Chancellor's Swine Flu Update

To the Alamo Colleges Family:

This email is an update of the latest health-related information, as it pertains to the Swine Flu.

The Goodwin Center, located at 1297 Churchill Drive in New Braunfels, Texas, has been closed by the Comal County Health Department for a minimum of ten days while it undergoes a sanitation process. This action is being taken due to the fact that an instructor, employed by the Seguin ISD and who teaches in an adult basic education program at the Goodwin Center has tested positive for swine flu.

Although the Alamo Colleges offer classes at the center for 184 students, the instructor who tested positive for swine flu does not teach Alamo Colleges’ students or teach in any of the classrooms used by the Alamo Colleges at the Goodwin Center. The center is operated as a partnership between the Seguin and Comal ISD’s and the Alamo Colleges.

Let me assure you that the Alamo Colleges’ administration is working closely with Comal County officials to respond to this situation swiftly and thoroughly. To date, these actions have been taken: The Goodwin Center has been closed for at least the next 10 days; the sanitation of the Goodwin building is underway; a health questionnaire to 184 Goodwin Center students is being administered to ascertain potential exposure to the swine flu; Goodwin classes have been temporarily moved to the Central T exas Technology Center also in New Braunfels; and swine flu related information has been posted on our main web page. A swine flu questions and answer piece can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm .

This situation is an isolated incident which does not affect the normal operations of our collegs or other satellite education centers, and our employees and students can rest assured that we are doing everything necessary to ensure their well being. We have brought together a team of health professionals and others to evaluate this situation and determine what further measures need to be taken.

As a precaution, students and employees from the Goodwin Center who experience symptoms consistent with swine flu, or who have immediate family members who exhibit such symptoms, are asked to stay home and seek medical attention. We are working closely with the Comal County Health Department to monitor the situation.

While the Goodwin Center is closed, those Alamo Colleges classes will be moved to the Alamo Colleges’ Central Texas Technology Center, 2189 FM 758, near the New Braunfels Municipal Airport.

****************************************
Bruce H. Leslie
Chancellor
Alamo Colleges
201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B
San Antonio, TX 78204-1429
(210) 485-0020 (Phone)
(210) 485-0024 (Fax)
bleslie@mail.accd.edu

PAC Leadership Forum

PAC Leadership Forum
Sponsored by students of BMGT 2309 - Leadership


Date: Thursday, April 30
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Student Center Annex at Palo Alto College

Overview of Event:
Opening remarks by Dr. Bruce Leslie, Chancellor of The Alamo Colleges
Insights on Leadership by a Panel of Leaders from Palo Alto College
Dr. Adolfo Barrera, Vice President of Student Affairs
Dr. Stacey Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Mr. Gary Shelman, Dean of Science, Advanced and Applied Technology
Mr. Larry Jackson, Dean of Corporate & Community Education
Dr. Mary Ellen Jacobs, Faculty Senate President
Mr. Neven N. Jurkovic, Associate Professor of Computer Science

Questions Posed by Students From the Leadership Class
Open Forum for Questions From Audience Members

Pick Up Caps and Gowns

If you have signed up to participate in the Palo Alto College Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony at the Municipal Auditorium on Tuesday, May 5 and you have not yet picked up your cap, gown and information packet—THERE IS STILL TIME TO DO SO!

Please visit the PAC Records and Registration Office, located in the Applied Technology (AT) Center, Room 204. The office is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please make every effort to pick up your cap and gown this week!

Records and Registration phone number is (210) 486-3700.

Swine Flu Health Notice

The following message is sent by Dr. Bruce Leslie, Chancellor, Alamo Colleges:

Alamo Colleges Family:

Over the past few days, there has been much news related to the presence of Swine Flu in our service area. The Alamo Colleges have not taken any action related to changes in our normal operating schedule, but we are in close communication with our local health agencies and will keep you informed should anything change. Any updates will be posted on the website and distributed via system-wide emails.

Information on the swine flu, including key facts and what you can do to stay healthy, can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

Another good resource is the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). In a news release dated April 25th, they advise residents of San Antonio and Bexar County to take normal precautions to prevent any further spread of this virus. These include consistent hand washing http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/handstogether/ with soap and warm water, coughing or sneezing http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm into tissue instead of your hands, and staying at home if you or your children are ill with flu-like symptoms. For additional information, call the SAMHD hotline at (888) 777-5320 or visit the website at http://www.sanantonio.gov/health/SwineFlu.html.

The Texas Department of State Health Services website (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us ) also includes updates and a section on personal and family preparedness. Just click on Swine Flu under Top Stories.

Again, any updates will be posted on our website and sent via email. The bottom line is, stay informed, be sensible and take care of yourself.

Bruce Leslie
Chancellor

Mental Health Screening

Mental Health Screening

Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Anxiety

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)


Screening will be available to

students, faculty and staff of Palo Alto College


Monday, April 27, 2009

9:00AM – 12:00PM
Call for an appointment 486-3180


Screening Location:
Passkey Department
AT206

Sponsored by:

Counseling Dept.
PASSkey Program

Become an SGA Officer

PALO ALTO COLLEGE
Student Government Association

Application for office of the 2009-2010 Student Government Association
will be accepted through April 28, 2009 at 5:00 pm.
Pick up and turn in applications to
Student Activities Office, Student Center 100

Minimum eligibility:
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be in good standing with the College
Maintain a minimum course load of six (6) semester hours and maintain a minimum 65% overall course completion rate.
Must participate in the ACCD Student Leadership Institute
Must attend Student Government monthly meetings
Willingness to participate in campus committees
Mandatory 5 office hours per week
Write a short personal essay indicating why you want to be a SGA Officer.
Current SGA Officers seeking re-election must meet with all current SGA Advisors for recommendation.

REQUIREMENTS:
COMPLETE APPLICATION BY DEADLINE
ESSAY (ONE PAGE MAXIMUM)
2 RECOMMENDATIONS (1 MUST BE FROM FACULTY OR STAFF MEMBER)

Shaun Stevens at PACfest

Shaun Stevens
KABB Fox 29
Meteorologist


Will be doing weather reports from Palo Alto College
Featuring
PACfest preparations
Thursday, April 23
7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Watch us as you get ready for work!

PACfest 2009

NASHVILLE STAR FINALIST GABE GARCIA
HEADLINES PACfest 2009

SAN ANTONIO—Lytle native and Nashville Star 2008 finalist Gabe Garcia will headline Palo Alto College’s PACfest 2009, an official Fiesta San Antonio event, in the campus courtyard, April 23.

The family-oriented and alcohol-free event begins at 11 a.m. with a performance by Mariachi Palomino, and ends at 9 p.m. Admission to grounds and band performances, held on two stages, is free.

Girl in a Coma will open the day’s musical entertainment with a performance on the PAC Stage at 11:30 a.m. Also performing on the PAC Stage will be Los Desperadoz at 4:30 p.m., and Gabe Garcia at 7 p.m.

Performing on the Palomino Stage will be VonArmy at 1 p.m.; Dog Men Poets at 2 p.m.; Nothing More at 3 p.m.; Heather Go Psycho at 4 p.m.; Fall of a Legacy at 5 p.m.; and Conjunto Palo Alto at 6 p.m.

Along with a variety of musical acts, PACfest features food and novelty booths, as well as an open car show and games. Military displays presented by U.S. Armed Forces will be featured at PACfest.

Fiesta Royalty is also scheduled to appear throughout the day.

For more information on PACfest 2009, call PAC’s Office of Student Activities at (210) 486-3125. For information on the car show, call Ike Aragon at (210) 422-6361.

Southwest Airlines/HACU Open Travel Program

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AND THE HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HACU)OPEN TRAVEL PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Click here to apply now!

Applications are due Friday, June 5, 2009.

Dallas – April 13, 2009 – Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), announced today the opening of “Dándole Alas a Tu Éxito/Giving Flight to Your Success,” its annual education travel award program. This program starts today with online applications at www.hacu.net/hacu/Lanzate_EN.asp accepted through June 5, 2009. A panel of judges comprised of college professors and education advocates from coast to coast will gather in the summer to select the students who will receive free travel to their colleges and universities.

Each student is eligible to receive from one to four tickets which the student or an immediate family member can use in the Fall to travel to/from a college or university. The travel tickets are awarded to undergraduate and graduate Hispanic students with socio-economic need who journey away from home to pursue higher education. All of the participants must submit an essay explaining why they deserve the travel award and what inspires them to pursue a college degree. To view the criteria for the 2009 award program, please click here.

"For more than twenty years, HACU has dedicated efforts to ensure Hispanic success in higher education," said Antonio Flores, President and CEO of HACU, the only national education organization for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. "HACU is proud to partner with Southwest Airlines, for the fifth year, on the ‘Dándole Alas a Tu Éxito/Giving Flight to Your Success’ travel award program. During these difficult economic times, these travel awards are essential to many students currently enrolled in college."

With more than 1,000 applicants in the last four years, “Lánzate/Take Off” is a successful educational program that serves underprivileged students, providing free travel for them and their families to maximize their potential and create opportunities for growth.

“The 'Lánzate/Take Off' travel award allows a student to go home during Christmas break or allows a parent to see their child at graduation,” said Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines Corporate Community Affairs Manager. “This contact removes barriers and gives each student more confidence to pursue their dreams of higher education without worrying about the family’s economic hardships,” says Ortega.

HACU, which has its national headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, represents approximately 450 colleges and universities, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which collectively serve more than two-thirds of all Hispanic higher education students in the United States and Puerto Rico. HACU’s international membership includes leading higher education institutions in Latin America and Europe.

After nearly 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to offer the best value in airline travel, allowing Customers the opportunity to travel nonstop throughout the country at a very low fare. Southwest does not charge fees for the first or second checked bag, or for snacks or changes in travel itineraries. Since 1987, the airline has maintained the lowest ratio of customer complaints to enplanements as published in the Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 65 cities in 33 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 employees systemwide. www.southwest.com

Project Identification

Project Identification

Free
“Project Identification”
--with fingerprinting and photo!

April 20 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
April 27 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
May 4-8 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Palo Alto College
PORT 1 Room 402 on April 20 and 27
PORT 1 Room 301 on May 4-8--These are the old A&M portables

PAC on Facebook

Please click on the image and let us know what you think.

PAC & Wiley Faculty Network

The following message is sent on behalf of:
Sabrina J. Carey
Assistant to the President
Palo Alto College

Palo Alto College and The Wiley Faculty Network are pleased to invite you to join your colleagues and faculty from all over the world as we explore new teaching techniques, new ways to engage students, and the latest classroom technologies…and you can do this without leaving your office. Each virtual Guest Lecture is led by one of your colleagues in the field. All you need to participate is a computer with high-speed internet access – there’s no cost to you.

Your Palo Alto colleagues have selected a series of Guest Lectures from our current schedule (see below). This series is well-suited to help you navigate current campus conditions, meet training needs, and engage with others on timely topics.

Learning from Visuals – Explore the OpportunitiesPresenter: Matthew Leavitt, through a partnership with National GeographicMonday, April 20th, 2009 at 4:00pm Eastern Time – Duration 1 hour (that is 3:00 Texas time)

The World is Open: Now, WE-ALL-LEARN with Web TechnologyPresenter: Curt Bonk, Indiana UniversityTuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 4:00pm Eastern Time – Duration 1 hour (that is 3:00 Texas time)

Click here to register! Once registered, you will receive detailed attendance instructions.
Sincerely,
Palo Alto College and Your Wiley Faculty Network Team

Facebook

Please click on the graphic and let us know what you think.

PAC Closed on Friday

Palo Alto College will be closed on Friday, April 10. We will resume regular hours on Monday, April 13.

Seeking Student of the Month Nominations

Accepting Nominations for the Alamo Colleges Student of the Month

The Office of Student Life is accepting nominations for the Alamo Colleges Student of the Month. The Student of the Month will be recognized at the May 19, 2009 meeting of the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees. Nominations can be made by completing the attached nomination form. Forms must be printed (be sure to include your signature) and submitted to the Office of Student Life, Student Center room 100. Nomination forms are also available at the Office of Student Life.

· Nomination Deadline: Monday, April 27, 2009
· Student Notified: Monday, May 4, 2009
· Student of the Month Recognized at Board Meeting: Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Requirements

Nominees must:
be enrolled at Palo Alto College for 6 or more hours
be in good standing with the College
have at least a 3.0 grade point average (cumulative GPA)
have completed a minimum of 15 hours at PAC
be willing to be present at the May Board Meeting

Benefits:

student will be recognized at the May 19, 2009 Alamo Colleges Board Meeting; student will receive plaque
$500.00 scholarship
picture and short bio on the Alamo Colleges webpage and other Alamo Colleges publications


Call 210.486.3125 for more information.

Advising for Students with Declared Major

ATTENTION: Currently Enrolled Students with a Declared Major

Now is the time to schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor to figure out what courses you should take in the spring semester!

Faculty Advising for the fall semester runs April 3 to May 1

Online registration for the fall semester begins April 20

Meeting with your Faculty Advisor regularly ensures you are on the fast track to graduation by taking the right courses. Registering early guarantees you get the classes and times that work with your schedule.

Ensure your success – see your Faculty Advisor!

Keep in mind that Faculty Advisors do not advise between the dates of May 4 – May 10 – finals week and that faculty advisor availability is limited during the summer.

Your major determines who your faculty advisor is, to find your faculty advisor go online at http://www.accd.edu/pac/htm/Current/welcome/team/team_faculty.htm

For additional information on advising contact the Welcome Enrollment Center at 486-3120, press 1

Gabe Garcia to Headline PACfest 2009

Lytle native and Nashville Star 2008 finalist Gabe Garcia will headline Palo Alto College’s PACfest 2009, an official Fiesta San Antonio event, in the campus courtyard, April 23.

The family-oriented and alcohol-free event begins at 11 a.m. with a performance by Mariachi Palomino, and ends at 9 p.m. Admission to grounds and band performances, held on two stages, is free.

Girl in a Coma will open the day’s musical entertainment with a performance on the PAC Stage at 11:30 a.m. Also performing on the PAC Stage will be Los Desperadoz at 4:30 p.m., and Gabe Garcia at 7 p.m.

Performing on the Palomino Stage will be VonArmy at 1 p.m.; Dog Men Poets at 2 p.m.; Nothing More at 3 p.m.; Heather Go Psycho at 4 p.m.; Fall of a Legacy at 5 p.m.; and Conjunto Palo Alto at 6 p.m.

Along with a variety of musical acts, PACfest features food and novelty booths, as well as an open car show and games.

“The PACfest Committee has gone through great efforts to ensure a dynamic entertainment ensemble,” said Vincent Bosquez, PACfest Co-Chair. “We have spared no expense in bringing some of the finest musical talents in South Texas to Palo Alto College for the enjoyment of our surrounding community.”

Fiesta Royalty is also scheduled to appear throughout the day.

For more information on PACfest 2009, call PAC’s Office of Student Activities at (210) 486-3125. For information on the car show, call Ike Aragon at (210) 422-6361.

PAC's Phi Theta Kappa

Thank you to Elsa Henderson for providing the write-up below:

Every two years Phi Theta Kappa International develops and initiates an Honors Study Topic. The current topic is The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges, and Consequences.

According to the Phi Theta Kappa International website, the Honors Study Topic “provides avenues for honors students to enrich their scholarly endeavors with the interdisciplinary exploration of a timely topic and then apply their knowledge as servant leaders in the college and the community.”

With this in mind the Palo Alto College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa chose to start work on a project that incorporates multiple aspects of the topic. Chapter officer Joaquin Sandoval has worked closely with Viva Verde on the campus recycling program, so the chapter decided to highlight the environmental aspect of The Paradox of Affluence and its impact on the Fine Arts. Art Major and Phi Theta Kappa chapter officer Elsa Henderson; the creative force behind the art work, put together and led a team to develop a sculpture made out of recyclable plastic bottles. One of the goals of the project was to convey a message of unity among the Palo Alto student body, and faculty by drawing several student organizations and faculty members into the project.

With the help of members of the Alpha Pi Iota chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, members of the Gamma Epsilon chapter of Chi Alpha Epsilon, Palo Alto Art Students, and the support of Dr. Alba DeLeon, Mark Hogenson, Cakky Brawley, and Joan Osborne, there is now a thought provoking sculpture in the Performing Arts Building on display in the “Women and Their Environment” exhibition.

The laborious process of collecting and prepping bottles actually began last semester. After a series of design committee meetings, much appreciated advisement from Cakky Brawley, and a lot of hard work, the sculpture began to take form.

According to Henderson “Several students volunteered their time toward completion of this project, putting in long hours before, after, and in between classes and work schedules.” The bottles had to be washed, dried, and have labels peeled off. The design had to appear to flow so several ideas were kicked around concerning assembly.

After Dr. DeLeon’s invitation to exhibit the work, the volunteers were motivated and inspired by the opportunity to display a work in progress and to give special recognition to the women in our environment. The sculpture on display all month long is designed to provoke thought about our society’s impact on the environment we live in. Not just the ecology, but the arts, the economics, the geography, and the people. We wanted every viewer to look at the design and come away with a unique perspective on the contradictions inherent in an affluent society. Phase II and Phase III of this project will be a study on the impact of plastics on our total environment, and a video or pictorial documentary.

World Autism Awareness Day

Today--April 2--is World Autism Awareness Day.

I came across this commentary by Didi Conn on CNN.com regarding her struggles and triumphs in dealing with her son's autism and I wanted to share it with you in the hopes that you may gain a better understanding of autism.

A lot of you may remember Didi Conn from the movie "Grease" where she played the role of "Frenchy" in a memorable performance. I, however, remember her from a chance encounter on a train almost 30 years ago ('78-'79 timeframe).

I was a young lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, with not much to do on the weekends since I was far from home, family and friends. I got into the habit on payday weekends to take a train ride either up or down the California coast so that I can see and visit all the beautiful towns that dot the coastal state.

One weekend, as I prepared to board a train in Los Angeles back to Oceanside, Ca., I saw a lady at the gift counter that looked familiar to me. I knew it couldn't have been someone I knew since I'm sure a relative or friend would have told me they would be coming to California, yet I couldn't help but feel I knew this girl.

I entered the gift shop and suddenly realized it was Didi Conn! You'll probably laugh at me now, but I can't tell you how many times I had seen "Grease" and "You Light Up My Life" when they first came out on the big screen (this is before DVDs and yes, even VCRs!). I was absolutely sure it was her and was happily surprised when she boarded the same train I was catching.

I followed her to her seat and she sat on one side of the isle and I sat on the other. She was carrying a lot of paper and a couple of large yellow envelopes with her. Once the train started moving, she got up to go to the bathroom and I leaned over to see if the address label said her name. It did.

When she returned to her seat I leaned over and asked if she was Didi Conn. She said yes and I proceeded to tell her I was her biggest fan! I also told her she was the first celebrity I had met in California and then told her how much I enjoyed watching her movies. She gave me a genuine smile and then asked me to sit next to her. She then said I could ask her any question about anything I wanted to know about her and making movies, the only stipulation she added was that I couldn't ask her any questions about her boyfriend. She took my hand and I asked her questions and she answered them until the train pulled into Oceanside. As you can see, I will never forget that kind gesture from a celebrity to a very appreciative fan.

PACfest 2009

MORE ENTERTAINMENT!
MORE FOOD BOOTHS!!
MORE FUN!!!

…And Don’t Forget the Car Show!

PACfest 2009
Thursday, April 23
11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

www.accd.edu/pac/pacfest