On the Merit of the Issues

The 46th Ward Aldermanic election contest drew down two contestants, Molly Phelan and James Cappleman a week before the Election Day.

The two candidates faced off in a runoff debate held at Truman on Monday, Mar. 28, between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Two moderators asked both candidates many tough questions from public education, to arts, new businesses and security in the streets and they both appeared to be holding to positions of strength from the way they answered the questions.

How to solve the security-related problems on Uptown streets was, however, a hot button issue. If this was the only deciding factor and I was residing in Uptown, I would have voted for Cappleman.

 In her defense, Phelan argued for more police patrol on Uptown streets; while this may help arrest and incarcerate criminals, it does not go deep enough to address the roots causes of crime in Uptown.

On the other hand, to his credit, Cappleman promised to roll out resources that would provide meaningful engagements to young people including athletics and more funding for schools and afterschool programs. He stressed that prevention is better and would probably cost much less than fighting crime.   

For details, please check out http://www.uptownupdate.com/2011/03/reading-nook.html

Is it Stealing or Ignorance?

 It occurred to me last night, just before I went to bed, to write about theft of library resources such as books, Magazines or DVDs from Ray Cosgrove library for my next blog. I saw this happen before but it never crossed my mind to cover it for my blog.

 I saw several times in the past students who attempted to take books out of the library without checking them out properly. Just this semester alone, I saw this happen on three different occasions while I was studying at the library. I should tell you that I don’t even visit the library every day. Just three or four times a week, at most. So for me to witness three attempts of theft of resources belonging to all of us was odd enough and has thus generated interest in me.

So, I deliberately went to the library today and stayed there until I witnessed two such attempts.  In the first case, a student packed books in his backpack and strolled through the exit like they he was a king. The good thing is that Ray Cosgrove books have magnetic strips which activate the antitheft alarm system whenever students exit the library with books that are not scanned for check out.

The library staffs are ready and trained to investigate and recover such books. But the reaction of the students who do such uncivil behavior is mostly unexpected. Some just drop the materials and walk out quietly while others try to cover up their actions by not cooperating with the library staffs. It’s this later group that becomes a thorn in the flesh of the librarian at the counter because then the Security Officer on duty has to be called in.

Either case, today’s attempters were humble enough to drop the books without further complicating the situation. Students who attempt to steal books can still check out the same books if they have a valid library card.

Librarian Kehinde Akinnlolu-Ale told me that she witnesses such behavior, on average, five times a month.

 The interesting thing is what motivates students to steal library resources. Those who would want to attempt such indecency must first understand that library resources belong to all the faculty, staff and students who call Truman home and stealing books from shelves affects all of us who want to use those books.

Check out the link about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7GSIxd896E

Beyond News: Seeking Truth in Polarizing Media

Participants watch short video clips from Fox News and MSNBC

Did you ever turn on your tele and wonder how the talking heads on your screen make the world around you look to spin out of balance or that there’s so much mayhem going on that you lose focus of what you can do to change things?

I f you answered yes, Truman Sociology Professor Madeline Troche-Rodriguez and Social Sciences Professor Joshua Jones hosted a critique on the role of the Media on, Thursday, Mar. 24, at the front lobby from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. to address such oversimplified upshot.

Student Andrew Dahl asks a question during the presentation

The participants watched video clips from Fox News and MSNBC coverage of Wisconsin 2011 budget process to illustrate the context and extent of polarization in the American media. The show hosts and news commentators, shown in the clips, were selective in their reporting, omitting arguments that did not reflect their own ideological slant.

Even though I joined a little while after it had begun, the purpose of the presentation was, according to Jones, to promote the public to “engage in dialogue,” and also to widen the scope of that debate. He also stated that media messages have purposes and encouraged attendees to do citizen journalism, read multiple sources, and not just be isolated to liberal and conservative view of an issue.

Journalism Professor Ben Ortiz responds to questions by students

40 to 60 students and faculty participated in the event, where students asked questions and the faculty provided expert opinion on the issues at hand.

Organizers distributed flyers with the addresses of international English language news Websites to help students explore different views of issues happening around the world.

Pink Elephant Sale Raises Funds for Female Students

Walker attends to a student who ordered a blueberry muffin

If you passed by the Cafeteria entrance between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, you had an opportunity to see the incredible exhibit of lots of odds and ends displayed on tables. And if you stopped to ask, you would have known that the American Association of Women in Community Colleges’ (AAWCC) Pink Elephant (PE) sale was taking place.

The items on sale included beads, house wares, purses, dresses, belts, shoes, home wall arts, three-rings binders, and other bits and pieces. Food items such as cupcakes, cookies and blueberry muffin also were also on sale.

The prices of the varied items also  ranged from 25 cents to upward of six dollars, and the terms of payment were limited to cash only.

Sarah Yankey,  last year's AAWCC scholarship  recipient, stops by the PE Sale

Teresa Walker of the Human Resources Department, Felicity Murray from the Registrar’s Office and Joanne Kalnitz, an Associate Professor in the Communications Department, stood behind spectacular arrangements of six tables put end-to-end, to attend to the many students and staff who bought the stuff.

The aim of the PE sale was according to Murray “to raise money for scholarships,” for Truman female students and the scholarships will “help students to pay for tuition, to purchase books, food or (even) transportation,” said Walker.

It’s interesting for me to learn that all the things sold at the fundraiser event was donated by different groups who wanted to support AAWCC.

Even though the fundraiser was ongoing and the funds realized then was not made available to me at the time of my visit, the organizers, however, told me similar fund drives in the past raised not more than $ 400, and other college-based scholarships chipped in some cash to support the benefit. Six female students received AAWCC scholarship awards last year.

Although AAWCC is a 37-year old organization, Truman Chapter is, however, about 20 years old. 

Roman Era Political Corruption Endures in Our Times

 Prof. Skentzis Making a Presentation at the Library

Dennis Skentzis, Professor of History at Truman College, today gave a moving speech about the Roman writer Tacitus. The presentation, hosted by Ray Cosgrove library, was titled “Tacitus: Romans Behaving Badly. “

             “We had Skentzis last year and he made a well received presentation about the Greek civilization,” said, Leone McDermott, Assistant Professor and Library Chairperson, who presented Skentzis, “and we asked him, this year, to give equal time to the Romans.”

Interim President Lynn Walker Chats with Prof. Skentzis After the Speech

The presentation began at 2 p.m. and attracted over 60 attendees including staff, faculty and students. Professor Skentzis used slides and a documentary video to aid his speech. He described Tacitus, whose full name is not even known, as a Roman governor, senator, an orator and most of all, a historian, whose work has inspired many who came after him.

Students Self-serve Snacks and Refreshments After the Presentation

Tacitus, the Professor said, “Wrote about the history of bygone Roman Republic periods,” rather than the then ruling emperors to save his career from the wrath of imperial tyrants. He, however, noted it was also freer to write during imperial Rome than Republican times.

Skentzis highlighted similarities of Roman era decadence and culture of political corruption to our own times.

The presentation lasted a little over half an hour and refreshments, and snacks were served both before and after the speech.

Inside Truman: How Much Are Students Utilizing Resources on Campus?

Laura Maciel Talks to  UIC Admission Counselor Amanda Williams as Another Student Waits on.

It’s amazing how time moves so fast. If you feel the semester began just in the third week of January and that we didn’t get anywhere yet, you need to think again. The most interesting news for you is that half of the semester is right behind us already. As we count down towards the end of spring 2011, we also need to reflect on campus events and about people around us who we usually don’t pay much attention to.

Many times we take for granted how much effort Truman staff spends to organize or help bring outside institutions to our campus, to expose students to relevant information and  as a result, to more opportunities.

Worse even, it’s important to ask whether we are taking full advantage of services that these outside organizations offer including information about transfers, campus life, scholarships and job opportunities after graduation.

Student Laura Maciel Talks to  UIC Admission Counselor Amanda Williams

At 11 a.m. today, I stopped by at two stands at the cafeteria entrance where female admission representatives from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and DeVry University answered questions about transfer and related opportunities at their respective schools.

Udamtsog Magsar stops at DeVry University Stand to Seek Transfer Information

Although the ladies were cheerful and prepared, both with answers, and with information brochures, very few passersby stopped by to ask them anything; I stayed there for half an hour, observing, and only three students stopped at either one of the two stands.

Is it because students are really busy to mind what happens on our campus or we have all the information we need to transfer to other schools, especially at a time when the District is studying why City Colleges of Chicago have such a low retention rate?

Next time you pass before the cafeteria, just observe how many students check out the fairs that are usually showcased there and think about how much gratitude we owe to those who made those resources available to us.

The New Face of Truman: CCC PR Gives Truman an Appealing Look

Blue and Black Posters Overlook Truman's Main Building

I came to school a little before 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning this week. Interestingly, blue and black posters attracted my eyes at the two gates off Wilson Street between the ‘EL’ bridge and Racine stop signal.

4-pair CCC Posters Rise Over a Pedestrian Sidewalk Under Construction

Four pairs of posters hanged vertically on black light poles rise over barbed wires on an under construction sidewalk to announce City Colleges of Chicago’s (CCC) ongoing reinvention program. The word reinvention appears in green concentric circles right below the slogan, “Building the Foundation for Success.”

The posters are, so far, the best public relations (PR) exercise CCC installed on our campus in order to sell the idea of reinvention to Truman community.

Whether CCC’s PR mission will achieve its intended agenda or not, is one thing. The banners, nonetheless, seem to give Truman a new face, albeit one that has a pleasant scape. The campus now has a feel of vitality and a sense of action, and business taking place.

More Posters Dot on Either Side of Racine Street Leading to the Parking Garage

My fascination with the four pairs of beautiful posters at the northern entrance, led me to walk around and to take pictures. As my observation continued, I discovered that about 30 other single posters are lined up on either side of Racine Street, south of Wilson and leading up to the high-rise parking garage, and also between the ‘El’ and the main building, on the eastside.

At a time when the school is redefining its curriculum and its physical structure, the posters offer Truman a new lease of life; as a result, the campus now has a more appealing look and this would probably enhance its image. But how long will this new look last? I wonder.

What is most surprising about the new banners is that no information about them is made public. Under normal circumstances, students would expect to get an e-mail updates or a summary story published on Truman Website. But none of this had happened until this minute. Basically, students are left in the dark groping for answers about the CCC’s posters and why we don’t have any specifically designed for Truman’s programs.

Organization of the NorthEast Launches CeaseFire at Press Conference

I had the pleasure to attend Organization of the NorthEast’s (ONE) March 7, press conference.  The conference, held at Truman’s front lobby, attracted more than 40 people including public officials and business leaders.

ONE, a 37-year-old nonprofit, launched CeaseFire, a counseling and conflict resolution program, in an effort to address violent crimes in Uptown.

ONE's Board President Dominic Grassi speaks to the press

“ONE is a mixed income, multigenerational, and diverse organization and we are here to fight crime and gun violence.” Board President Dominic Grassi said.

Alderman Helen Schiller, who also spoke at the event, supported ONE because “CeaseFire’s proactive approach to curb shooting and murder,” is likelier to prevent crime than “the reactive responsibility of the police.” Schiller reiterated her support for ONE’s “comprehensively involved, preventive measure,” which she also described as “strong antiviolence effort.”

Outgoing 46th Ward Alderman, Helen Schiller, makes a statement of support about ONE's CeaseFire Program

Parent Georgina and student Tony Sandifer of Goudy Elementary School, both Uptown residents, testified to the many instances when gangs broke into their high-rise, beat residents or vandalized properties in their backyard.

Parent Georgina and student Tony Sandifer testify at the press conference

Cook County Commissioner, Bridget Gainer, spoke about the “proven track record” of CeaseFire and how it reduced crime by 30 per cent last year. Gainer said, “CeaseFire avails resources to address the root causes of violence which are inequality and economic deprivation.”

Other speakers including Alyssa Cutler of Uptown Chamber of Commerce asked everyone who has come “to help build sustainable effort,” to fight gang activity in Uptown while Grassi asked those who are not members of ONE to “join  in the commitment to improve our neighborhood, city and country.”

For related articles, please check out: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02-22/news/ct-x-c-uptown-violence-0223-20110223-64_1_gang-violence-fatal-shooting-rival-gang-member

The New Hotel Room: Are Truman Students Sleeping in the Library?

Photo courtesy of A. Ali/Truman student sleeps in Ray Cosgrove Library 

I met Ahmed Hassan on my way to the Ray Cosgrove library in the evening on March 3. After greetings, he asked me where I was heading to and I told him I was going to the library.

“Are you not afraid to fall asleep?” He asked.

As a student journalist, this raised my curiosity. “No. I’m not afraid unless I can’t avoid.” I, half-jokingly, said.

As we departed our ways, I raced my pace and went straight to the library. There and then, I began to find out any likely evidence of students sleeping in the library’s study lounge.

Armed with a digital camera, I took pictures of students who were completely asleep while avoiding those who were half-awake because of fear to create a scene of some sort.

Truman student sleeps briefly in the library. 4:30 p.m. /Photo by A. Ali 

Interestingly, on a Thursday when the library usually has fewer visitors, I caught three students, on camera, in less than an hour.

Afterward, I carried out some background research to find out if this problem is particular to Truman or if it’s a nationwide crisis that needs to be addressed. I learned that sleeping in the library is a national issue. It has probably happened in Georgia Tech, Temple University, New York University, University of California Berkeley, among others. Please check out this link: http://asianssleepinginthelibrary.tumblr.com/

The reasons why students sleep in the library are many. Some students could be preparing for various exams, including the midterms, this week. Some, for sure, juggle work or family with college and thus could not get enough sleep at home. It could also be true that some of them pulled an all-nighter and that out of a necessity they had to take a nap in the library.

Truman student takes a nap at the library at 4:45 p.m.  Photo by A. Ali

Whatever the reason may be, for me, this was an interesting discovery and one that had earned them an honorable publication on my blog. So it’s a real deal done.

I hope this will not deprive anyone to sleep in the library in future. However, Uptown Exchange’s ‘paparazzi-style’ student journalists will continue to be on top of the game throughout the semester.

Tips: Navigating Chicago's Icy Sidewalks

On my every day commute to school, I make two choices. Either, take Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus from a stop right before my apartment to the nearest train station or walk three blocks and hop on the Red Line.

I have always liked the latter option, rain or shine. However, this morning was different. I slipped off twice and almost fell each time. Then I realized that it will be a better idea to ride the bus instead of walking to the train stop and risk falling again. In short, never before did I fear for my personal safety like I did today.

Overnight light snow showers left a dust of ice on the sidewalks making everyone’s commute difficult.

Similarly, when I got off the train at Truman, I headed east on Wilson to get myself a regular cup of latte from the Dunkin Donut across Broadway street. Shockingly, I saw a Truman female student trip and fall just three steps from CTA bus 78 at Broadway-Wilson intersection. She barely survived being ran over.

My Linh Tran, Head of Registrar’s Department, said, “It’s a lot of slippery outside, this morning.” As a result of the slickly street conditions, commuters have to walk slowly even when this means taking longer time to get to one’s destination.

Icy sidewalks pose a challenge to personal safety and to public mobility. Please check out the link below on how to navigate icy sidewalks:

 http://www.ehow.com/how_7322587_walk-icy-sidewalks.html

SNOW OUTSIDE, ELECTION INSIDE

As I got off the Red Line at Wilson stop this morning, I had to walk through scattered groups of representatives distributing flyers to ramp up support for various candidates in Chicago’s Municipal General Election. A typical flyer had a portrait of the candidate, agenda and position one wanted to fill.

Today is the last day voters can cast their ballot for various leaders vying for vacant city jobs and Truman is the site of the 46th Ward polling place. Partitions, electronic voting machines and ballot boxes are erected in the front lobby while clerks are waiting, ready to assist voters navigate the process.

Several notices are posted near the ballot boxes to inform voters of their rights. The site opened at 6 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m.

Despite the election going smoothly inside, snow showers are falling outside disturbing students’ commute to school.

For information, check out: http://www.chicagoelections.com/page.php?id=164

Truman Closes For the President's Day

Truman had closed its doors, on Monday, Feb. 21, to mark the President's Day holiday. Despite the  closure of the school, businesses around the campus were open as usual.

The holiday which falls on the third Monday of every February also saw the closure of state and federal offices around the city.The day was designed to honor the birthday of George Washington, the Founder and the first president of the United States.

Even though I came to school at 7:45 a.m., I, however, had to return home to celebrate the day in my own style.

To test my knowledge of the holiday, I took a 10-question CNN quiz and surprisingly I answered only half of them correctly.

Click on the link below to find out how much you can remember about your civics and Federal Holidays: http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/20/quiz.presidents.day/index.html?hpt=C2

ISLAMIC AWARENESS WEEK WRAPS UP TODAY

Truman Muslim Students Association hosted a series of events from, Feb. 14 to 17, at the front lobby.

The event dubbed Islamic Awareness Week was, according to the organizers, intended to create intercultural understanding and address some of the misconceptions about Islam.

Guest speakers addressed various topics including diversity, stereotypes, hijab, human rights, similarities and differences of global religions among others.  The speakers who included Islamic scholars and community activists also took questions at the end of each session.

Free food, gifts and Islamic literature were provided to the attendees throughout the week.

Valentines Comes But Once a Year

While the true value of Valentine’s Day cannot be measured in material gifts or amount of text messages exchanged, it’s remarkable impact on social life could, however, be seen on Truman campus today.

Students and staff wearing red or carrying roses leisurely walked every hallway while some others posed for pictures with their sweethearts as an expression of ultimate love.

Representatives from the Student Government Association sold, at the cafeteria entrance, red heart balloons and other goodies with “happy valentines” conspicuously marked on them thus saving those who couldn’t buy gifts in time a trip to the store.

All in all, Truman could best be described today as a campus where an air of romance circulated in the atmosphere.