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.

 

One Million Years B.C.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvkwBmfZAeo

Are you grateful that today you drive a posh car, can dine at any fancy restaurant and have heating system to keep you warm during blizzards so you don’t freeze to death?

Think about one million years ago when volcanic eruptions were part of everyday experiences of life, when people and man-eating dinosaurs would fight each other for the control of this planet and when there was no 911 to call or organized militia to protect you.

At least as actress Raquel Welch shows us in this One Million Years B.C. 1967 movie trailer, it’s apparent that, all these could be true during Jurassic period (150 million years ago).

We owe so much to our civilized world that we are not living in that era and that we are wired on the coolest gadgets from Iphones to IPads.

Will You Not Listen To A Gossip?

     While I was working at Truman on Monday, February 7, two guys stopped a few feet away from my desk and engaged in a loud conversation.  I listened to them carefully as they complained about youth violence and drug abuse.

     “Young people are abusing drugs, and shooting at each other every where around us,” said one of them

     “Because they are listening to rap music and learning every dirty stuff.” added the other.

     As they ended their chatter and parted ways, I wondered why I had to listen to other people’s conversations.

     Is it healthy to listen to other people’s gossip? Will you do the same? What do you think? Are there people who will not listen to a gossip? Is anything out there that falls on your ears a fair game?

Snow Blizzards and CCC’s Conflicting Messages

             Snow Blizzards and CCC’s Conflicting Messages

Truman informed students, faculty and staff that school will close effective Tuesday, Feb.1, at 2:00 p.m. following a blizzard warning from the National Weather Service.

An e-mail from the City Colleges of Chicago’s (CCC) Chancellor Cheryl Hyman has confirmed “full closure of all of the seven City Colleges campuses and all their associated satellites,” from Tuesday evening through Wednesday and that “Classes will resume their regular schedules Thursday, Feb. 3 unless otherwise noted.”

Students were relieved from a previous day confusion that sent conflicting messages between the CCC district office and Truman College. Calls originating from CCC headquarters on Monday informed many students that their campus will close starting Tuesday morning. However, Interim President Lynn Walker cleared the misinformation by passing fliers to various offices with instructions that the college will be open on Tuesday until new decisions could come forth.

No Parking Under the EL

Clifton Daniel, Truman's Director of Public Relations reminds students and parents of Lab school kids that the parking "lot under the EL is off limits," as of Monday Jan. 31.

 Chicago Transit Authority,which owns the lot, could tow or even boot any car parked under the EL.

Prior to this notice the lot was exclusively available for use by Truman staff and students because the college parking garage was under construction.

Spring Instruction in Full Swing

“I registered for more classes than I could handle in a semester,” said Abdirizak Mohamed. “So I dropped one math class on Wednesday.”

Truman was this week a beehive of activity. Students engaged miniature of unlimited activities, whether that was running between classes, working on assignments to beat deadlines or dropping , like Mohamed, one or more classes.

            Professors likewise were on top of their tasks teaching, advising and taking attendance to ensure the no-shows in the second week of school were dropped from class rosters.

Friday and weekend classes also began signaling that spring semester instruction is in full swing.

The week ended with a Science Fair showcased in the front lobby and whose participants came from various Chicago Public Schools.

The 2011 State of Union Speech

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41261860#41261860

President Barack Obama gave the State of the Union address, on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011. He talked about various issues from jobs, education to investment in science, research and technology.

Nonetheless, an area of interest to me is education. He said, "America has fallen to the 9th  position in the proportion of young people with college degree." The president also emphasized on the need for increased respect for teachers and the role of parents in ensuring that kids stay the course until graduation.

He also stated that his administration has made college affordable for millions of students "by eliminating taxpayers' subsidies that went to banks."

Tuesday at Truman

Truman was a beehive of activities on Tuesday, Jan. 18, as the college
opened its doors for the 2011 spring semester. Students crisscrossed the
hallways seeking various services from registering for classes to obtaining
CTA U-Pass and Identification Cards. In the least, it was never a day you
would describe as calm or passive.

Faculty and other support staff attended to student needs from those
administering tests to deans overriding already filled classes.

In the end, the day ended with no any major reported incidence of security
problem.