page 4

Dogs in costumes? Find out more.

see Howl-o-ween

what’s with all the construction

on campus?

see leTTeRS To THe eDIToRpage 7page 2

The Uptown ExchangeServing the Truman College and Uptown CommunityoCToBeR eDITIon one CoPY FRee PeR PeRSon

the battle for wilson yardFuture of the Property Still Under Debate

The hotly debated saga of Wilson Yard wears on, with developments this month for those both in favor of and against the development’s current mixed-use plan. For Fix Wilson Yard, a group determined to block the mid-rise, affordable housing de-velopment set for the site, a Thurs. 25 fund-raiser earned over $2,000 toward their cause. For supporters of the project, good news was shared in a Crain’s Chicago Business article. Target Corp. is in “final negotiations” to build a store in the Yard, a spokesperson for the retailer told Crain’s three months after an announcement was originally expected. The article also mentioned that Holsten Real Estate, developer of the two eight-story, 178 unit residences is “close to arranging financing for the project.” Financing will partially come in the form of TIF money, a special fund pooled from property taxes and given to blight-ed neighborhoods for improvement. Fix Wilson Yard believes this is not the best use of public money. “More low-income housing is not going to improve things. This is about our quality of life here,” said member Judy Glazebrook. The group also contends the buildings are based

Photo by Annie Rudolph

Residents gather at Nick’s Pub to discuss the fate of Wilson Yard.

on a “failed model” of public housing. The group’s spokeswoman Molly Phelan says 39 percent of residents in the neighbor-hood live below the poverty line, according to 2000 U.S. Census data. The Census also states Uptown is 24 percent low-income housing. “It doesn’t make sense to add more units to that,” she said. “The Illinois Department of Housing recommends that a thriving neighborhood be no more than 20 percent low-income housing.”

Approximately 100 people showed up to September’s fundraiser, Phelan confirms. The group plans to sue the city for misuse of TIF dollars and aims to raise over $ 100,000 for legal costs. They have already raised over $ 45,000. Meanwhile, Yvonne Odell, assistant to Ald. Helen Shiller (46th), believes the housing will help a segment of Uptown’s population that is struggling financially or displaced from the recent condo boom.

see >> BATTLE page 6

by Lauren VandermarNews Editor

Club Center finds new home

by Chirag PatelStaff Writer You feel like something is missing from your college experience at Truman and feel like it lacks the communal feel of “regular” college life. We cannot brag about having sororities and fraternities, but we can certainly brag about a very communal club center. Yes, Truman has a club center. The room used to be located in room 1145 but moved over the summer and now takes center stage in the bustling cafeteria. According to Megan Reddick, office manag-er of student services, It houses two honors societies, 18 ratified clubs, three non-ratified clubs awaiting approval by SGA and one more still in the planning stages. It also houses Truman Food Pantry, which collects canned and non-perishable food items and toiletries for donation to students in need. When asked about the new room, Reddick is positive. “Its lot more comunal, which is a good thing,” she said. Director of Student Activities Jose Gerena agrees, “I like the com-munal aspect.” According to Gerena, for the next two years the clubs will be located here.

see >> CLUB CENTER page 2

Cast your vote: sga eleCtions sept 29-oCt 11new Crop of Candidates Hope to Revitalize Student Governmentby Rubina JabbarA&E Editor

The week-long Student Government Association (SGA) elections began Sept. 23 and ran through Oct. 11 providing Truman students ample time to come down and vote. The six candidates were in the race for five positions are LaTarsha Jackson and Selena Henry for President, Alexey Vassilev for Vice President, Shawn Mayberry for Secretary, Maisha Estes for Treasurer and Shanell Hodges for Public Relations. All candidates ran uncontested except the Presi-dential office.LaTarsha Jackson, who is ran against Selena Henry for President won the same seat in last spring’s elections. She did not, however, take

up office because the college administration declared elections undecided due to low voter turnout. At least 10 percent of the 5000 student population is required to vote. But only 424 cast a ballot. The Uptown Exchange specu-lated last spring that one of the reasons Truman students responded poorly was lack of proper publicity. Campaigning was con-fined to a couple of posters hung around the college and flyers distributed in some classes. Student Activities Director Jose E. Gerena does not agree, however. “That was wrong be-cause we had announcements not only on the bulletin boards, but on glass doors and on the web.” In order to ensure required votes this

time, incentives like extra points have been announced for the students if they vote. According to Gerena, instructors in Social Sciences, English and College Success Seminar classes and sponsors of student clubs have been asked to encourage their students to vote and reward them with extra points who vote. According to school policy, only college credit students can vote in SGA elections. SGA is financed by the funds generated by the students who are taking college credit courses. The SGA gets 10 percent of the bud-get allocated for student activity. Student ac-tivity fee covers a number of areas including U-Pass, part of lab fee and duplication fee. “Lots of things are connected when we use

what do you think? Readers express their opinions.

the term student activity fee,” says Gerena. Students elected to SGA are required to commit at least five hours a week to the of-fice and share responsibilities. Duties include a monthly meeting with President Walker and attending meetings to ratify clubs. SGA also helps decide expenditures for upcoming cam-pus events. They are also required to attend leadership conferences and visit other schools. The candidates have been asked to step up their campaigns this fall. Posters and flyers ad-vertise candidates on bulletin boards around the college and in the student lounge. One glass door has been allocated to each candidate. Voting runs through Oct. 11 in the Truman’s front lobby.

Communal Room in Cafe-teria Puts extra Curriculars Front-and-Center

Truman can Dance!

see TRUmAn leARnS To SAlSApage 4

UPTown eXCHAnGe - newSPAGe 2 oCToBeR 2008

UPTown eXCHAnGe STAFF

eDIToRIAl DePARTmenT

editor-In-Chief:James Villalpando

news editor:lauren Vandermar

Arts & entertainment editor:nandika Doobay

opinion editor:Heather Henderson

Copy editor:Alexandra Semer

editorial Assistant:Richard nketsiah

Staff writers:maasai Amewa

Anthony BaiocchiRubina Jabbar

Iqbal muhammadChirag Patel

Teresa Romero

PRoDUCTIon & DeSIGn

Chief Photographer:Annie Rodolph

Photographers:maasai Amewa

Chirag Patel

Production:Phillip RomanelloJoshua Stackhouse

BUSIneSS DePARTmenT

Sales and Advertising:Caritta Johnson

Aundrea Holland

Public Relations:maya monroe

Faculty Advisor:Ben ortiz

Professional Affiliations:College media Advisers

Illinois Community CollegeJournalism Association

Student Press law Center

by James VillalpandoEditor-in-Chief

parking struCture underwaySunnyside Access Closed for Roadway

Construction on the new parking struc-ture began recently just south of the Truman College campus. Fences greeted students exit-ing the west side of the building and bicyclists arrived to find the bike racks piled amid the demolition. The construction, which is slated to be complete by spring 2010, will be contin-uous throughout the process, weather permit-ting. The parking portion of the building will be completed and put into use a few weeks before the student services floor is ready. Many students were surprised to find themselves fenced in once construction

commenced. According to Clifton Daniel, Director of Public Relations at Truman, “The fencing is basically around the perimeter of the construction site to keep people from wandering in and getting hurt.” The fencing along the walkway along the west side of the school will become the access road to the parking structure and will serve as the main pathway to transport materials to the construction site. A walkway is planned and scheduled to be completed by the end of October to allow students to get from Wilson Avenue to Sunnyside during the proj-ect. Students were majoritively unphased by the changing fencing situation. Most interviewed students felt the same as one man who, when asked his feelings about the shift-ing barriers said, “I come in from the front, I

just come out here to smoke.” Undoubtedly, some students are inconvenienced by the far-ther walk to access the school but the major-ity have easily made the adjustment. The bike racks out front are more crowded now, but it doesn’t appear that students are having trou-ble finding bike parking. The tutoring, financial aid, the club center, special needs office and the registrar will all take up offices on the ground level of the new structure. The vacated space will be retooled as classroom and possibly administrative space. No amenities are planned beyond the basics of running water and Internet. Commuters inter-ested in keeping up to date as the project con-tinues may check the Truman website where Daniel promises regular updates as the situ-ation changes via trumancollege.edu/con-struction.

Photo by Chirag Patel

A large conference table unites the room, and each club has its own cubicle. Two cubicles have been assigned for honor societies. One is assigned to the most active club, LUFE, and one is assigned to the most enthusiatic club, The Eye Art Club. Three more spots remain open for application. Club member John Johnson said the ar-rangement took some getting used to, but “it grew on me.” “The place is looking less like a flea market now. Before it was disorganized, but we are getting settled,” he said. Of the open environment, Johnson said “At first, it seemed like it would be a cacophony of noise. There was a definite adjustment period, with everyone getting used to being in each other’s space.” Johnson is heavily in-volved at the center. He is the Vice President of the Social Divide club and President of the Music club. Ruben Sadler, co-sponsor of Truman’s art

club, is “neutral” about the new space. He says the old center was “more cliqueish.” He said the current room “foreces people to get together.” The club center’s former location had indi-vidual offices assigned to each club. A decision was made by the school to move staff offices from the basement to the old club center. The long process of relocation to room 1561 be-gan last spring. Previously, it was the school’s recreation room. According to Gerena, after two years the club center will be relocated to the new stu-dent services building club center. At the new building they plan to maintain the cubicle structure, in hopes that there will be an ex-change of ideas among these diverse clubs. Such clubs include honors societies Phi-Theta-Kappa and Psi-Beta. Clubs cover a broad range of interests and include the En-vironmentalism and Ecology club, Hip-hop club, Hot Rods and Tuners-Auto club, Future Teachers of Chicago, Cheerleading club, An-ime club, Truman Chess Club, Wrestling club, Entrepreneurial Incorporated-Business/Fi-

nance club and Black Student Union. For a complete list visit Truman website at http://www.trumancollege.edu/studentser-vices/clubs.php.

>> CLUB CENTER

Photo by Chirag PatelClubs come together in the new center.

(continued from page 1)

UPTown eXCHAnGe - newSoCToBeR 2008 PAGe 3

Combining elements: teChnology and learningnew Chemistry Studio Classrooms engage Students and Raise Test Scores

who are you? truman wants to knowThe College Takes new measures to enforce ID Policyby Heather HendersonOpinion Editor

Lynn Walker, Truman’s interim president, is trying to enforce a rule that’s always been in place: students, faculty and staff are required to wear their IDs while on school property. This renewed focus will be enforced by security, faculty and staff, who have been in-structed to check for student IDs if they feel that it’s warranted. Walker says that more security is walking around, and some of them are unidentified. They’ve also put out plants by the doors in the lobby to force people to walk by the se-curity desks. Ira Turner, director of security, says, “Noth-ing brought this on; it’s a sign of the times. We’re like the St. Luis of colleges: a passage-way to the West. We have a lot of traffic in

the building and a lot of people don’t look the same. We can’t tell who’s a student and who’s not without an ID.” Walker says, “Students have a right to a safe environment. Truman can and does allow the public in the building, so we need everyone to wear their IDs.” Walker says that the public have access to the second floor computer lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 P.M. until 5 P.M. They used to have access to other labs as well, and they used to be able to walk in undetected. According to Walker and Turner, Truman has a history of trespassers. Jamillah Collins, who works in the computer lab, says, “I see trespassers all the time. They try to get into the lab, but now they have to have an ID.” “Now, administration stays at night, and I monitor the reports. When people couldn’t produce ID cards, they were thrown out,” concurs Walker.

Photo by Annie Rudolph

Truman has taken a big step into the future of learning with the addition of new inter-active studio classrooms (3162 and 3168) on the third floor. Teacher Charles Abrams has reinvented the chemistry department with the renovation and subsequent building of the state-of-the-art classrooms that opened for the Spring Semester in 2008. “A studio classroom combines lecture and lab activities into one space, and encourages students to learn science through a continu-ous cycle of observation, reasoning and ex-periment,” Abrams says of the rooms. “Each student has a front seat; there is no back of the classroom.” The new classrooms were based on the ideas of Christina Baily at the California Poly-technic Institute and have been turned into a national model for many other universities and colleges nationwide. Abrams was a visitor there in the winter of 2007 and decided to create a classroom based on Baily’s model. These classrooms are unique in many ways. The most apparent being the “classroom management system.” This special feature al-lows the instructor to, according to Abrams, “display live demonstrations, DVDs, or any-thing on any computer to all monitors simul-taneously.” A “SmartBoard” allows students to exchange information between computers at almost instantaneous speed. In addition to the new software, technology is no longer on the caveman’s level where fire was a necessity. Flameless heating replaces Bunsen Burners and includes hot plates and microwave ovens. Abrams’ colleague, Joy Walker, says that there were some challenges at first, but student and teacher alike are adjusting quite well. “Like anything there are pros and cons. The pro here is that (the technological elements are) visually rich and highly stimulating. The con is that they are visually rich and highly

stimulating, which can overwhelm at times,” Walker says of the experience. “It could be a distraction for some students. But, the test scores are up, compared to last year, so it seems to be working well.” While a chemistry lab seems like a danger-ous place for expensive electronic equipment, Abrams says it is not a big deal “because the volume of chemicals used and the pump dis-pensing equipment” keep things under con-trol. The rooms have a specialized plumbing sys-tem that is suited for experiments and their waste chemicals like ammonia and hydrochlo-ric acid. Classrooms underwent major constructional changes to transform them. Floors had to be raised four inches to accommodate the new plumbing system. The room also has nega-tive pressure for successful ventilation. This

requires the room air to be isolated from the rest of Truman. Each student station, or cluster, has four Ethernet connections and twenty electrical outlets. Each cluster is also equipped with a power supply that produces a hot plate and a UV source for experiments. Also used is a website, aleks.com, that aides in the learning of chemistry concepts. While Abrams and Walker say the curriculum has not changed much, the avenue of delivery has. For example, Walker has her students use Power Point to present a concept to the class. As with any new piece of equipment, there is an adjustment period. The Spring semester was used to work out the kinks. Abrams chose the equipment and designed the room to his specifications, leading the way for twenty first century learning at Truman.

by Anthony BaiocchiStaff Writer

Photo by Annie Rudolph

truman pantry honors “hunger awareness month”by Nandika DoobayA&E Editor

October is “Hunger Awareness Month” and the Truman Pantry will be doing its part to help with a food drive Oct. 6 to 31. The Pantry Club, which is new to Truman, was formed by Communication Arts profes-sor Franklin Reynolds. When Reynolds had his Spring 2008 classes do a food and toiletry drive, the Truman Pantry was born. “We are hoping that the club will help all Truman students who find themselves having to make choices between groceries and school supplies, rent or bills,” says Pantry Club presi-dent, Lili Huerta. According to Huerta, the club plans to help raise awareness by handing out and posting fliers detailed with hunger statistics. They will also be setting up a display in front of the cafeteria where students can guess the number of pieces of candy in a large water jug. “Candy will attract the students, but I hope that this, along with the fliers, will help students to understand and gauge how inaccurate we are sometimes when esti-mating the quantities of food,” explains Huerta.”When people misjudge food propor-tions it can lead people to over eat, over cook and spend way more money than necessary on food.” In an article published by the New York Times, writer Andrew Martin states that Amer-icans waste an average of 27 percent of food available for consumption. Martin cites a 1997 study done by the Department of Agriculture, which estimated that in a single year, “96.4 billion pounds of the 356 billion pounds of edible food in the United States was never eaten.” This October, the Truman Pantry Club hopes they can bring some attention to the

see >> TRUMAN PANTRY page 7

New learning tools reshape classes.

Security steps up enforcement.

UPTown eXCHAnGe - ARTS & enTeRTAInmenTPAGe 4 oCToBeR 2008

by Teresa RomeroStaff Writer

musiC for the people

The only completely free music school in the U.S is located here in Uptown. However, not many people have taken no-tice of Peple’s Music School. The building is easily dismissible as it is located on the quiet residential streets of Sheridan and Eastwood. The school was founded by Rita Simo in 1976, but since her retirement in 2001, Rob Fiedler has taken over as the executive director. This school of music offers music lessons, theory, and vocals to anyone, and is taught by a staff of talented and fa-mous musicians such as Terrance Gray, Olga Katkova-Trevino, and Steven Vazquez. Fall registration began September 4, but there is still time to apply for spring. The people’s music school accepts everyone on a first come, first served basis. However, there are limited available spaces, so people make sure they register as soon as possible. According to Jaime McCool, the piano teacher at the music school, says that “peo-ple camp outside the school for days [be-fore registration] to secure a spot for either themselves or their kids”. Once admitted as a student, one must volunteer work each semester for the school. Volunteer work ranges from administrative tasks to build-ing maintenance to professional services.

If interested in more of what the school has to offer, visit People’s Music School at 931 W. Eastwood Ave, and at-tend the upcoming free October events.

Upcoming Events

Sat. Oct 25 – Dan Cray, jazz pianist at 2pmThis Chicago native is a modern jazz pianist who performs in a trio with a bassist and drummer.

Tue. Oct. 28 – October Fest Faculty Concert at 6pmThe faculty will treat the school to an orchestral performance.

Sat. Nov 1 – Fernando Jones at 2pmBlues and jazz performance.

Sat. Nov 8 – Student Honor Recital at 2pm

Halloween goes to the dogs Oct 18 at Puptown’s annual “Howl-o-ween” fundraising event. Festivities run from 2 – 4 p.m and include a dog costume contest, raffle, silent auction and a party. Puptown is a volunteer maintained dog-friendly area located in Chicago’s Margate Park at 4921 N. Marine Drive. According to Puptown member Ellen Szalinski, the Chicago Park District is not responsible for the upkeep and

maintenance or improvements of dog parks in the city. To raise money for their own park improvements, the group holds quar-terly meetings in the Margate Field house and events throughout the year, “Howl-o-ween” being the largest, with an aim of making Margate Park Chicago’s “premier dog park.” “It is incumbent upon us—the volun-teer local advisory council Puptown Dog Owners Group—to raise funds for every-thing from routine cleaning supplies to major projects like the one we’ve begun this year.” Szalinski adds that the group’s major proj-ect this year was the building of additional safety fencing to contain smaller dogs and puppies who had previously been able to es-cape through the slats of the existing fence. This year’s “Howl-o-ween” canine cos-tume contest will be judged by 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith, Chicago Park District Coordinator Janis Taylor and Cameron Lane of the Parkways Foundation. Admission is free, $5 fee for con-test registration. Registration begins at 1:15 p.m and the judging starts at 2 p.m.

By Nandika DoobayA&E Editor

howl-o-ween

Photo by Christine Cupaiuolo

Costumes to drool over at this year’s Howl-o-Ween.

truman learns to salsalatino Club members Showcase Culture, Shake Hipsby James VillalpandoEditor-in-Chief

Latinos United For Education (LUFE) held dance lessons on September 17th to educate Truman’s campus about Hispanic culture. Representatives organized the event in the Truman Lobby at 3pm to raise awareness of the club and its goals. LUFE members taught passers by how to salsa, meringue and bachata to expose the Truman campus to their cul-ture, as well as to raise money to fund further events. The semester will culminate with two scholarships awarded to Truman students. Members of Truman’s student body and

staff showcased their moves in the front lobby turned dance floor while raising mon-ey for the club. Participants paid for les-sons or refreshments during the club’s first of several events this semester, which club members deemed a “It was really good. We had fun,” says club member Aleyda Cazaies. “We want people to know we are the La-tino club and learn about our culture so they can have a better understanding. Everyone is welcome to join the club, not just Latinos.” To further this goal, the club has planned a visit from Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Chicago City Clerk, Miguel Del Valle. They will hold talk with members of an immigra-tion coalition as well as many others regard-ing issues facing Latinos here in the US.

Photo by Annie Rudolph

Pooches and owners Celebrate the Season with Annual Costume Parade

Students and staff strut their stuff in the lobby.

Start in Chicago. Head east towards Lake Michigan. Along Lake Shore Drive, which overlooks Lake Michigan you will see the horizon, and on any given day, that horizon could display a perfect blend of blue sky and bluer water. Travel along LSD towards Bryn Mawr by car, bike or walk if you prefer. When you get to Bryn Mawr, Stop! If you have a camera you should take it out and prepare to step into the future of Chi-cago Underpasses, what you will see is called bricolage and this particular bricolage is called “Growing 2008.” What is a bricolage? The word is French, from bricoler, meaning to fiddle or tinker, to construct as a sculpture or structurer of ideas achieved by using whatever comes to hand. But back to why you should be taking a picture at this moment.

Growing 2008 is adorned with reflective tiles, storied motifs and artistic ingenuity. On the southbound side of Growing 2008 for instance there is the story of the seasons, a young woman is dressed in gold, with a reflec-tive gardeners hat, in her one hand she holds a blue butterfly with a golden aura embroidered again in reflective mirrored material. In her other hand she holds a Lady Bug, the peculiar bug displaying an impressive balance of red coat and black dots. Across the street is the “WOW” of Growing 2008. In the middle of the North-bound underpass, stands an artistic rendi-tion of the Sun. During the day, the real Sun shines down on the Sun depicted in “Grow-ing 2008.” The effects are breathtaking. Without going into further detail, I will say this side of the Bricolage radiates peace and warmth.Whom do we have to thank for this glorious endeavor? Alderman Mary Ann Smith for

By Maasai AmewaStaff Writer

growing 2008

UPTown eXCHAnGe - ARTS & enTeRTAInmenToCToBeR 2008 PAGe 5

starters. She came up with the idea to beau-tify the underpass and bring more life to the community. So when the time came match words with action, the Alderman coordinated with the Chicago Public Arts Group, After-schoolmatters and Alternatives, Inc to restore beauty to the underpass. Tracy Van Duinen and Todd Osborne, of the Chicago Public Arts Group, created the idea “Growing 2008.” The theme of the proj-ect focuses on the transcendental qualities of growth. This is depicted on a portion of the underpass visually, using the Old American metaphor from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Three years ago, Alternatives Inc spon-sored a similar Bricolage project. As apart of Alternatives Juvinile Justice Diversion program, artist Van Duinen and Osborne spearheaded efforts to turn the façade of Alternatives, Inc to a work of art. Orit Vardi, Employment Specialist for Al-

ternatives served her community by being the Youth Supervisor for the project. During the summer Ms. Vardi oversaw stu-dents of all ages, while they gained valuable experience not just in creating the Bricolage but also in learning the steps of the employ-ment process, leadership and team building. When asked how she after Growing 2008 was finished, Ms. Vardi responds: “I felt re-ally proud, I saw pictures of my youth stand-ing next to the Major.” Monet Hawkins, one of the young artists of Growing 2008 calls the project “a great ex-perience that had great interactions and com-munity involvement”. After the culmination of the 6 weeks project, there was a dedication ceremony, attended by Major Daley and over one hundred community supporters. Word in Chicago is there are plans for a Foster Bricolage next summer.

The elaborate murals of the Bryn Mawr underpass at Lake Shore Dr.

Photography by Chirag Patel

Bryn mawr Underpass Gets made Up

UPTown eXCHAnGe - oPInIonoCToBeR 2008 PAGe 6

need adviCe? get in lineStudents Get Random Advisorsby Heather HendersonOpinion Editor

Truman students aren’t assigned advisors. According to Mark Latuszek, director of the Admissions and Advising Center, student turnover is too high to assign advisors. In-stead, students can wait in line for an advisor at the Advising Center, located in room 1112. According to Latuszek, students can’t make appointments with the advisors there. He says that if they want to see a specific advisor, they have to wait until he or she is available. Latuszek also says that there are six advisors working in the center and 17,000 student visits each year. According to Truman College’s 2008 catalog, “College advisors essentially guide students through college, including admis-sions and registration, choosing a major and the courses needed to complete a degree.” If advisors have such an important role, Truman should assign them to students, in-stead of providing random ones in a center. Rowena Cabitac, a third semester student, says, “At the Advising Center you have to talk

about the same thing over and over again to a different person each time you go there. Having assigned advisors would be better. Then you’d have a personal connection.” If students had assigned advisors, they wouldn’t have to restate their history, major, inter-ests and goals every time they needed help. Advisors would already know their advisees, which could give stu-dents that “personal connection.” Some Truman students haven’t been aca-demically successful in the past, have been away from school for a long time, or are working full-time. These types of students are not only likely to experience difficulties; they might not have time or the willingness to go to the Advising Center to get help. Lisa Rankin, a working Truman student, thinks it would be more beneficial to have an assigned advisor because of these difficulties. She says, “An assigned advisor would be check-ing in on you and helping with any obstacles.” It would also be more beneficial to assign advisors who work in the departments that students want to major in. Latuszek says that the advisors in the center are general aca-demic advisors. A student who wants to be a biology major might end up speaking to an advisor who was an English major. However, Latuszek says that each advisor has “special knowledge” in certain areas. Amanda Trybula,

an advisor in the center, says, “If I can’t help you, I’ll tell you who you can see. Referrals (to other advisors in the center) are an added bonus.” However, if students had an assigned advisor who was already knowledgeable in their majors, a referral process could be avoided. Latuszek says that advisors in the center already refer students to other departments. He says, “We’ll ask professors for permission to refer students to them all the time if we’re not sure about a certain course, if a class is full, or if we can’t help them.” If students are already being referred elsewhere, assign-ing advisors could save time and resources. One thing the Advising Center does offer, however, is convenience. It’s open six days a week. Latuszek says, “It (the center) benefits students on odd schedules. Students appreciate the fact that they can see some-one that day.” However, academic success is more important than convenience and would be easier to achieve with assigned advisors. With only six advisors, no appointments and 17,000 student visits each year, the Advising Center would be hard pressed to provide the same kind of attention assigned advisors could give students. If advisors were assigned, students would have someone look-ing out for their individual academic futures, rather than a center that tries to accommo-date Truman’s entire student population.

“We lost a lot of affordable housing to gentrifi-cation. Many (people) were priced out and had to leave when their buildings were converted (to condominiums).” She used Magnolia St. be-tween Montrose and Lawrence as one example. She also displayed a book with contact information for approximately 50 people. Odell said the names are only part of a wait-ing list for the new development, claiming she had many more names “filed” elsewhere in the Alderman’s office.“We’ve had a great response. People are interested,” she said, “and those that had to leave Uptown (for financial reasons) would be considered first.” Odell confirmed the 178 units will be split between two the two buildings, one containing units geared toward senior housing, “It will be similar to the Ruth Shriman House up on (4040 N.) Sheridan,” she said. “No one seems to be complaining about that part of the develop-ment… though I guess that’s because you don’t hear too much about seniors causing trouble.” Her acknowledgement that residents are worried about an increase in crime and other unsavory behavior was echoed by attendees of Fix Wilson Yard’s event. “There is pov-erty all over this neighborhood,” said Uptown homeowner Andrew Hamilton, who works as a fireman in a nearby suburb. “I look around. I don’t think we have enough police sup-port (in Uptown) as it is.” Alex Hven, who also owns a condo in the neighborhood, said he came to the fundraiser for a similar reason: “I’m concerned about my invest-ment and my safety.” He believes the neigh-borhood has improved in his two years liv-ing here, but “there is definitely more that needs to happen.” Odell, however, dismisses these fears, say-ing “I don’t see that happening with this de-velopment.” The buildings will house a mix of incomes, with the highest being $45,000 annually for a family of four. “For a little perspective,” reads information given by the Alderman’s office to the Uptown Ex-change, “according to the (2000) census, 50% of Chicago households earned less than $40,000.” She said the apartments are only a piece to Wilson Yard puzzle: “There will be 25,000 sq ft of small retail space, a 90,000 sq ft Target and 700 parking spots, along with Truman’s mixed-use building. Affordable housing is just one part of this development.” Commenting on the motiva-tion of Fix Wilson Yard, Odell said, “I un-derstand they are trying to protect their in-vestment, but the kind of message they are spreading, it creates fear.” She confirmed that due the economic downturn, construction of the housing will not move forward until spring. For her part, Phelan said that Fix Wil-son Yard plans to use this delay to its advan-tage. The group will use the time to “inspect every document” related to the project, she said at the fundraiser. Glazebrook also says she will keep pushing for a “better use” of TIF dollars on the site, summing up her mo-tivation as a “stakeholder” in Uptown. “We need a balance as residents. There are gang problems and loitering here. If you are a renter, you can just pack up and leave if you don’t like your neighborhood. We can’t.”

>> BATTLE

begging for Change in uptown and beyondHomelessness Increases by 8 Percentby Anthony BaiocchiStaff Writer

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homeless-ness is defined as “people who are residing in temporary shelters or public space that is not fit for human habitation.” However, families sharing small apartments and people living in their cars are not accounted for in this definition. The financial climate, as of late, has forced these families to do things they would not otherwise be doing, things that are just short of begging for spare change. According to HUD, there has been an 8 percent increase in homelessness since 2007. We need to address this alarming trend. The homeless occupy almost every public place, including the area surrounding Truman. Some people harbor fear towards the home-less, which I just can’t understand. Children are supposed to be afraid, not adults. As a child, anything that isn’t “normal” is scary. It seems we have the same childlike fear dwelling in most of us these days. Has this fear morphed into annoyance and suspicion? Raymond Luedtke, a Truman student, says, “I will not support their dirty habits. Tell em’ to get off the streets and get a job.” Whether we admit it to ourselves or not, we think our lives are more important than the homeless’ lives. For the most part, homelessness isn’t caused by one single factor but by com-pounding circumstances. According to HUD, insufficient income, mental illness, sub-

stance abuse and domestic violence are among the root causes. There are people living paycheck to paycheck, and one mi-nor setback can topple their delicate bal-ance. ABC news reports that foreclosures are up 73 percent in Illinois, which results in more people displaced from their homes. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, nearly a quarter of the homeless are veterans, which is a sickening statistic. Veterans are good enough to fight and die for our freedom, but they’re not good enough to look at, much less help. You can help on the most basic level. Food, clothing and shelter are the most sought af-ter necessities. I am suggesting that you think twice before breezing by a homeless person. I’ll give him or her a dollar. I can get another

Photo by Annie Rudolph

dollar. But that homeless person probably can’t. You may think that he or she will just buy booze with any money that you give. That very well may be the case; however, if one guy out of ten gets a blanket or a hot meal, it is worth it. If you can’t afford monetary contribu-tions, keep a case of Raman noodles in your trunk. You could also support local legisla-tion that helps the homeless. You can donate everything from clothes to furniture at charity drives. You can volunteer in a soup kitchen. Next time you see someone less fortunate than you, stop and think. These people have stories too, and not all with happy endings. Compassion isn’t a weak emotion; it’s quite the opposite.

An all too familar site near Truman College.

I had high hopes for the City Colleges’ Sept. 25 town hall discussion about textbook af-fordability. The meeting promised an open dialogue about an issue that, while affecting all colleges, hits CCC students harder than most. Textbooks purchased new or even used can cost almost as much as tuition each semester for many enrolled in a City College. In the scram-ble for course materials, steep book prices can wreak havoc on a student’s already tight budget. The forum’s agenda said that we would “dis-cuss possible solutions” for greater textbook affordability. It did not, however, note that this would essentially be a closed discussion. I must begin by noting that the informa-tion presented was helpful and interest-ing. Speakers were thoughtfully chosen. Kennedy King gave us a real production, complete with several camera crews film-ing the event for broadcast on WYCC. Participants in a roundtable discussion included a student trustee, two instructors from Wright, a representative from textbook giant Pearson Publishing, a member of the advocacy group Make Textbooks Affordable and the owner of open-source online text provider Flat World. What left holes in the nearly two-hour dis-cussion was the absence of both a college ad-ministrator and a representative from Beck’s or another bookstore used by the CCC. Vice Chancellor John Dozier sat at the table also, but acted only as a mod-

erator. He offered no insight on the administration’s role in the matter. According to Assistant Vice Chancellor Cynthia Armster, a representative from a bookstore was confirmed, but cancelled at the last minute. She declined to name the store. Regarding the decision to use an adminis-trator only as a moderator, Armster said she can’t remember “much discussion” about the subject. “I can’t say we ever defined the role during planning. Perhaps it was an oversight.” The result was almost painful to watch at times. Everyone around the table joined in a chorus against the textbook manufacturers, assailing Pearson’s rep with complaints of high costs, constant new editions and low resale value. All are valid points, but only part of the picture. When the Vice Chancellor wrapped up the discussion he asked if the audience had any questions. I had questions for Mr. Dozier. Are instructors actively encouraged to use less expensive options, ones that go beyond textbooks, and given the training to do so? How does each City College choose the bookstore it uses? For instance, I know Truman has a contract with Beck’s, but do not know why it is an exclusive arrange-ment. What’s in it for Truman? More im-portantly, what’s in it for Truman’s students? I did not get to ask my questions, and nei-ther did Truman student Joshua Stackhouse. He approached the microphone to speak and a school employee rushed to the stage. “We are going to take a five

minute break,” she told the audience. During the break, another staff-er approached me where I sat. “Would you like to read a question?” she asked. I told her I had my own. She an-swered that only approved, pre-written ques-tions were allowed, and could not approve my questions because she was not in charge. Stackhouse had a similar interaction. He is an Uptown Exchange staffer but attended the meeting as a concerned student, not on behalf of the newspaper. He had even done research in enthusiastic preparation for the discussion. Said Stackhouse, “The bottom line is that if the administration wanted to talk to stu-dents, they would not have chosen a format that gave minimal face-time to students. They would have just had a regular Q&A session.” When presented with this idea, Armster said, “in retrospect, after hearing the same kind of feed-back, I realize the need for more interaction.” She noted that the meeting was planned by a committee which included student trustees Shamil Clay and Anthony Stephens. Stephens was also in the forum’s panel discussion. She confirmed that these stu-dents composed the questions, say-ing they were chosen to be representa-tive of what students “might have asked.” “We were just concerned since we were tap-ing if someone were rambling or getting into personal issues,” she continued. As a result, ‘spontaneous’ dialogue played out for the cam-eras but not in real life. She admits that limiting interaction “appears to be a bit disingenuous.” I agree with that statement. Moving for-ward I hope the City Colleges, along with our student trustees, plan opportunities for di-rect and productive discussion of this topic. I also hope to see real changes occur as a re-sult. There are so many options. Instructors

UPTown eXCHAnGe - oPInIonoCToBeR 2008 PAGe 7

Dear Editor,

Sincerely,Konica Luthra

cilities here, I believe that my college deserves many compliments. Truman is conveniently located near the CTA, and it is also near many good restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and clothing stores. While some students can’t afford computers, tuition and new books, it is great that they are given the opportunity to use the computers in the labs for free, get help from financial aid, and have access to the library. Truman’s interior is decorated with nice paintings of different cultures and reli-gions which appear to be a good source to learn more about their meaning and purpose. I’m proud to be a student of this college, which has all the things that are needed to lighten a student’s burden in work and in study.

As a student of Truman Col-lege, who has experienced the wonderful privileges of the fa-

Dear Editor,

Sincerely,Jazmin Nahuis-Ruiz

Truman” by Keisha Scherrer. As a follower of sports, I think the creation of women’s sports is a great idea. According to the article, Truman already has a women’s soccer team and women’s basketball team, which in my opinion are great sports. But I think tennis would also be a good idea. It’s a full work-out and can be played in spring, summer and outdoors, like the other two sports. In my opinion, tennis is a good sport for women because it isn’t rough like the other two sports can be. If women played tennis, they would talk about it, and other girls might be inter-ested in this great sport. I think we should get some women together and start a tennis team. I hope my idea will be considered by the student activity coordinator when they read this be-cause I think we could get a good team together.

I am writing in response to the Uptown Exchange article, “Women’s Sports at

Dear Editor,

Sincerely,Tania Mohiuddin

venient tool for people, but it may cause in-terruptions during classes. When students use their cell phones during class, their studies are interrupted. They should concentrate on their classwork because it’s important to be atten-tive and even though they might think it’s only a few minutes taken from class time, it can be like missing the entire lesson. The teachers and students who don’t use their cell phones dur-ing class are interrupted by those using their cell phones. When somebody starts talking on their phone or moves to a hallway to answer his or her phone, the classroom’s concentration is interrupted. If the teacher’s attention decreas-es because of this situation, their focus might be thrown off from the lesson. Although the cell phone is thought of as a necessary tool by most people, if we don’t use it with com-mon sense, it may interrupt their entire class.

I’m responding to the “Cell Phones in Class” article by Joy Walker. The cell phone is a con-

Dear Editor,

Sincerely,Tomomi Sasabuchi

Language) program is one of the best. People come to the US from all over the world, and the foremost problem they face here is the language barrier. Many of them can’t speak English, and Truman helps them learn at little or no cost. After successful completion of ESL, students can speak, read and write English very well, which greatly assists them in getting a job. There are many highly quali-fied instructors in the ESL program. In the class, they provide necessary handouts and booklets. They show learning videos, which significantly assist students in learn-ing. They are also very helpful and friendly, and they always inspire and encourage the students to succeed. Before taking the class, I could barely speak English, now I can speak, read, and write well. ESL changed my life and I am very thankful to Truman College for this program.

Truman is one of the best col-leges in Chicago. The free ESL (English as a Second

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your feedback to:

Ben ortizbortiz@ccc.eduGot Something to Say?

can use open-source, free textbooks found on-line. They can create their own course materi-als, like Franklin Reynolds did for his speech classes at Truman. Programs like Blackboard can be maximized to provide custom content. Students should utilize Truman’s excel-lent Book Exchange at the beginning of each semester. Prices are better and resale value is so much greater; I received $54 for a book that might have earned $10 or $20 at Beck’s. Students should also take the initia-tive to obtain a materials list from their in-structor well before a class starts. Online stores like Half.com and book swapping sites offer great deals for those that plan ahead. These are just a few ideas. I encour-

hitting the booksCCC Textbook Forum Productive Yet Incompleteby Lauren VandermarNews Editor

food and toiletry items that will go towards helping fellow students who are in need.

The Truman Pantry will be open to all stu-dents and pantry services will be avail-able October 1 through the end of semester in room 1561 (Club Center). To volunteer or join the Pantry Club, contact Lili Huerta at trumanpantry@yahoo.com, or fill out an application in room 1561.

If you wish to donate, collection boxes will be located in the following locations:

Ray Cosgrove LibraryRoom 1435Room 1561 (Club Office)Room 2230Outside the cafetera

>> TRUMAN PANTRY (continued from page 3)

mUSIC, THeATRe AnD loCAl HAPPenInGS

ROCKTOBER!t

This October, the historic venues of Uptown will be visited by some of Rock’s hottest lineups.

Against Me! w/ Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Future of the Left at the Riveria TheaterOct. 17, 7p.m

Old Crow Medicine Show at the Riveria TheaterOct. 18t, 8p.m

Duffy at the Riveria TheaterOct. 20, 7:30p.m

TV on the Radio at the Riveria Theater Oct. 22, 7:30p.m

Lucinda Williams at the Riveria Theater Oct. 24, 7:30p.mOf Montreal at the Riveria Theater Oct. 27, 7p.m

Coheed and Cambria at the Riveria Theater Oct. 28, 7:30p.mOct. 29, 7:30p.m

Kings of Leon at the Aragon Ballroom Oct. 31, 7p.m

by Nandika DoobayA&E Editor

Matisyahu at the Riveria TheaterOct. 19, 7:30p.m

Co-Ed Prison Sluts at The Annoyance TheatreFridays, 10pm (ends Oct. 31)

Amelia Earhart Jungle Princess at National Pastime Theatre Sundays 8pm (through nov.2)

The Texas Chainsaw Musical at National Pas-time TheatreFridays and Saturdays, 11pm (through Nov 2)

Dyke Mic at Big ChicksEvery 4th and 2nd Thurs of the month, 7:30pmSkinprov at The Annoyance TheaterSaturdays All Month @ Midnight

Continental Divide: Mothers Against and Daughters of the Revolution at Pegasus PlayersThurs, Fri and Sat, 8pm

Poetry Slam with Marc Smith at The Green MillSundays

Davy Dickrocket at The Annoyance TheaterTuesdays, 9:30pm

The Other Cinderella at The Black Ensemble TheatreFridays 8pm, Saturday 3pm

Overstock Comedy at The SpotMondays, 9:30pm

Truman College Halloween Party in the school cafeteria - DJs and a costume contestOct. 30, 1-3pm