is a mixture of good and bad. Students were asked their favorite and least favorite thing about CCC, and here are their replies: Favorite things include the variety of clubs and organizations, the people, vacations, the casual atmosphere, the beautiful surroundings, the challenge of earning good grades, the helpfulness of the professors, the large gym, the vast resources available in the library, Student Government, sunny days spent lying around on the grass, the free socials, Sunfest, and the Commons. However, CCC is not, unfortunately, without its negative aspects. Things you will have to learn to cope with include the usual red tape, a long wait for financial aid checks, and 8 a.m. classes. Others cited student apathy, a lack of organization within* the administration, the price of textbooks (you can expect to pay at least $100 per semester), the fact that the college is non-residential, and the fact that snow days are almost non-existent. And speaking of winter, we are located at the top of a hill, so it does get cold and windy up here. It can be a long walk from building to building (another gripe), so be prepared. And please, when the weather is bad, drive slowly and carefully along Spencer Hill Road. Our Physical Plant Ground Crew and the Steuben County Highway Department do an excellent job in keeping it clear, but it is still curvy and dangerous, so please use caution. Just remember that for every wintry, snowy day you must drive up the hill, there will be a beautiful fall or spring day to enjoy the glorious foliage. □ Students were asked what they wish someone had told them when they were an incoming freshman, and so here’s what they want to tell you: On the first day of class, your teacher will give you a syllabus. This is a piece of paper explaining what to expect from the course, what will be expected of you, how he/she grades, his/her attendance policy, temporary ’ days of major exams, his/her office hours, etc. Every teacher has regular office hours posted on his/her door and a personal mailbox if you need to drop something off. Don’t base any decisions on just one person’s opinion of a certain instructor; everyone will tell you something different. The only way to decide if you like a teacher or not is to take a class from him or her. All teachers, no matter how cold or unfriendly they come across in class, are human, and you may find that most are different outside of class. They want you to succeed and are willing to help if they can. ; One student said he wished he’d known that it is possible to enter a "full" class, with permission from the instructor- don’t give up. Another strongly recommended taking most of the courses required for your degree in your first two semesters, to determine if your chosen major is right for you or not. You will be able to sell your textbooks back to the college book store at *he end of the semester for 50% of what you originally paid, provided they will be used again the following semester. The Used Book Store, located on the ground floor of the Commons (just off the Large Lounge), is a good way to buy books, at a lower cost and to sell them back for a higher profit. Another student wished she’d been told that vending machines are conveniently located throughout the campus for those who don’t have time to eat in the Commons cafeteria. The City of Corning buses are a popular means of transportation for those who live at the bottom of the hill, where many students maintain apartments. The Big Flats -Horseheads - Elmira bus leaves at 1 and 4 p.m. every day and is often crowded (standing room only), but it’s another good way to meet people. One student wants to caution that gym classes are not to be taken lightly. They’re fun and relaxing, but they require regular attendance, effort, and 3 intellectually stimulating. The rewards for these few years of dedicated study will provide you with a wealth of personal and professional satisfaction in the years ahead." "The academic program you choose now will determine, to a great extent, your future role in society. Whether you are in a career or transfer program, choose something that you enjoy and find Dr. George Gifford Chairperson of Math, Physics and Technology "Think of yourself to spend your capital (i.e. as a consumer. You are time, money, talent, en-paying for your education;' thusiasm) wisely. Create an you have a right to expect environment to permit your quality in your purchase, becoming all you are You have a responsibility capable of becoming." Michael Gilmartin Chairperson of Communications and Humanities "Meet with your faculty advisor regularly so that it best meets your transfer and career objectives. Use the services provided and our experienced faculty to assist you in examining the variety of career opportunities in the fields of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Become involved in out-of-class activities and experiences that relate to your future career plans. Mary Gail Lee Chairperson of Health, Physical Education and Recreation "Two things. First, "people" relationships either take a variety of social and in the past, the present or behavioral sciences, such as the future, history, sociology, geog- Second, if one is raphy, government, psy- planning to transfer, be chology, and anthropology, sure to check the catalog to This diversity of courses parallel what students at will provide one with that college are required to learning concerned with take in the Social Sciences." J Pauline Leveen Chairperson of Social Sciences "To be successful in with their assignments. If the nursing program, stu- they feel they are falling dents must be personally behind, they should talk committed, able to organize with their advisor early." their time, and keep up Dr. Anita B. Ogden Chairperson of Nurse Education "If you are a full- you have the discipline to time student, treat college do this, I’m sure you will ^ like a full-time job. Come achieve academic success i to school at 8:00 a.m. and and have plenty of time in K3 go home at 4:00 p.m. When the evening and on week-V you are not in class, spend ends for a fulfilling social ■ your time studying in the'life." ■ Library, Math Lab, etc. If I David B. Quattrone * Chairperson of Business Administration dying, just like any »er course. (And no, you n’t have to shower.) □ in conclusion, the idents questioned have iny assorted bits of vice to help you succeed ring your time at CCC. nong them: "Come with open mind, and be :pared to meet unusual ople," "calm down," take ur time driving up and wn the hill, don’t work school nights, don’t rty or goof off too much, f not to fall too far hind in your school >rk, be sure to keep your ades up because it’s the ly way into a four-year 100I, and don’t give up len things get difficult. We hope you enjoy ur time at CCC. Please n’t feel shy or afraid to k help or ask directions everyone is here to help a, and it won’t seem so ; and lonely after the st week or so. Howevtr, ur success or satisfaction th CCC depends solely on u and your attitude, so :d the advice of one dent: "This school >vides an opportunity for great education and a :at experience, so make : most of it." EDITORIALS by Dr. William Thompson Professor Emeritus of Communication "In dealing with students for the past thirty years, I have come to realize a universal truth: entering students are coming into a very strange situation and don’t know the right questions to ask. Do I have to pass ALL of my courses? Do I have to have a major picked out before I come to college? Do I need to take notes in my classes? Can I put off some daily assignments to complete a larger course project in another class? Can I really drop a course if I find that it is too difficult? If I don’t get along with an instructor, can I change sections? Should I continue with the extracurricular activities I started in high school? Can I continue my thirty-hour-a-week job and still get through my courses? Will I be labeled as "stupid" if I go to the lab (math/communications/etc.) for help? Do I get a diploma automatically, or do I have to sign up for it? These aren’t all, but .certainly some of the questions that I have run across over the years. As potential entering freshmen at Corning, or any college, let me say that there are many sources available to help answer these and other questions. My own suggestion would be to seek out your advisor or an instructor with whom you feel at ease. by Betty White Professor of Communication As entering freshmen, you must be wondering about your future career choices and what courses you should take in college to be most successful. Probably nothing is more important that your own self-assessment of what you should choose. Do not let good salaries and job availability be your only criteria; make certain you will enjoy your lifetime career. Secondly, let college be an opportunity to learn all kinds of skills: content skills, self-management skills, and transferable skills. Every course increases some of these abilities. Keep a written record of the skills you’ve mastered in various courses and activities. My recent sabbatic leave included interviewing several personnel managers in area industries. I asked them what advice they would give future job applicants, and here are a few answers I’d like to share with you: 1. "A person applying for a job must know himself/herself. The lack of self-knowledge is one of the biggest weaknesses in leadership." 2. "A’s are not as important as transferable skills. The important courses are those a person takes outside of his/her major that apply to corporate environment." 3. "Speech skills are often a weak link in business from front line supervisor to top level management." 4. "Reading and writing are essential qualifications that have gone astray. Young people must listen, be flexible and not mind working longer than 8-5." 5. "If technical people fail or give a poor performance, more than not, it’s in oral and written performance." 6. "Applicants for jobs in businesses should have a good course in capitalism—know business economics. They must know how changes in the world affect industry." Editors: Scott Coons Doreen DiNardo Dr. William Thompson Professor Betty White Typist: Michelle Huston Photography: Chris Westling Graphics Consultant: Gregory Frank THE CRIER Articles on this page are reprinted from previous issues of The Crier 4 Boyd paces Red Barons In tournament victory by Phil Costa While most CCC students were still enjoying the long break between semesters, the men’s basketball team went back into action early. The major highlight of that action was a tournament victory in Chicken' Wing Classic in Burlington, Vermont. After defeating Delhi in a 61-60 thriller, the Red Barons beat Jefferson 69-65 to cop the tournament title, rebounds came off Ron Boyd paced the offensive boards. Barons in the championship performance earned game with 21 points and 9 tournament Most rebounds. Six of those Player honors. Snow day procedures In case of inclement weather deemed sufficiently dangerous to interrupt college operations radio and television announcers will be asked tc make one of the following two announcements: 1. "The college is closed." When this statement is made, the entire institution is closed, and no one, except snow removal crews, is expected to travel to campus. 2. "All college classes and student activities cancelled." When this statement is made, the college is not closed, and all employees having non- Sunfest 1985 the His The last great hap- Boyd Pening of the semester, Valuable Sunfest ’85, was a tremendous success with an estimated 800 students attending the $6600 event. Cross Country team Places ninth in tourney In contrast year, Mother cooperated with atures in the Students wore to last Nature the For temper- . c mid-sixties. Schaefer, one of shorts and s'udenl ‘>r8ar,'2ers' -r u- — the amount of money we T-shirts, f and thought we did real well." Many faculty and The CCC men’s Tim Hassen finished 42nd, j_ree Sunfest cross-country team placed Bob Lane 49th, Ed Reidy r**. Utnh ' staff praised the organizers Association Region III Larisa Bodnovich "I .thought it came for making the day such a championships at Delhi last paced the female runners off really good," said Jane success, weekend. with a 19th place finish. Bill McKendrick Lisa Giuffrida finished paced the Corning runners 28th, L. Limoncelli 31st, with a 31st place finish, and Denise Baily 32nd. classroom/student activities, such as committee meetings, administrative appointments and the like, are expected to honor them the best they can. Generally speaking, this announcement will be made when road and weather conditions are safe to accommodate heavy traffic. Booklet Available The Student Services Division, in cooperation with the Counseling Department of the College, has put together a booklet entitled, "Helpful People-Helpful Places." This booklet gives students an "easy to use" directory of services, phone numbers, and names of appropriate people to contact in time of need. A copy of this booklet may be obtained at the Student Services Office on the second floor of the Administrative Building. Bodybuilder wins competition Netters take third The CCC Women’s volleyball team warmed up for regional action with a third place finish in the Penn-York Conference championships last weekend. The team will be seeded seventh in the regionals, which will take place at Genesee Community College Friday and Saturday, November 8 and 9. Two of the women, Kim Ludwig and Angela Jurusik, were selected to the All-Conference team. "They were very responsive. That psyched me even more," said Heidi Goble of the 100 plus bodybuilding fans in attendance who saw Heidi come out a winner in her first competition, October 12, at Elmira Free Academy. Each contestant went through an individual routine during which she had to work the five compulsory poses fluidly into the six or seven poses she felt best highlighted her conditioning. Once the individual routines were completed, the contestants returned to the stage for a 30 second "posedown". The posedown, set to music, is the final step in the competition. Each contestant tries to outpose the others in front of the judges. "You want to get close to the other competitors so your body can be better compared to theirs," Heidi said. Her greatest moment of excitement came when the name of the first runner-up was announced. That was when she realized she had won. "I was pretty pleased with myself," she admitted. Gaston on the road to fame by John Tonello Almost .everyone who listens to the radio or watches TV has a dream of someday becoming one of the new hot celebrities. But how many of us really make it to that mountain top? For Derek Gaston that dream had become reality. He is over many of the early hurdles en route to fame. This multitalented teen has written, produced and directed several plays and shows, drawing from his singing and acting abilities, which are his major points. At age nine, Derek first appeared in a production of "The Wiz," where, surprisingly enough, he played the "Mean Ole Lion." From there, Stephanie Mills discovered him, and his career took •off with Youth Productions. Derek’s list of accomplishments are too numerous to be listed here, but include such appearances as the off-Broadway show, "Raisin in the Sun," which also featured ABC soap star. The question is, how did Corning come up with this talented performer since Derek has lived in New York for most of his life? "Corning was the only place where I could get my education and not have to entertain at the same time," Gaston said. "I never really had the chance to grow up with people my own age," Gaston noted. "I was always around older people." Derek Gaston is a rare case of a young talent whose flight to becoming a star is something rarely seen in Corning. At the mere age of nineteen he has gathered some rather impressive credentials, and one can only wish him the best of luck in the years to rnmfi