The “F” Grade Getting the Ex?

In a recent news report, school officials at West Potomac High School, located in Alexandria, Virginia, opted to drop the traditional “F” letter grade. Instead students who do not do well will be given an “I” for incomplete. This will allow them to learn the lesson over and replace the ‘Incomplete’ grade with a more promising letter grade be it an “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D”. The controversy surfacing around this new policy has been an option for colleges in New York for a while now. At The City College of New York, our grade policy consists of the tradition A-F rubric. However, we, as students, have been given a few exceptions. Entwined into our “F” grade policy the following apply:

1) “F” grade policy: If a student gets an “F” in a course, it will not be counted in their overall GPA if the course is taken over and the student receives a “C” or better.

2) “Incomplete” policy: Like West Potomac High School, this grade will give CCNY students a chance to retract the mistake they made in any class. This grade gives them ten weeks into the following semester to redeem themselves.

3)  “W” grade: As explained in previous CCNY article, The Big W: How to Know When to Withdraw, students opt to withdraw from a class if they know they are bound to get an unwanted grade in it. This grade holds fewer consequences than an “F” grade because it does not affect your GPA.

4) “WU” grade: This grade stands for Withdraw Unofficially. If the student refuses to attend class, the professor will take it that the student withdrew from the class without getting the formal documents from Registrar. This grade has the same consequences as an F grade because it will affect the cumulative GPA if the class is not retaken.

During a time when we have all of these “failure grading options”, the “F” grade policy would not hurt to be dropped. If the “F” grade policy was dropped, college students would not have the pressure that exists now. The fear that goes along with getting a failure, does not mesh well with the average stressed out college student. What we fail to realize is that there are other ways to dodge an “F” grade (as shown above).

Dropping the “F” grade policy would also lessen the chaos students have when it comes to getting their final grades. Because there are so many options, dropping the “F” grade would make explanation lighter on registrar when students go to them for advice.

West Potomac High School has decided to give their students the chance to redeem themselves. However, colleges across the nation already do this. If the dropping of this grade policy does have an effect on high school students, it’ll be the same effect it has on present college students.

Take Cover! Dirt in “Safe” Places!

           Last year officials installed a number of hand sanitizing stations in classrooms around campus. With campus and commuter life combining at City College, from the constant interactions and exchanges we have with one another, we are constantly exposed to different viruses every day. Now that flu season is already here in full swing, it is important that we protect ourselves from such bacterium which means cleanliness is a must in order to keep students healthy and efficient. 

A student reporter for The Pride, student newspaper of the University of California at San Marcos, recently ranked the dirtiest places on that campus. The top spot was the drinking fountain. According to the article, the drinking fountain was not only found to harbor up to 2.7 million bacteria at a single station, but it was also labeled by NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company™, as being dirtier than a public toilet which only contained an average of 49 bacteria. “That is kind of frightening,” stated Katherine Matos, 21, a rising senior at Pratt Institute. “I would’ve guessed public toilets would have come first on that list.”

Surprising to many, the drinking fountain is posted as the dirtiest place on a campus because of its characteristics. Water fountains are constantly wet and, noted the Pride article; wet surfaces are a breeding ground for bacteria such as E. coli and staphylococcus. Not to mention, it consists of your most vulnerable body part being in contact with such a dirty surface—your mouth.

To top off the dirtiest list:

2. Classrooms: Desks in class harbor 20 times the amount of bacteria than a regular workplace desk does.

3. Restroom doors:  They’re the one place everyone has to touch.

4. Stairway rails: Bacteria survive for a longer amount of time on metal than on wood because it is a non-porous surface. This means metal cannot absorb water or liquids the way wood can and because absorption cannot occur on non-porous surfaces, we are more susceptible to coming in contact with the bacteria.

5. Vending machines. They also feature a non-porous surface where bacteria can live on for long amount of times. And when combined with money, which gets very dirty from constantly circulating into the hands of others, you find yourself with no chance of protection.

To help keep students, faculty and staff germ-free, officials installed new hydration stations in the Marshak Science Center and the NAC. These systems provide chilled, filtered tap water free of charge and will help to reduce CCNY’s carbon footprint. Fortunately for CCNY students, they also prevent students from coming in contact with a non-porous or potentially threatening surface.

“Call me a germaphobe, but I wash my hands every chance I get,” says Elizabeth Mohamad, a tutor at CCNY’s Writing Center. “That’s exactly why I’m happy to see they put in the Hydration Station water systems. It helps that you don’t even have to touch the station.”

Where the Boys Aren't—In College

It’s raining women—well at least at The City College of New York.

“It’s obvious! Women are way more motivated than men when it comes to getting their education, stated Krystal Bennet, a 22 year old Advertising and Public Relations major at CCNY.

According to the latest edition of City Facts, the statistical snapshot put out by the Office of Institutional Research proved women outnumber men by 6.4 percent. Compared to the previous edition of City Facts—which showed that women outnumbered men in 2008 by 5.8 percent—the overall female to male ratio has risen 0.6 percent.

“Maybe there are more men at John Jay though because of the schools focus on criminal justice—a manly major,” says Bennett.

These ratios may not seem like a dramatic increase but when looking at the technical figure, statistics show that the CCNY campus has over one thousand more female students than male students. To top it off, City Facts stated in their most recent edition that, “the percent of women in the total student population of the College increased by 6.2% compared to the previous year.”

This female to male ratio at City College is part of a larger national trend. In a recent article by Mary Beth Marklein of USA TODAY, the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights publicized in January that they would investigate the admissions process at a stream of colleges to figure out if these schools were discriminating against females in order to once again even out the tipping gender scale.

“I feel prestigious school would be the culprits for doing such a thing, stated 23 year old Management and Advertising major, Andrea Freire. “To discriminate against females is wrong but Ivy League schools could possibly take that advantage to prove they matriculate an even amount of male to female students every year.”

Since this evaluation started, reports predicted that the gap may expand to an unbelievable 59% female to 41% male by the time 2018 rolls around. Why? Because not only is there nationally a larger number of females than males but other factors like minorities encouragement to apply to college, can eventually hinder this statistic as well.  

 

 In another article written by Marklein, she addresses the fact that while many colleges are trying to form a gender balance on their campuses, national data still proves a 57%-43% difference favoring women who are in college. This is no different from CCNY statistics which almost mimic these same figures.

            “I think it’s great to know more females are enrolled in college than males, stated Freire. “Think about it! Just a few decades ago, women were not even looked upon to further their education.”

           

During a time when genders are looking to balance one another out, there continues to be a negative but stable gap; that being the 57%-43% female to male ratio.

“I don’t believe the gender gap I see hear at CCNY will ever close,” stated Economics major, Kawanny Catr, 22. “You have to consider all the factors and that includes how future generations will be nurtured as well as if education will still be of importance to men.” 

--This article first appeared in CCNY's newspaper, The Campus 

CCNY Alumna Works Project Runway!

This is an example of my favorite work. I am proud of this story, done on a CCNY Alum.

Photo, courtesy of Millana Snow

Her name has been resonating through the CCNY Newswire for the last couple of weeks and now that Millana Williams, 23, has made her way into the fashion industry, City College has applauded her on her road to success.

“I always knew I wanted to be an actress and be on T.V. but it was at 17 that I really became passionate about modeling as well”. Hailing from Denver, CO, Ms. Williams (whose actual Sir name has been Snow since she was four) started her dream when she decided that New York was the place to be. “I decided to go to CCNY after visiting the city my first time during spring break; just four months before moving. When I got the acceptance letter in the mail at my old dorm; it was decided... I'm moving to NY!”

Millana Williams, now known as model Millana Snow, graduated from City College with her Baccalaureates in Advertising and Public Relations on May 28^th, 2010. Just ten days after throwing her cap into the air, Ms. Williams sloshed her way through New York City streets on what she described as “just a rainy day” and auditioned in front of Project Runway casting directors. So how did this young woman’s winning streak begin? I think perseverance is the key word in this case!

“I’ve known Millana since her first semester at CCNY when she joined the Media & Communication Arts department about three years ago”, says Professor Lynn Scott Jackson. During her time at CCNY, Millana recalls the numerous amounts of connections she made while completing her major. “There were a few [professors] in particular that literally changed my life,” stated Millana. “Professor Scott Jackson really opened me up to the power of relationships and networks.”

Photo, courtesy of Millana Snow

Along with her mention of Professor Scott Jackson, she also named Professor Lynn Applebaum who helped her through numerous struggles as a full-time student/ worker, and Professor Edward Keller who helped her come to terms with real life; noting that “he offered me honest advice and thoughtful recommendations. They all took a vested interest in me and helped me grow as a person, student and professional.”

As for Project Runway; Ms. Williams made one thing clear. “Project Runway is a job for the models. Although it was a competition for us as well, it was a job first. For now, I just have to keep on focusing, even with myself, on the fact that this show was a real journey that showed me firsthand how important it is to stay focused on positive energy.”  Does this not scream perseverance?

“Ultimately, I see Millana as a multi-faceted mogul, running an expansive, multi-media business empire with product lines…” stated Professor Scott Jackson. “She also has a tremendous capacity to share and give back; I certainly envision her mentoring others who would like to follow in her footsteps,” continued the proud CCNY professor.

I learned a lot from Ms. Williams during our virtual interview and it’s made me realize that it’s an overall lesson I’ve learned while attending The City College of New York as well. In the words of the new inspirational model, “keeping your eyes on the goal will allow them to come to pass.”

And a lasting comment she left with me: “I have my mom and dad, Kim and Kevin Snow, sister Jillian Snow and dog Shyla Snow, all back in Denver whom I miss and love very much!”

       --This article first appeared in CCNY's newspaper, The Campus   

Rent or Buy-Which Textbook Option Is Right for You?

As a rising senior, I have already gone through the textbook buying process six times. Like many other CCNY students, I receive financial aid, and my cash flow is tight. A recent article in the New York Times reports that the average American student spends $700 to $900 a year on textbooks. Spending hundreds of dollars of my own money to buy books is a huge burden. Worse, this semester, my book stipend was delayed and I dreaded what it would mean for my bottom line.

However, City College is trying to help. This semester, CCNY is one of 650 colleges included in a program called Rent-a-Text. Sponsored by the Follett Higher Education Group, a company that runs university bookstores, Rent-a-Text gives each student an online registration account which allows them to rent textbooks through their college campus bookstore. As you get ready to register for Spring (or Winter) classes, now's a good time to start thinking about textbook savings.

Once you rent the book through Rent-a-Text, you have until the official last day of the semester to bring it back to the bookstore without paying a "non-return charge" and processing fee. According to a recent article posted on www.dailycollegian.com, "Last Fall, Follett tested the rental program at seven universities and found students saved, on average, 50 percent or more compared to the cost of new books."

That's how it worked for me: I rented Shirley Biagi's Media Impact for my Introduction to Media Studies class. It retails for $130. I rented it for $58-half of what I would've paid.

In an interview, rising senior, Chanel Jones, said she has been using the Rent-a-Text program offered by her school for two semesters now. "I love it!" said Jones, 21, who is majoring in business at Temple University in Philadelphia. "I never buy books. I rent every chance I get!"

Eva Geoghegan, store manager of the CCNY bookstore, noted that approximately 35% of the textbooks at the bookstore are rentable. "I can't tell you estimates of how many people have rented textbooks but I can tell you that we are trying to get professors on board now," she says. "If they can choose textbooks that will be used up to four semesters in a row then I see this program going very far!"

Though Rent-a-Text is new to CCNY, some students have been renting through other companies like chegg.com and bookrenter.com for a while now. Despite the savings, many students-and professors-don't know about the option to rent. Others aren't even interested. "It seemed too complicated so I didn't even bother to go that route," says Coretta Stembridge, 24, who is majoring in English.

Others have their own ways to avoid the high cost of textbooks. Science major Amaani Bhamla says her system of searching the internet for the best textbook deals on sites like half.com and alibris.com works best for her. "I don't find the [Rent-a-Text] program useful when I can buy my textbooks for barely a dollar and sell them back at the end of the semester," she explains. Sometimes, she adds, she even makes money!

For more information, go to the Rent-a-Text website at www.rentatext.com.

--This article first appeared in CCNY's newspaper, The Campus (see link)

Race Within a Race

What associations come to mind with the phrase “race within a race”? Many relate it to the subdivision that has been created amongst many races. Others relate it to the obstacles that an individual might personally face. I heard a young lady proclaim her ethnicity the other day. Verifying the fact that she was Caribbean seemed to be an imperative part of her. Maybe it was just the circumstance she was in at the time but nevertheless, it made me wonder. Why is it that most people of color usually state their ethnicity or their nationality instead of their actual race? When conversing about race, why do people look for specific differences that make them stand out from the rest?

On January 20^th, 2009, our nation swore in its very first African American President. With the support of many, history has now been altered in a myriad of ways extending its hand out to open possibilities of change and renewal. This occurrence has recently given me a better understanding of the potential our people have. We look around and sometimes all we see are bits and pieces of an action being enforced instead of the whole thing together. This also goes for the way we think as a whole. We constantly see subdivisions being the main focus these days. It has led me to believe that at this most crucial point and time, many races, whether it by Black or white, have created division within their ethnicity. Without realizing it, we have individualized ourselves in so many ways dealing with race just so that we can stand out in any way possible. For instance the young lady I mentioned seemed to think it was important that she declare her ethnicity as a Caribbean woman.

Every day you see people distinguishing themselves from their common race and it’s not to say that this is wrong but the real suspicion I had about this subdivision is does it hurt races as a whole instead of pushing them forward in these rough times? Through seeing this joyous occasion of having Barack Obama as our president, we have come to understand how important sticking together as one has impacted our lives. It is mentioned in newspapers about how much of a change President Obama will make in developing this country. Then you hear all of the hopeful remarks about his strength and how his victory will one day smash out all of the many stereotypical remarks made about colored people. The phrase “race within a race” can be taken negatively.

          
          A novel I read last semester entitled Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quinonez presented how much of an impact categorizing a race can have on society. In a section of this fictional novel, the main character spoke about how segmented his Latino culture was. The way Cubans looked down on the Puerto Ricans opened up the theme of isolation. This theme showed the intense difference Cubans and Puerto Ricans thought they had. In a short quote of the book Quinonez inserts an argument to push the theme of Isolation. He wrote “Dejesus, the shorter and therefore fatter of the two officers showed his nails. You and me have nothing in common, he sneered. I’m Cuban, you’re Puerto Rican.” From this quote you can see the agonizing separation that the Latino culture had to deal with and this conflict also goes for other colored people.
          
        The way many Caribbean people see themselves different from African Americans is another example of this “race within a race”. Will it take the coming of an African American president to change the way various races think? Even though we want to stand out amongst others like ourselves, will isolation further push us away from our goals? Its up to those who think it wrong. As for now, we can only hope.  

--Originally published at CCNY in The Paper (The Black History Edition), Feb, 2009 

Should Hookah Get the Hook!



If you thought New York City's ban on smoking cigarettes in public was harsh, check out the City Council's latest target. Hookahs are now on one councilman's hit list. 

Practiced originally in the Middle East, hookah is an instrument used for smoking herbal shisha and sometimes tobacco. It is widely practiced in Arabic culture and has become popular in the United States where many restaurants and bars feature it. Recently, it has caught on among students.

But Vincent Gentile, a councilman from Brooklyn, would like to put hookah smoking to an end. Last month, he introduced legislation to prevent the creation of new hookah bars in New York City. 

He cites health as his main concern. "There are some people going there thinking that as long as it's not tobacco, that it's not harmful," Gentile told the Daily News. "It's been established that it is harmful." Experts agree that hookah smoking can carry the same risks as smoking tobacco-and maybe more since sessions last longer than a regularly smoked cigarette. Gentile adds that some bars have been caught adding tobacco to their hookah mixes.

What do City College students think of the proposed ban? Most don't like it. "Many people consider hookah to be a cultural exchange," says, Erica De La Cruz, a 20-year-old junior who is majoring in English. "This seems like just another ploy to sidetrack the public from real problems going on around us. This ban can also be seen as an infringement on the people's rights to make independent decisions."

Adds senior Freddy Torres, Jr.: "I've smoked hookah before and find nothing wrong with it. It's not something I continuously practice as well as many people that have tried it." 

English major Jasmin Figueroa says she has mixed feelings. "I think this is an issue all of a sudden because of hookah's rising popularity, especially in light of the crackdown on regular cigarette smoking," says Figueroa, 20. Although I am not in complete favor of the ban, I'd be all for restricting the opening of something that could potentially cause so much damage to people."

CCNY alum José Saavedra is also on the fence. "If people want to smoke that crap, then they can. Just don't do it around me," he says. "But if it is banned, the people who smoke it may take it other places that could potentially endanger others more than if it was contained in its old spot, a restaurant or bar."

If this ban goes into effect, new hookah restaurants and bars would be illegal by the year 2012. Rising junior, Sarah Miller, 19, a psych major, doubts the anti-hookah law will do any good. 

"Getting rid of the creation of new hookah bars will have no affect on New York becoming a smoke-free state," she says. "Putting a ban on something as culturally diverse as hookah will probably deteriorate our already dying economy. After all, I'm sure these hookah bars pay the state taxes which we all know adds to the betterment of our economy."

--By Courtney James

--This article first appeared in CCNY's newspaper, The Campus (see link)