The Crier "The Voice of the CCC Student Body” May ISSUE 3 Spring 2002 Springfest 2002 April 29- May2 Springfest is a week-long celebration of, you guessed it, Spring! This year there are a ton of activities planned including: Monday: Snow cones, cotton candy, pixie sticks, and free flying zoo animals.(10am-2pm) Tuesday: Obstacle course in the front circle (l0am-2pm), henna tattoos by the Multicultural club in the Commons (10am-2pm), make your own sundae in the Main Dining Room (12pm-2pm), Free zoo animal bracelets. Wednesday: Chocolate dipping (10am-2pm), Spring Concert LC004 (12pm), basketball shooting contest behind the Commons- prizes will be awarded (10am-2pm), dunking Booth with many of CCCs finest staff, including Benny Hunziker (10am-2pm), free zoo animal bouncy balls. Thursday: Food and Music behind the Commons (12pm-2pm). Free stuff!________________ HAVE FUN!II Where is the focus? By: Chad Harris Students are the focus of all we do? This past year, Coming Community College has seen a major change in its administration. Both a new President and a new Dean of Academic Affairs have been hired since last May. As with anytime a major change takes place in an institution, be it one of academia or a corporation, conflicts began to arise. Several things have become clear after just a few months of this new administration. First, the number of students paying full-time tuition is most important, and second, once they are enrolled, students are no longer a concern. Almost immediately after Dr. Amann took the reigns as President at CCC, rumors of an Elmira campus began to circulate. While at first glance an Elmira campus sounds excellent, further examination finds several key concerns. One rumor on how to finance the project includes the possibility of selling Airport Corporate Park (ACP) we hope this is just a rumor. For anyone that has not taken a class at ACP, you are truly missing out on a wonderful academic experience, especially if you are in a technology program. The ACP building houses an extensive machine shop, an excellent computer lab, as well as modem facilities. During a summer class I attended at ACP, we arranged an impromptu lecture and demonstration of helicopter physics and thermodynamics. This would not have been possible at the Spencer Hill campus, nor would it be likely that an Elmira campus could provide such facilities. However, the merits of ACP don’t end at the benefits of the facility, but also encompass the location of the campus. It is a much more convenient location for students drawn from the Horseheads/Big Flats area. The Elmira campus, however, is supposed to draw students from downtown Elmira. It is, to most people, painfully obvious that Elmira has not been growing as rapidly as the Horseheads/Big Flats area. If students are the focus of all we do, then shouldn't our focus be where the students are? More than just inconveniencing the large Horseheads/Big Flats student population, creating an Elmira campus would greatly affect all students on Spencer Hill. Ask yourself, when was the last time you heard of the possibilities of expanding the Spencer Hill campus? Don’t worry-I haven’t heard anything either. Yet, we students deal with the problems of this campus everyday. How is it that the new administration feels they can raise the funds to build a new branch campus, but they can’t manage to build a new parking lot? Have you ever taken a class on this campus during the summer? Air conditioning would certainly be nice. Since the inception of the new Smoking Policy, I’ve heard numerous smokers ask if the campus could provide outdoor ‘smoking huts.’ Each time, the administration has responded that they lack the funding. They cannot fund the construction of a few simple wooden shelters, but the building of a multi-million dollar Elmira campus is quite likely. Where is the focus? Then there is the issue of the Student Free Hour. Look at your sched-(Continued on page 2.) ule for a moment, 90% of you don’t have a class on Tuesday or Thursday at 1 o’clock. There is a reason for that. That is the time frame when the Student Association, including clubs and organizations, holds its meetings. These meetings are open to all students on campus, and Student Association makes many decisions which affect all students on campus. This time frame is supposed to be free of classes, especially single session classes. However, this semester, seventeen classes infringe on the free hour, which means that somewhere around 300 students on campus are unable to attend Student Association meetings. That is nearly 10% of total enrollment. Student Association asked the administration, namely Dean Asonovich, to act on this. He failed to act on behalf of the students, and chose to align himself with the faculty. He argues that the reason for these classes being scheduled inside the free hour is that several instructors are on sabbatical. This has caused a shortage of instructors, which has forced other instructors to overload into the free hour. Dr. Asonovich rationalizes the shortage of instructors with a belief that faculty development outside of the classroom was necessary in order to better prepare instructors for the classroom. However, when asked which was more important, faculty or student development, he failed to respond. I’ll leave it to the reader to interpret where his focus is. Student Association took it a step further by unanimously voting to keep the free hour in place, instead of moving it around, as Dr. Asonovich wished. This resounding vote, in the interest of the students, was ignored. In fact, Student Association has been continually ignored. Indeed, the slogan "Students are the focus of all we do!" was suspiciously absent from Dr. Amann's inauguration. So again, I ask, where is the focus? How can a campus be run when the administration continually acts outside of the interest of the student? How can a Student Association be effective when their suggestions are ignored by the administration? The simple, and obvious answer is, it can’t. Where is the focus on this campus? It is no longer the students, that much has been proven. The Better System By: Andy Sullivan Most game reviews for any video-game system don’t include much about the game at all. They only give an origin story or perhaps background on why or how the game was created. Sometimes, useless information is given as well; like how many polygons per second are being used, the resolution values, or the way the controls feel. Now-a-days, there are plenty of entertainment (video) choices. Three of the newest, most worth while video game systems are: Nintendo’s GameCube, Microsoft’s X-Box, and Sony’s Playstation 2 (PS2). Which system is the best? That’s what I plan to let you know. In my experience, there are three ways to rate a video-game system. The first is the obvious, the cost of the hardwear. The second, in descending order of importance, is performance. You always want to get the most bang for your buck. Lastly, when looking at game systems, compatibility and originality are considered. The first system, Nintendo’s GameCube, costs between two and three hundred dollars. The system, performance-wise, is good enough to rate in the top three. However, it is not enough to compete with PS2 or X-Box. The reaction time is slow, and like the “N-64”, the graphics are Blocky-look-ing. As far as compatibility, I have never seen Nintendo’s systems able to play “cartridges” from its previous systems. This factor costs considerable amounts of cash when up-grading to a new system. As for originality, Nintendo uses the same characters and re-uses them. If they don’t buy the idea from a different company that is. Microsoft’s X-Box seems to be the most talked about system. X-Box is the most expensive game system out there, ranging from three to five hundred dollars, depending on what features you get and where you buy it. The gameplay is the best of all systems I Commencement is May 17 at 7:00pm in the Gym. Congratulations to all CCC graduates! have seen. It seems very smooth, and has a high response and very realistic game play. However, unlike the GameCube, it plays DVDs. As far as creativity, the X-Box seems to be buying legal rights out from under Sony’s nose. They only copy games that are already made and add more options. So, in actuality, when you get an X-Box, you buy a small computer that can play games well. The Playstation 2 is a system in the price range of two to three hundred dollars. You can get one much cheaper than any other system if you buy it used. The game play is almost as mind-blowing as the X-Box. It can play DVDs without having to pay extra! The X-Box is an extra thirty dollars, just to watch DVDs. Playstation2 has a high compatibility, it can play regular PS1 games, and its own games. That, alone, is worth the buy. You don’t have to run right out and buy games if you already have the old ones. Plus, new ideas and creations break-through on PS2. Other systems may then buy them if they do well. Playstation is leading the way as far as trend-setting and low cost. The best systems to have are are X-Box or PS2; I wouldn’t waste the money on a GameCube. X-Box and PS2 will also be able to go on-line soon. So, all you “net” gamers may want to think about that. Also, PS2 will have a hard-drive up-grade soon. X-Box has a hard-drive already. I also know Sony is planning on continuing the PSX evolution. I don’t know what plans they have, but there will be a PS3. So, you may want to hold off until then if you want the best. Midday concert Wednesday May 1st, Noon Spring concert given In the music department and chorus. LC004 Spring Love By: M. Philpott Spring is finally here. Now that doesn't mean that the weather is always going to be sunny and bright at last. It'll probably be even drearier than it was in January. Yet the warm sunny days will still come and will get better as the weeks go by and we finally find ourselves in the middle of summer. And it is on those sunny days of open windows, short sleeves, and overall cheeriness that we seem to seek out someone to go with it all. Every season is a season for lovers; I don't deny that. Nevertheless, spring is famous for the flowering of romance, and that fame is well deserved. It is no accident that birds begin to chirp and bees to buzz at this time of year. That is why I do not doubt for a single moment 1 will see an increase in new couples lost in each other's gaze, frozen in time as I hurry on by to class. But I am not here to write odes to love that any human with a touch of sensitivity in his or her heart can proclaim from the mountain tops. No, I'm writing today to remind everyone of something easily lost in the season of love: patience. This is not just for people without a significant other; this is just as important for those who already have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Only those already married are allowed to stop reading this column. When the wonderful thrill of romance strikes us, nothing else seems to matter. And when it doesn't strike, we look at the world around us, and it seems that everybody else is in love. We desire the affection, comfort, and security that a frequent and intimate companion can bring. And oh to hold hands! And but to kiss! At least to cuddle on the couch and talk! We become desperate. Spring is here, but besides wanting somebody to enjoy it with, college students may start to think, "Oh no! If I don't find someone soon, my chance will be gone and my whole summer lonely." Patience, I say. Patience. Look, college is not the time for desperation. In fact, if there's anytime not to worry about fulfilling relationships, it's now. I'm not saying that no one should date in college, but it shouldn't be our main concern even if we are going out with someone. Now is the time to receive our education and prepare for that time in the future when that education will be the practical support of lifelong love of spouse and family. Have fun in your relationships, but don't expect ultimate fulfillment now. And here's perhaps the best reason: an overdeveloped emotion of need for someone could easily cause one to "settle." In other words, the temptation is great to latch on to the first person who comes our way and expresses some sort of interest. What ends up happening is we may just hold on when it's clear that time and person are not right only because of the fear of being alone. Don't let that happen. Be patient and content with what you have in your own person for now. Keep your eyes open and eventually the right person will come along. It just may not be in spring. CATCH THE RISING SUN... suMMer SESSION Binghamton UNIVERSITY State University of NewYork REGISTER NOW! O over 250 of the best and most innovative classes at BU O courses in arts and sciences, business, education, engineering and nursing available O newly developed “Adventures in Learning” courses nationally-recognized quality at affordable prices 0 beautiful campus, friendly people, comfortable atmosphere Term I: May 28 - June 28 Term II: July8-August9 Term III: variable for more information, please visit our website ot summer.binghamton.edu or colt; 1-300-523-2105 £ s If? O ’ CR O o cr> CO LD I CO CO CO 3 cc s > to 05 05 £ o to CD CO 05 GO CD CO II •* Jf' *?CJ B '5 f ti S c ,a m ffs 6 £§ I C « r s3 si* li & SO| 3 T> [Co ? S.* 5' e s I S S | 3 £ CI rr,jLJ *& ik -« c* E 2? £ C; y ~~ O «■ ja> si Ts a?* f y *z i*; 4_ t: 56 * jn £ 1 5 ! 1 _f! Ji B ~ 4i ti i e e x.l | * < ~ f jb I « 1§ ® 1| -R x» § P 4J & $ £ « I p 5> 0 ill :: S i & TJ 21 2 «> 2- ^ iJ? ^ V? v *. 3 r i, | j» A f £ .•"'. ii t:r» C: li 5 iCsi* 2 £ F ! b- £ S $ -* ti $ .J u. f. % 15 f-> 3 if t V ri « y. t3 »- • £■ F> •d £? •*& y ' i- * p ? 8 g CB X - & S = «)U <7 u ^ III —* tv y s';g •TJ H -|v» d & ^ •» t. #<> ^ . a si ti n *£ Bj & Graduating?—Is AMERICORPS In Your Future? Graduation--a time to contemplate the future and what it holds for you. For many Coming Community College graduates, AmeriCorps could be an opportunity to learn valuable skills, give back to the community, and experience something new and worthwhile for a year. AmeriCorps is the national service program ("domestic Peace Corps") that provides thousands of Americans with a living allowance and education award in exchange for a year or two of community service. AmeriCorps members help meet the nation’s critical needs in the areas of public safety, education, human needs, and the environment. In the "Southern Tier" region of New York, (from Elmira to Belmont), the AmeriCorps Kids First Initiative program has members working directly with children and families in Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, and Allegany counties. Put your degree, enthusiasm, and desire to help others to work in this area next fall (program starts October, 2002). Members develop and provide programs for youth, aid children and young adults in school, and encourage people to become more active in their communities. You could be working in a Domestic Violence Shelter, mentoring disadvantaged youth at a Youth Center, helping those in need at an Emergency Center, or planning activities, recreation, and tutoring at a Library or After-School program. Individuals selected for the AmeriCorps Kids First Initiative will be provided with a professional job experience, unique training, an awareness of critical issues facing youth and families, and the personal satisfaction of helping others. They will receive a living allowance of $9,600, as well as an education award (money for outstanding student loans, graduate school, etc), of $4,725 upon completion of a year of service. Coursework in any major--liberal arts, humanities, science, etc.--all are sufficient preparation for an AmeriCorps term of service. A dedication to helping others is the primary prerequisite. Anyone interested in this opportunity can call (607) 776-1104 for further information (or e-mail to ackf@infoblvd.net), or visit the web site at http://www.ihsnet.org/ americorps.htm Last day of classes: Friday, May 3rd! HAVE YOU HAD IT IN YOU ALL ALONG? UnitedHealth Services We're looking for good people who think helping others is life's greatest joy. 607.763.6186 or Mrurtv.uhs.net Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center Binghamton General Hospital The Smoking Compromise: Cooperation needed By: Edward A. Dougherty of the Learning Resources Committee The new smoking policy on campus has left some people fuming and others just scratching their heads. First, let’s be clear: there is no smoking within 50 feet of almost all building entrances. The goal of the new policy is not to ban smoking, just to move it. Moving smoke at least 50 feet away from most entrances is an effort to respond to complaints from workers and visitors. Some offices near entrances get smoke wafting into them, causing an unpleasant working environment at the very least, but, even worse, we all know that second-hand smoke is downright dangerous. Visitors passing through a gauntlet of smokers at some of the busy entrances were left with a pretty stinky first impression of Coming Community College. The fifty-foot smoke-free zone around most entrances is a compromise to allow folks who smoke a place to light up but also to protect those who work day-in and day-out downwind. In addition to providing an area that is smoke free, the policy designates certain places as okay for people to indulge their cigarette habit. Most buildings have one or more sites nearby where smoking is permitted. Some may require moving benches and ashtrays, but it is an attempt to meet smokers’ needs. See the map for more detail. So, we’re asking smokers to gather in the areas set aside for them. Also, the ash cans near all the other entrances are intended for you to drop a butt in, having smoked it on the way. They are not supposed to be gathering places. Everybody involved in the decision recognizes that there is some confusion with these changes. Some signs are not exactly clear. Some places send contradictory messages because the sign says "no smoking within 50’ of the entrance" while the bench and ashtray are closer to the building. These logistical problems are being addressed by Building and Grounds, but the over- all message is clear: there is no smoking within 50’ of almost all building entrances; instead use the designated areas. The first step in any change like this is to educate ourselves about the intention and the exact requirements. Then, once people know the policy, the question shifts to compliance. What if smokers refuse to obey the new policy? The College Association committee dealing with this issue has sought feedback from all areas on campus-Student Associations Public Safety, as well as faculty and staff groups. Frankly, the question is still hanging in the air. While penalties are being explored, maybe we can all leam to live within the compromise as created. As confusions are clarified, everyone-those who smoke and those who don’t-is asked to encourage smokers to move away from buildings to protect workers and to create a more welcoming impression for visitors. This is particularly needed in high traffic areas, like the Commons’ front entrance and the main entrance to the Administration/ Classroom building. Also, learn where the designated areas are and encourage smokers to use them. CCC Designated Outdoor Smoking Areas Areas Indicated by 9 6