College of San Mateo • www.sanmatean.com

San MateanTHE

Volume 175, Number 6 Nov. 9, 2011

Bulldog linebacker Christian Palusian (#43) attempts to stop City College wide receiver Juquelle Thompson (#10) during a game on October 29th at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs were defeated by the nationally ranked #1 Rams 17-14 in a tight match-up. Story on Page 7.

Rams edge out CSMPhoto by Shaun Carmody of The San Matean

Toxic fumes detected in Building 10

Millions are spent on dropouts

American taxpayers have spent almost $4 billion from 2004 to 2009 on full-time community college students that dropped out after one year, according to an October 2011 study done by American Institutes for Research.

State and local governments have spent $3 billion and an additional $240 million in student grants for community college students who did not return for a second year, while the federal government has spent $660 million, according to a survey titled: “Hidden Costs of Community Colleges.”

The California Community Col-lege Chancellor’s office was not available for comment.

California alone topped off the list, spending about $480 million on first-year dropouts.

“Disproportionate funding among UC, CSU, K12 and CCC (systems) is a prime reason,” said CSM Academic Senate President James Carranza. “Community col-leges are charged with educating and serving the most challenging group of college students in Cali- See “Dropout” on page 5

Dropouts toll on taxpayers

fornia, but we’re provided with the least funding.”

CSM has spent a total of $1.4 million in first year attrition, while Cañada College has spent $370,000 and Skyline College has spent $680,000, according to a “Hidden Costs of Community Colleges” web tool.

“It is important to note that any national research effort that allows for a drill down to specific colleges is subject to errors when viewed at a college-level,” said CSM President Michael Claire. “It is just very dif-ficult to capture data at a national level and make it meaningful for any one college.”

There are many factors that could have caused the dropout rate to increase.

“I dropped out because I wasn’t ready to commit,” said student Sasha Randall, 23, who dropped out three times before committing. “It just takes some people longer, but that doesn’t make them less deserving.”

Student Aliki Courcoumelis,19, thinks CSM should spend more money toward helping students

Kayla FigardThe San Matean

An anonymous complaint was filed to Occupational Safety and Health about “toxic fumes” enter-ing the CSM campus.

The campus was notified with a letter, dated Oct. 3, from OSAH explaining that there was “alleged”

Erasmo MartinezThe San Matean

fumes being exposed into Build-ing 10.

Karen Powell, Facilities Opera-tion Manager, explained that her department is doing their best to address the issue.

“The loading docks could be exposing the fumes,” she said.

Apparently the trucks keep their engine running while the loading

dock doors are open.“The district is doing an investi-

gation,” said Powell. “Trucks aren’t allowed to be idle.”

Signs will be put by the loading docks so drivers can be aware to turn their engines off.

Powell still isn’t sure if the trucks are the only problem as she has seen people smoking in the area while

the doors are open. “Non-smoking” signs are also being ordered.

Bookstore and cafeteria man-agement will be doing their best to watch truck drivers who keep their trucks running. As stated in the letter from OSAH, the letter is not a “citation” or any type of fine towards the school.

The school must send a “satis-

factory response” by 14 days. If not done in this time OSAH will oversee an inspection.

The letter and a response let-ter have been posted in front of the EOPS office on the first floor in Building 10. OSAH had been contacted but representatives were unable to make a comment on the matter.

Veteranbattles onthe mats andin the airSee page 5

Occupy CSMmovementcontinues tomake stridesSee page 3

Commonvernacularperceived as offensiveSee page 8

According to semi-official elec-tion results, 52.7 percent of the San Mateo County voters supported the bond measure, just short of the required approval.

The measure which would let the district borrow $564 million for the modernization of the three colleges needed a 55 percent majority vote, which it did not receive at the Nov. 8 election.

“We missed it by two percent,” said district vice chancellor of fa-cilities planning, José Nuñez. “It’s really terrible news for the district.”

Every project that is not already

under construction or funded by Measure A will be put on hold, said Nuñez.

CSM would have received $146 million from the bond, according to Barbara Christensen, director of community and government rela-tions. The money was planned to be used to build science labs, library modernization, gym modernization and a new facilities maintenance center.

$20 million would have been put into building a data center that would upgrade IT capabilities and security infrastructure. $5 million would have gone to renovate the theater. Building 19 was set to take $28 million from the pot to build

facilities suitable for emerging tech-nical programs, said Christensen.

Other monies would be used to fund district-wide “unmet needs” including infrastructure repairs such as roadway improvements, said Christensen.

Those affected the most are the students, staff and community, said Nuñez. “The work that has been done to the three colleges has been a renaissance and we need to continue,” said Nuñez.

Former California State Assem-bly member Gene Mullen described walking through CSM as “walking through the Taj Mahal of commu-nity colleges.”

For the last several years the

Third district bond failed to passdistrict has been seeking funds from the state chancellor’s office. There were no statewide bond measures in 2008 and 2010, which Nuñez said is unfortunate. There will be a possible discussion with the board of trustees to attempt to put a statewide measure on the 2012 ballot, according to Nuñez.

CSM student Jeff Stanley, 21, voted yes on Measure H. “If it’s money to help improve earthquake and fire safety, bring better technol-ogy and lab enhancements, then yes I’m for it.” said Stanley.

The measure language was vague, he said. “It didn’t specify details of what the money is for, in terms of upgraded technologies,”

Jeffery GonzalezThe San Matean

he said.In 2010, the district met contro-

versy when accusations were made that bond monies were unlawfully used to build a privatized gym in Building 5 and again in 2011 when the same allegation was made about the demolition of Building 20.

The allegations about the district misusing bond funds were found to be incorrect by the grand jury, according to Christensen.

Many cited the ambiguous lan-guage of the measures as a problem.

“Smart people don’t believe everything they hear,” she said. There were far more supporters of Building 5 than there were op-ponents, added Christensen.

Voter support falls short by 2.3 percent to pass new district bond measure

News

Counseling WorkshopTuesday, Nov. 15, 9 to 11:30 a.m.Bldg. 10, Room 191

Autumn Career FairWednesday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Building 10, Dining Area

Nursing Application Focus GroupWednesday, Nov. 16, 1 to 2:30 p.m.Bldg. 10, Room 191

Home Buying 101: Yes, You Can Make It A RealityThursday, Nov. 17, 2 to 5 p.m.Bldg. 10, Room 193

College of San Mateo Fifteenth Annual Jazz FestivalFriday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Building 3, Theatre

Counseling WorkshopMonday, Nov. 21, 1 to 3:30 p.m.Bldg. 10, Room 191

Plan Ahead — Pay Ahead Panel DiscussionMonday, Nov. 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m.Building 3, Theatre

Academy of Art University Campus VisitTuesday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Building 10, Dining Area

University of California, Davis Campus VisitWednesday, Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.Bldg. 10, Room 340C

Plan Ahead — Pay Ahead Panel DiscussionWednesday, Nov. 30, noon to 1:30 p.m.Building 10, Dining Area

Electronic Music ConcertWednesday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m.Building 3, Theatre

Plan Ahead — Pay Ahead Panel DiscussionThursday, Dec. 1, noon to 1:30 p.m.Building 10, Dining Area

CSM Symphonic Band ConcertThursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.Building 3, Theatre

Sports

CSM Water Polo State FinalsFriday, Nov. 18, Start time TBALocation TBA

CSM Cross Country — State MeetSaturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.Fresno

CSM Basketball vs. Feather River CollegeSaturday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m.Building 8, Gym

CSM Football — Bulldog BowlSaturday, Nov. 19, Start time TBAFootball Field

CSM Water Polo State FinalsSaturday, Nov. 19, Start time TBALocation TBA

CSM Basketball vs. Hartnell CollegeTuesday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m.Building 8, Gym

CSM Basketball vs. American River CollegeSaturday, Nov. 26, 3 p.m.Building 8, Gym

Campus BriefsIf there is an event that readers would like listed in Campus Briefs, please submit it to The San Matean at Bldg. 10, Room 180, or sanmatean@smccd.edu, or call 574-6330. Submissions should be typed neatly.

by Daryl Legaspi-Gobrera

Page 2 • The SAN MATEAN Nov. 9, 2011

“Students’ grades will more accurately reflect the degree of students’ success in their courses,” said Professor James Robertson.

This accuracy will also allow colleges and universities to not only have a more distinct view of student grades, but also to better predict a prospective student’s academic performance at their school.

“The advantage of faculty to as-sign pluses or minuses is that we can use a more scalpel-like instrument for grading rather than a hatchet,” said Robertson.

Students themselves are able to comprehend how they are perform-ing in their classes based on more specific letter grades.

This type of grading is common nationwide. However, approxi-

Campus Blotter Tuesday, Oct. 25 4:40 p.m. — A student walking to her car in Lot 2D was stopped by a white man driving a gray pick-up truck with a camper shell that asked her for directions to a building. Then he made a comment about her breasts and made a hip thrust movement while making a raspberry noise, and then drove away.

Monday, Nov. 7 11 a.m. — A facility employee saw a man repeatedly striking a woman in the dirt area of Lot 6. Public Safety Officer Linda Davy, saw the man push the woman down into the brush and then started shak-ing her violently. When the man saw Officer Davy he stopped assaulting the woman. Officer Davy brought them both back up to the parking lot to be interviewed by two San Mateo Police officers. The woman didn’t want to press charges, so the officers couldn’t make an arrest.

This information was provided by Chief of Security John Wells. — Ariana Anderberg

The San Matean

Plus/minus grading has been discussed district wide and is not set to be implemented spring 2012.

Surveys are currently being con-ducted to further explore the effects of plus/minus grading.

Plus/minus grading is not going to officially take place next semes-ter, according to Patty Dilko, past district president of the Academic Senate.

A district-wide survey conducted over the past two years found that many faculty feel that plus/minus grading allows students to “under-stand the relationship between their effort and the grade they earn,” said Dilko.

Plus/minus still pendingmately half the community col-leges in California do not use plus/minus grading, which is unique, said Dilko.

“The District Academic Senate Governing Council, with the help of district IT professionals and Skyline’s researcher, have just completed an extensive research study into the effect of plus/minus grading on the GPAs of students,” she said.

The results for the study are be-ing discussed at ASCSM Senate meetings.

“After careful consideration, the Academic Senates at the three colleges will make a recommenda-tion, through the District Academic Senate, to the District Chancellor and Trustees,” said Dilko.

Varsha RanjitThe San Matean

CorreCtion In the Oct. 31 issue of the San Matean the article, titled “Dream Act approved by state, futures brighten” had several errors. Two sentences refer to the Dream Act as “a gateway to citizenship” and “(giving) people the right to become citizens.” The Dream Act only allows undocumented students to apply for financial aid.

Students have been obeying smoking area restrictions more consistently this semester, said security.

The non-smoking policies are “certainly more effective this semester,” said Chief of Security John Wells.

Compared to spring 2011, this fall has had less smoking complaints.

Non-smoking policies effectiveAriana AnderbergThe San Matean

There used to be a problem with students over crowding Lot 4 near buildings 14-18.

The only complaints recently have been of the worry that students throwing cigarette butts down the incline into the foliage across the street from Lot 4.

Since the fall semester started there has been an increase in num-bers of students following the rules and a decrease in smokers, said Wells. CSM is looking into possibly

placing shelters for smokers to get out of the rain.

The smoking policy restricts students and staff to smoking in parking lots, except Lot 4 because of the proximity to buildings.

“I think (the policy) makes it a hassle, but makes the campus look a lot nicer,” said student Gio Cuellar,19.

“When I first got here you could smoke here, so cigarette butts were everywhere,” said Cuellar.

CSM is cultivating a new honors program that will be launched fall 2012. Currently, CSM does not have an honors program.

“CSM used to have an honors program that disappeared because of budget cuts,” said English profes-sor Tim Maxwell.

This honors program will be student centered and will serve students across the curriculum.

“We tried to create a program that was quite different,” said Maxwell.

The program will have two clus-ters: humanities/language arts and math/science/engineering.

Students will enroll in a founda-tion course and enroll in the honors seminar, where they will be given a project to complete simultaneously with the completion of the course

Honors program set to launchMintoy TillmanThe San Matean

they are taking.“Each seminar is two units,” said

film professor David Laderman. Students accepted into the hon-

ors program will be working with a coordinator to pick transferable courses.

The program will be student driven, interdisciplinary and col-laborative, according to Laderman.

“The work done in the seminar will be similar to advanced work in universities,” said Maxwell.

College students must have at least a 3.3 GPA and high school students must have a 3.5 GPA to apply, both will be required to write a personal statement.

“Upon completion on three seminar courses (one per semester) students receive honors scholar notation on their transcript,” said Maxwell.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm from

professors and students around the campus,” said Maxwell.

Not only will students receive more opportunities, but they will receive an in depth understanding as well.

“Students come together and work together from different dis-ciplines,” said Maxwell.

In the future honor students may have the opportunity to be a part of the (Transfer Alliance Program) which is a program that will help students transfer automatically in to UCLA.

It may take a few years, said Maxwell.

“It’s innovative and off the radar,” said Professor Laderman.

Students will need to apply spring 2010 to be accepted in the fall.

Skyline College has an honors program and Cañada College is in the process of creating one.

The few, the proud, The San Mateanhttp://goo.gl/XNBs0

Check out our promotional video

NewsNov. 9, 2011 The SAN MATEAN • Page 3

Club promotes completionHonor Society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and

ASCSM co-hosted a seminar promoting college education completion Nov. 9.

Commit to Completion is a project aimed to help students reach academic success, inspire them to commit to complete and reduce dropout rates.

“PTK is doing this to encourage students to com-plete their educa-tion,” said Michelle Brown, professor and PTK co-advis-er in a speech at the event.

English professor Jean Mach and co-presidents of PTK Katherine Mibelli, 19, and Emmeline Wong, 20, facilitated the event.

“We want students to feel like individuals rather than just a number at a huge community college” said Milibelli. “We did this because it’s so easy to forget that everything you do starts with a desire.”

The seminar had many guest speakers includ-ing CSM President Michael Claire.

“Don’t stop going to school, times will be dif-

Photo by Shaun Carmody of The San Matean

Students commit to completion at PTK event on Nov. 9.

A cloth sign that read “Occupy CSM” swayed in the wind Nov. 3 as a group of CSM students emulated the Occupy Wall Street movement in front of the College Center.

The group waved cardboard signs and handed out fliers with informa-tion they gathered about budget cuts and other general information about the Occupy Wall Street movement.

“Occupy Wall Street stands for a lot of different things,” said one of the occupiers, Charles Blanco. “Our focus is on the things that hit home that are neglected by OWS (Occupy Wall Street).”

Homemade cardboard signs and young protesters speaking out against their current state make OccupyCSM a small scale version of what OWS represents. A major difference between CSM’s occupa-tion and that of Wall Street is that

‘Occupy’ movement continues to grow at CSM Jeffery GonzalezThe San Matean

the protesters at CSM are not camp-ing or marching like their national counterparts.

The first objective of the group is to amass more people and then get a consensus of what the people want to do, said Blanco.

The campus reaction to the protest was mostly very positive, said Snyder.

The group posed no impediments on other students and did an excel-lent job of communicating their message, said Chief of Security John Wells.

“We did get some hecklers though,” said Blanco.

Some students approached the demonstrators who were holding signs that read “apathy is hurting our future” and asked if apathy meant incest. The protesters duly answered the questions and dismissed the passerby, according to Blanco. “It’s all part of the territory,” he said. “That kind of thing is expected.”

Grace Noland, another Occupy CSM organizer, described some students’ approach as abrasive and aggressive.

Noland said she felt those who did not agree with the demonstra-tion assumed the group to be just “some college students who didn’t know anything.”

“I don’t know what they’re talk-ing about. I just go to my classes and that’s it,” said student Geo Cuellar.

“The 20 to 30 people who did stop

to talk to me, know that I stand for something,” said Noland.

Many students were curious and wanted to get involved but were uneasy about it, said Blanco. He will try to make a comfortable atmosphere for people to express themselves, he added.

The group held another dem-onstration on Nov. 8 which went better than expected, according to Snyder. “What happened (Tuesday) was what we wanted to happen on

The San Bruno Police Department released this sketch of the suspect of an alleged sexual assault at Skyline College.

SBPD releases sketch Photo courtesy of San Bruno Police Department

ficult and you will feel like quitting, but educa-tion will make your life easier,” said Claire.

Professor Frederick Gaines also spoke at the seminar.

“I’ve never seen anyone complete a degree without humility,” said Gaines. “Be committed and complete your objectives.”

Students told per-sonal stories about journeys in education, as well as discussing resources like profes-sors and counselors.

“Take hold of your education” said Trans-fer Program Services Coordinator, Mike Mitchell. “What makes my job com-plete is when students come up to me and

say, I got accepted.”PTK students created a large message board

where all students at CSM were free to pledge their goals which was quickly filled with stu-dents’ aspirations.

“I think the board says this really needed to happen at CSM,” said Mach.

—Deidre CurielThe San Matean

Photo by David Sharpe of The San MateanLeft to right: Eli Sakov, 15, Brandon Snyder, 24, Tricia Gardner, 22, Grace Noland, 19, and Charles Blanco, 23, organize the ‘Occupy CSM’ rally in front of Building 10 on Nov. 3.

Thursday. More people stopped and took time to discuss things with us,” he said.

The sitting down aspect was more inviting to those walking by, said Snyder.

The students got to know each other and learn what they wanted to accomplish, said Snyder.

There was a general agreement within the group that a teach-in is a good idea, said Snyder and Noland.

The group collected email ad-dresses of those interested in the protest.

The group may use the email list to update people on when upcoming CSM demonstrations will be, said Brandon Snyder, one of the groups organizers.

“We’re all there as individuals hoping to come together to make a change. We are all there speaking for only ourselves,” said Noland. “If we do speak together, we all have to agree.”

The three incumbent candidates from the board of trustees were re-elected Nov. 8.

Patricia Miljanich, Karen Schwarz and Dave Mandelkern will

Incumbent board of trustees re-electedJeffery GonzalezThe San Matean

continue to serve on the San Mateo County Community College board of trustees. All seats were contested this election, with three seats open and six candidates in the running.

“I’m very excited they won,” said former student trustee Barry Jointer. “It’s a good thing for the district.”

All three of the trustees try to see how the individual programs affect the district, said Jointer. “They le-gitimately care about the school, the students, and the faculty,” he said.

Others, like student and member of Save the CSM Garden group Shawn Kann, supported a campaign

against the re-election of the current trustees. The board of trustees didn’t care about what the public had to say, said Kann.

“We all thought anyone but the three incumbents would’ve been a better choice,” said Kann.“We just don’t trust the trustees.”

“I think it’s important that we don’t criticize the board,” said board of trustees candidate Joe Ross. “I want to support them.”

The best way to do more with less is by bringing additional voices to the discussion about what to do with money, said Ross.

The Family Science and As-tronomy festival was held at CSM on Nov. 5, assisted by 1,100 people, as a collaborated effort of the San Mateo County Astronomical So-ciety, Bay Area Science Festival and CSM.

Students volunteered at the event, which started with a planetarium show followed by science demon-strations by CSM faculty, hands-on workshops and a keynote speaker.

Renowned astrophysicist and UC Berkley professor, Alex Filipenko, gave a lecture on dark energy and the runaway energy.

Manuel OrbegozoThe San Matean

“Cosmology deals with the struc-ture and evolution of the universe

as a whole. Cosmologists are inter-ested in the fundamental building

Family astronomy festival draws over a thousand

Photo by Manuel Orbegozo of The San Matean

Alyssa Chu, 7, Matthew Chu, 6, and John Fiske 72, participate in an activity at the Family Science and Astronomy festival.

blocks of the universe; those are the galaxies,” he said.

Filipenko developed the Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope, a robotic telescope used to search for supernova. Filipenko filled the CSM theater. He often ap-pears on the show “The Universe” on the History Channel and is one of the most highly cited astronomers of our time.

Volunteer members of the San Mateo Astronomical Society held the workshops.

Volunteer was Ilona Magyary, an astronomy-savvy real estate agent held a workshop on spectroscopy.

“We can’t go out there to see what is there but thanks to spectroscopy

we can learn what is in outer space.” she said. The Astronomical Society of the Pacific donated the equip-ment used in the workshops.

Mohsen Janatpour, a CSM as-tronomy professor, coordinated the event.“We did not do the observa-tory (due to rain) but the turnout was still good,” he said.

“We originally planned for two astronomy shows ended up doing eight because of the big turnout,” added Janatpour.

“We’ve had astronomy days for about 12 years at community col-leges,“ said Edmund Pieret, the president of the SMCAS.

“We did our part as the college did theirs,” he said.

News/Campus LifePage 4 • The SAN MATEAN Nov. 9, 2011

Textbooks rip holes in pockets CSM students have expressed

difficulties in paying for high-priced textbooks.

However, the bookstore’s cost of textbooks isn’t dictated by the college. Publishers ultimately have the final say in the price.

James Peacock, Bookstore Man-ager, explained how the publishers make the school pay a set price.

“It’s no secret or surprise,” said Peacock. “75 percent of the price covers the cost publishers make the school pay.”

The other 25 percent covers the cost of shipping and paying em-ployees in the bookstore.

The other 75 has to go into paying

the publishers.“You’d think it’s profit,” he said.

“The bookstore really doesn’t make any money.”

Still students question the prices textbooks slit in their pockets. Stu-dent Charlie Hanlon, 19, is one of many who has difficulty in paying for these fees.

During his first semester, his parents gave him $350 to cover the cost of books.

“I was given 350 to pay,” he said. “I was only able to pay for half.”

This semester, he had to pay about $400 for his classes, in addi-tion to paying about $400 for books.

Next semester he will be forced to use three paychecks to pay for classes and books, said Hanlon.

Some teachers have tried to lower

“Students should come first, money last.”

– Charlie HanlonStudent

The San Matean surveyed a random sample of 100 students to examine weekly student expenses aside from school fees. The expenses varied from insurance to personal items. Based on student reponses, the pay rate of student jobs used to cover these expenses range from $8 to $37 an hour.

Student expenses exploredIllustration by Yasmine Mahmoud of The San Matean

costs by integrating workbooks into their curriculum.

Kate Motoyama, a speech pro-fessor, is one of many who uses a paper-bound book.

“Felt textbook prices were rising

with few changes in them,” she said. “For most professors, (workbooks are) a labor of love.”

This extra workload does not come with an supplemental subsidy for the instructor.

Student Erik Aronson, 18, finds workbooks effective.

“It’s like 30 dollars for a bundle,” he said. “The thing is you can use all the worksheets.”

Aronson used financial aid to buy books that don’t even require class or homework use.

“My history textbooks aren’t even used,” he said. “The teacher told us to just read them.”

Hanlon made a decision in waiting to buy his paleontology textbook.

“The book was 150 dollars, but we never use it,” he said. “I didn’t buy it and I’m still passing.”

There’s always the option of renting books, which does hefty damage to the bookstore.

“You can save 50 to 70 percent on a book,” Peacock said.

“But that book needs to be rented

about four times to cover the buying cost,” he said.

There is also difficulty in getting a teacher to use that same book for several semesters.

Some teachers even write their own books, providing a reduced price for the student and the book-store.

“We can get a ‘special version’ in this case,” said Peacock. “Mak-ing a price of about 60-80 dollars opposed to 120-140 dollars.”

This cost still can create financial problems for students.

“As long as you can return the book it’s not a waste,” said Aronson.

“I feel like they’re discouraging people to go to school,” said Han-lon. “Students should come first, money last.”

Erasmo MartinezThe San Matean

Tuition rises, savings fall

Manuel OrbegozoThe San Matean

Tuition continues to rise while students’ budgets remain limited and discontent grows.

“It’s happening with high levels of prices for education, especially in California,” said Henry Villareal, CSM Dean of Enrollment Services. “Financial aid makes it possible for many students to attend school”.

The price per unit is $36. Between 2007 and 2009, tuition cost $20 per unit, a number that today has almost doubled.

“Education should be free. People need education to get better jobs,” said student Robert Arceo, 20.

Arceo, a biology major, is taking 19 units and works part time to pay for tuition.“The price for a unit will eventually boost up to state school prices,” he said.

Two of the biology classes Arceo has taken at CSM are offered as a single class at Cañada College. He believes that CSM could be trying to make more profit from students by diving one class into two parts, he said.

Student Alexandra Castillo, 21, also showed dissatisfaction with the raise of tuition.

“Classes aren’t changing and tu-ition keeps going up,” said Castillo. Castillo works full time to pay her tuition and believes this might affect her grades, she said.

Many students cannot afford to not work.“How am I supposed to pay for school without working?” added Castillo.

The cost of students’ entertainment

Paying for classes, books and other mandatory fees are carefully calculated by students, but often students are overtaken by the costs of transportation.

According to a survey of 100 students distributed by The San Matean, the average CSM student pays about $37.28 on transporta-tion weekly.

Only three percent of students commute by walking, while 62 percent commute by driving and 22 percent take public transit, ac-cording to the survey.

The office of student life sells about 60 to 100 bus passes monthly, in addition to 10 youth passes and six senior/disabled passes, said Student Activities Assistant Fauzi Hamadeh.

Student Romy-Dominique Youngquist, 18, lives in San Fran-cisco and commutes each day to CSM. She spends about $70 per week on transportation to and from the campus, both driving and taking public transit.

“Honestly, I think it’s much more worth it to pay for gas and drive...with public transit you run the risk of having a lot of unexpected problems,” said Youngquist. “A lot of my time is transportation--a lot of precious time too.”

Student Giana Molinari, 20, lives in Millbrae and carpools to school and rides the bus back home.

“I wish I had a car... a good por-tion of my paycheck goes to getting down the hill (to Millbrae),” said Molinari.

The district sold 7,630 student parking permits as of Sept. 28, 4,678 of them being two-term permits, said district Administrative Analyst Arlene Calibo in an email to The San Matean.

Student Elaina Revilla, 18, South San Francisco Revilla drives a truck to and from CSM daily from her home in South San Francisco, which takes her about 20 minutes each way.

“I filled up my gas tank today, and I was like ‘where did my paycheck go?” said Revilla.

Yasmine MahmoudThe San Matean

Commute:‘Where did my paycheck go?’

When gas, food, and school ex-penses are taken care of students can begin to direct what is left of their funds towards relaxation and entertainment.

A survey conducted by The San Matean shows that the average college student spends $20.30 per month on entertainment purposes.

The survey consisted of student spending in the areas of movies, video games, hobbies, live events and books and magazines.

Jeffery GonzalezThe San Matean

On average, students spent very little in these areas. Most reported that their parents pay for costs such as cell phone data packages, cable and Internet. Others said they have little time, money and desire for such things.

Student Marwin Arellano, 23, said he would rather worry about school and helping his family than spend money on things like “repetitive movies.” “You kinda just grow out of seeing the point in wasting your money on things that are temporary,” he said.

The average amount spent on

movies, including theater trips and movie rentals, was about $15 a month

The second most costly item was the amount spent every month on live events, such as concerts (in-cluding raves) and sports events, which was about $30. Many female participants said their costs on such events were usually minimal.

“Most of the time I don’t have to pay for anything when I go out,” said student Jessica Ritter, 20.

The survey showed that about the same amount of money was spent on books and magazines as

was on movies. “Books may seem more expensive,” said Arellano, “but they cost almost the same as movie ticket and last much longer.”

Hobbies ranked in as the most expensive entertainment cost to students, averaging out at $30.50. Spending money on things like guitars, cameras, and pogo-sticks will take a toll on your wallet, said student Adrian Lopez, 23. “A lot of my money goes to buying film and photo paper,” said Lopez. “But if I didn’t, I don’t know, I’d probably just be bored all the time, so I don’t mind.”

Campus LifeNov. 9, 2011 The SAN MATEAN • Page 5

‘Bio Feedback’ eases stress

CSM’s Health Center introduced a new psychological evaluation program at the open house event on Oct. 25 and 26.

The computer program, called Bio Feedback, helps students learn how to manage tension while aiding them in learning how to identify what stresses them and how to combat it.

The program was introduced by John Eckstein, a psychologist intern at the Health Center. Eckstein has worked at CSM since August and he plans to stay here for a couple years.

“I had some training in using Bio Feedback before and we introduced it in the open house,” said Eckstein.

Larisse BorelliThe San Matean

Eckstein also said that this program is around as long as the lie detector, and it basically works the same.

The computer program measures the heart rate variability.

By measuring the heart rate the computer shows the stress level of the subject’s body and mind.

A psychologist stays with the student and asks simple questions, such as if the student has a pet, or if something funny or stressful hap-pened in the last couple days. As memories are recalled they trigger stress level changes in the student.

“This helps us to be aware what makes us stressed, and which memories will make us relax or get even more stressed” said Eckstein.

CSM Psychological Services offer the Bio Feedback program to all students.

Photo courtesy of Piersytem.org

Coast guard veteran Robert Arambula competes in a cheerlead-ing competition. Arambula has competed on a global level.

Veteran competes in Cheer Long-standing societal standards

dictate that service in the military has always been a cornerstone of American manhood and honor.

The physically demanding tasks. The respect-commanding uniform. The fearless warrior’s mentality.

Cheerleading, on the other hand, has always been widely perceived a girl’s game.

While the two do not seem to appear any more different at face value, they find common ground with one man.

Robert Arambula, a CSM stu-dent, is a Coast Guard veteran and competes as a cheerleader nation-wide.

Growing up, Arambula was very

Shaun CarmodyThe San Matean

active but he didn’t quite mesh with football, baseball, or basket-ball —more traditional sports. He needed a physical outlet and in high school and discovered cheerlead-ing, he said.

“I did cheer in high school for a year and fell in love with it,” said Arambula.

Arambula enlisted in the Coast Guard, where he worked in mari-time law enforcement.

When one thinks of the military, it is usually branches like the Army, Navy and the Marines that come to mind.

“The Coast Guard is often the forgotten branch,” said Veteran’s Benefits coordinator Mario Mi-helcic. “(But) some of the most active vets in our Veteran’s Club come from the Coast Guard.”

Arambula’s time in the Coast Guard allowed him to take from experiences in the service and draw principles in teamwork and apply them to cheerleading.

“We did a lot of things as a team in the Coast Guard as a team,” said Arambula. “If we didn’t work as a team there was a chance something would go wrong. In cheer, it’s the same thing.”

“The difference is, in cheer, in-ability to work as a team means we don’t qualify for nationals. In the Coast Guard it’s the difference between life and death,” he said.

Arambula competes nationally for the California All-Stars, an elite cheer squad and is studying criminal justice, which he plans to pursue as a career after he leaves the Coast Guard.

CSM fights PTSDShaun Carmody

and Larisse BorelliThe San Matean

Every year, thousands of mili-tary personnel leave for war and every year a good number of those thousands come home and are diag-nosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Faculty at CSM have taken measures toward combating the disorder and educating students on the matter. Among the psychologi-cal services provided for students with all kinds of disorders, CSM’s psychological services offers a special program for veterans and their relatives.

“We have a special Counseling for veterans’ families, friends, and spouses,” said Makiko Ueda, a psychologist with CSM’s Psycho-logical Services.

“(Relatives of veterans) can come here without the veterans presence to learn how to support them, get educated about the issues veterans faced during war that affected their relationship with the world,” said Ueda.

Getting the veterans themselves to seek help has proven difficult.

“I think it is difficult for them to ask for help,” said Ueda. “When

they come, it’s usually because family or their instructors have pushed them to do so.”

Despite any trepidation veterans might have disclosing their experi-ences, Ueda remains firm in her stance that they should seek the help provided, she said.

“They aren’t going to get over (PTSD) themselves,” said Ueda. “They have to be open to getting help.”

Outside of psychological ser-vices, faculty have used other mediums to educate students about the trauma veteran’s face.

The learning community “Voices of a Stranger” hosted a series of veteran speakers who shared their wartime stories.

The community, which is com-prised of three separate English classes, has covered various other topics as well.

“Even though (the United States) has been at war for half of most of my students’ lives, they don’t really know a lot about it,” said English professor Daniel Keller. “We as a community must make students aware of the realities veterans have experienced.”

“Some of the stories (the vet-erans shared) shocked students,” said Keller

Naval veteran Errol Dychiuchay, 28, surveys the new Veteran Resource Center in building 16. The center is reserved for those who have served in the armed forces as a place for them to study.

CSM Vet Center opensPhoto by Shaun Carmody of The San Matean

“It is a great tool to students,” said Makiko Ueda, CSM psychologist. “People hesitate in asking for help, and I think the Bio Feedback can be a bridge between students and counseling,’’ said Ueda.

One of the Health Center’s goals in implementing the Bio Feedback program is to make an easier ap-proach in addressing stress and also helping students begin to understand what they can do to manage stress.

This stress analysis might make life for a college student easier.

After a couple appointments the students can learn how to handle life pressures by controlling their thoughts and breathing, accord-ing to the Bio Feedback program. Students can make appointments by calling the Health Center.

Continued from Page 1Dropouts

stay in school and getting them jobs while in school, she said.

“I want to drop out because I don’t know what to do,” said Cour-coumelis. “Even for those who do good, there isn’t much hope.”

Student Juan Diaz, 19, has five friends who dropped out because they couldn’t pay for classes.

“The money is being spent on buildings, but we kids need the money to go to class,” he said.

Some students are able to com-plete their academic goals quickly, but others take longer, said Claire.

Sometimes students have to stop at-tending for a period of time because of work or personal issues.

“Many of these students come back to complete degree and trans-fer requirements — it just may take them longer,” said Claire.

The study encourages colleges improve their ability to retain stu-dents.

For example, colleges could make it easier for students to get the classes they need.

Another way to do this is by introducing performance budget-ing, meaning the colleges would

get rewarded more money if they improve the success of students.

“There will always be students who choose to not continue their educations as long as there are colleges,” said Carranza. “Students dropping out of college is part of the game of education.”

Nonetheless, CSM has been working on ways to reduce the dropout rate. Its first institutional priority is student success.

To improve students success, CSM plans to “improve degree and certificate completion rates and progression beyond basic skills,

promote student engagement, including the development and implementation of a comprehen-sive first-year student experience and increase student participation in academic support services and improve such services,” accord-ing to a document titled, “CSM Institutional Priorities 2008-2011.”

The college also piloted a Math Boost program to help students prepare for the placement exam and opened a Learning Center, the 15th lab on campus, in Building 10, which will have full services in spring 2012.

“We plan to establish a Puente and an honors program which we hope to implement by the fall 2012 semester,” said Claire.

“I’d remind (upset taxpayers) that the community college system has about a 700 batting average overall in terms of student success,” said Carranza. “That’s a miracle, really, considering our students’ educational backgrounds and what many must overcome just to stay in college.”

“Who in their right mind would give up on a team with batters hit-ting 700, year to year?” he said.

Photo by David Sharpe of The San Matean

Raymond Afuhaa, 18, donates blood in a medical vehicle. Bulldogs donate blood

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sports/Campus Life The SAN MATEAN • Page 7Nov. 9, 2011

Consecutive losses leaves CSM 6-3

The CSM football team has found itself in an unfamiliar situation after two consecutive losses.

After a 42-10 rout over Foothill College, the Bulldogs have dropped their last two games against City College of San Francisco and Butte College.

“Coach (Pollack) told us to not put our heads down,” said line-

backer D.J. McDonough. “Our coaching staff was proud of the way we fought.”

Following all of the hype sur-rounding the week nine match-up between CSM and CCSF, the game was decided in the final minutes.

CCSF, known to put up big numbers against opponents, had a tough task in facing a stiff “Tim Tulloch Defense.”

The Rams got out to an early lead as they struck on their opening

drive. On the kickoff return, Ronny Fields of CSM coughed up the football giving CCSF great position to work on the Bulldog defense.

Deep within the red-zone, the CSM defense forced CCSF to at-tempt a fourth-down conversion, which they failed courtesy of a McDonough tackle.

“We played well against a good football team,” said defensive co-ordinator and assistant coach Tim Tulloch. “I’m proud of how the men executed.”

Despite initially struggling to move the ball against CCSF, CSM got on the board with a Jerrell Brown 4-yard touchdown.

The Bulldogs would take the lead 14-10, courtesy of a 90-yard Miles Freeman quarterback keeper, mark-ing just the second time CCSF had trailed in a game all season.

As the teams entered the fourth quarter, a missed field goal by CSM’s Kenny Anderson as the third quarter was nearing end, CCSF still trailed 14-10.

Knowing they had their unde-feated season on the line, CCSF struck and took a 17-14 lead.

CSM’s Bill Nyantyaki led the rush for CSM on their next drive as they moved into Rams territory. With 4:09 remaining on the clock, Anderson lined up for a game-tying 45-yard field goal.

The field goal was wide left, giving CCSF the ball and ran the clock down. The two missed field goals were Kenny Anderson’s only misses of the season.

CSM had one more shot as they were pinned inside their own 10-yard line following the punt, but Freeman was intercepted on the first play of the drive, and the victory went to CCSF.

“We played hard,” said wide re-ceiver Antoine Turner. “Sometimes it doesn’t go your way. We got to come out firing against Butte.”

Following the loss, CSM (6-2) headed north to face conference foe Butte College.

“We got to be prepared and ready to play,” said Tulloch. “Our 100 percent focus is beating Butte.”

Both teams are in the top three in the NorCal Conference. Coach Tulloch was preparing for a hard nosed game.

“It was anything but that,” said Tulloch during a coach’s confer-ence. “Nothing was the same. We could see a lack of focus on the men’s faces and no one expected this turnout.”

The Bulldogs fell to a final score of 47-13. CSM fell to third in Con-ference with a .500 record of 2-2, and a season record of 6-3.

“We weren’t prepared,” said linebacker Tavita Lataimua. “The mentality wasn’t like a game against City College, where we put everything into it. We need to learn from this.”

CSM struck first on Butte taking an early 7-0 lead following a Jerrell Brown touchdown run, but Butte ran the score the remaining of the game giving Butte the victory.

“It was a quiet ride home,” said Lataimua.

On a two-game losing streak, the Bulldogs look to rebound against a 2-7 Laney College team who has lost their last seven games.

“It’s been a two-game season,” said Coach Tulloch. “It is how we are going to be remembered and how we finish.”

Photo by Shaun Carmody of the San Matean

Nate Johnson (14) and Roman Runner (12) fight for a loose ball.

Shooting hoops for hopeThe women’s basketball team this season will be switching to

wearing pink every home game to support breast cancer.“We saw that none of the men on the football team were not wear-

ing pink to honor breast cancer, so let’s start something different,” said sophomore Nicole McDonald.

“The idea was more driven by the girls,” said Warner about the color addition. “It’s a good cause to support.”

The Lady Bulldogs got their season started last Saturday as CSM hosted “Super Scrimmage vs. Cancer” tournament where it featured junior colleges all over California. With free entry, fans and specta-tors were able to donate freely.

“Two positives came out of this tournament,” said Warner. “We were able to make $350 worth of donations, and us coaches were able to see our strengths and weaknesses.”

In an another attempt to raise donations, coach Warner has pur-chased T-shirts where the proceeds will go to raising awareness of breast cancer.

“We’re thankful for all volunteers,” said Warner. “We were able to have an injury free tournament, and enjoyed the participation of the other teams.”

The Lady Bulldogs will head north and participate in the Men-docino Tournament this weekend, where they will play Diablo Valley College, Sierra College, and Shasta College, who all made playoffs last season. College, and Santa Rosa Junior College.

—Sol LadvienkaThe San Matean

Pitching Coach Bryan Faulds lines up for his putt.

Baseball holds 14th Annual Golf Tournament

CSM’s 14th annual John Noce Golf tournament was held Satur-day, Nov. 5 at Poplar Creek.

Nearly every hole on Poplar Creek’s 18-hole golf course had one or two people sponsoring each hole.

Coach Doug Williams is still uncertain on how much money the team was able to add up from collecting numerous donations, he said.

The donations will help the CSM baseball team with travel-ing, equipment, and everyday costs for the Bulldog’s upcoming season in the spring.

“Considering the economy, we did quite well,” said Williams. “We had 118 golfers come out, and thankfully the weather held up.”

This annual tournament has taken place at Poplar Creek’s Golf Course for the last eight years.

With the 118 golfers partici-

Photo by Shaun Carmody

those were of Coach Noce’s play-ers back in the ‘60s.”

Notably not participating was local CSM alumnus and current relief pitcher of the American League Champion Texas Rangers’ Scott Feldman.

Feldman, who stood out at CSM with a 25-2 record, was in the San Mateo area, but was un-able to attend the tournament, due to media interviews and spending time with his family following his role in the World Series.

Feldman has been able to ac-commodate the baseball coaches as they identify the player and the player’s development with the purchase of a large television set.

Feldman has supplied the base-ball program with protective screens.

“Scott has remained a loyal Bulldog,” said Williams. “He has more than donated to this pro-gram. (Feldman) comes back to his CSM roots and pracices here at CSM with our players in the offseason.”

pating, Williams’ golfers have an open course to themselves.

“We had 35 CSM alumni par-ticipate,” said Williams. “Many of

Sol LadvienkaThe San Matean

Sol LadvienkaThe San Matean

In the Mix By Erasmo Martinez

Have reality shows gone too far?

Kirsten Purbeck, 18Philosophy, Foster City

“Yes. The people on reality shows are not the least bit insightful.”

Kassy Plambeck, 18Nursing, Pacifica

“All reality TV is partying and people can fight people, but ‘it’s okay’ on TV.”

Alicas Santos, 21Art, Menlo Park

“They’ve become contrived; anyone can be famous.”

Devyani Jadeson, 22Fashion Merch., Palo Alto

“A lot of stuff on TV already pushes boundaries.”

Niko Kitaoka, 21Philosophy, Foster City

“They’ve gone so far. It’s just money for television.”

opiNioN & pubLiC forum The SAN MATEAN • Page 8Nov. 9, 2011

The San MaTean is a First Amendment newspaper published bi-weekly during the academic year by the DGME 260, 261, 265 and 270 students at College of San Mateo as a medium for campus communication and laboratory for classes. Opinions, letters and commentary reflect only the opinion of the writer, and not necessarily the opinion of The San MaTean. Letters to the Editor and opinion articles are welcome, although they may be edited for style, space, content and libel. Mail or deliver letters to Building 10, Room 180, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402.

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spin CyCle

Bullying is defined as the “use of superior strength or influence to in-timidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.” Definitions range from dictionary to dictionary in the the same way types of bullying range from generation to generation.

The accessibility for individuals to pry on and bully others has in-creased with the growth of the Internet in recent years. A Facebook page entitled “Wipeout Homophobia on Facebook” shared a story in which a teacher in New York initiated an activity on bullying for her class. She had students take a piece of paper and abuse it by means of stepping on it, crumpling it, but not ripping it.

After she had them unfold the paper to note its scars, the teacher told the class to apologize to the paper. The purpose of the activity was to point out how an individual cannot take back the indefinite scars from the wounds caused by bullying.

“The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home,” said the Facebook page.

While there are countless sites, organizations and individuals who promote anti-bullying, it cannot reach every individual everywhere.

Bullying starts with the individual, especially with the notion that bullies pick on others because they are insecure. Perhaps accepting oth-ers and being kind to others begins with accepting oneself.

If we are able to withstand the rips and tears of bullying, perhaps we can smooth over the imperfections to stand up to it. Even paper can be recycled to be stronger than before.

Activism fadingWar, a bad economy, Occupy movement, budget cuts, cuts and con-

solidation of programs, tuition hikes, expensive textbooks, enrollment caps, construction bonds, Occupy CSM — and the list goes on.

These are all things that affect CSM students, yet most seem to be oblivious about what is going on around them — even if it affects them directly. Instead they are more concerned with Kim Kardashian’s di-vorce.

Assemblyman Jerry Hill visited a political science class on campus on Nov. 1 to answer student’s questions. Instead of asking about things that affect them — like Measure H, state funding for education or fi-nancial aid, students were more concerned with where he stood on the legalization of marijuana.

That is disappointing. Though the majority of students only stay here two to three years, they should still care about their education.

On occasion, students have come together to get their word out about an issue, which is exactly what is happening now with Occupy CSM.

While it is satisfying to see students standing up for themselves, it always seems to be the same group of people, while the majority of students remain completely oblivious or apathetic.

Maybe students just don’t care enough, which doesn’t make much sense. Yes, students are generally only here for two to three years, but shouldn’t they care about how the they are being treated while they are here?

As the state continues to make it harder for students to go to school — as seen from the increasing dropout rate at community colleges and four-year universities — the students are the ones that need to stand up and fight for their right to education.

If the students are going to put up a real fight, there needs to be more than a select few supporting the cause. Students need to pop their apa-thy bubbles and actually stand up for their right to education.

Power of acceptance

Sol ladvienKa

sports editor

editorial Back Talkby Erasmo Martinez

Much confusion is caused when individuals choose to use the word black to identify those of African heritage. What is the difference between the word black and a person who is African-American?

Black describes a color, which is not the physical appearance of an African-American person.

Usage of the word black can be viewed as ignorant and insulting to some people.Of course the first excuse for using the word black to describe African-Americans is that it is a shorter and more convenient term, but is sav-ing a syllable worth the harm it causes?

This difference between terms sets us up for sub-conscious judgements and assumptions of character. When individuals use words like black or white to define people this just shows a lack of under-standing. If the use of skin color is acceptable why aren’t other colors such as orange, yellow, and red used as often and loosely as black?

Throughout history it has been implied that fair skin is not only better than darker skin, but is more beautiful and sought out. This puts a subconscious insecurity in most African-Americans, and it is

Black vs. African American:The effects of terminology

worsened by media and other establishments.To this day it is still a difficult task for darker

skinned women to find beauty products, and other things based on skin color to accommodate them. Adding to the problem, being called black is just another reminder to not only women but also men, that they are sometimes perceived as less beautiful.

When filling out job applica-tions an applicant is asked to mark the ethnicity they identify with. Usually there is a box labeled as black. African-Amer-ican is a term used to describe a person who comes from African descent but is born in America. But in the dictionary the word “black” is synony-mous with African-American.

If a person is born in America they are considered an Ameri-

can, just like if one were born in Japan her or she is considered Japanese.

Black should no longer be used to describe race or nationality and the phrase African American should be re-evaluated and improved to a more modern and realistic term.

—Mintoy TillmanThe San Matean

Ozzy Solorzano, 18San Francisco, Life Science

“It depends. You need to work to pay tuition, but get eduction to get a good job.”

Martin Young, 17Undecided, Foster City

“School is more important.”

Lanja Sinjary, 18English, Pacifica

“School gets you a job. You want more than a regular job.”

Courtney Fil, 18History, Pacifica

“School. In the long run it’s work, but it gets you a good job.”

Clarissa Mae Calimbas, 19South City, Liberal Arts

“I need to work to pay for tuition. It’s a never ending cycle.”

Is school or work more important?

Melissa Munda, 19Redwood City, Philosophy

“School is more important. You can’t afford to prioritize school over work.”

Illustration by Ariana Anderberg of The San Matean