Spring 2010 Creative Writing Course

CREATIVE WRITING
ENGL 2307


Tuesday / Thursday 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Sect. 001 (11993)
Location: AT 206
Professor: Doyle Avant

This will be an action-packed, thrill a minute class covering a wide variety of creative writing forms: personal-reflective journal, short fiction and non-fiction, poetry, monologues, dramatic (plays and films), and even the perfect email guaranteed to get a date with that special someone (optional assignment).

If you think you can’t write, think again. If you think you have nothing interesting to say, get ready to change your mind and create something powerful. We’ll do a bit of reading and a lot of writing – but none of that boring English 1301 five paragraph essay stuff about something you don’t even want to think about, complete with MLA citation – no!

There will be no MLA citation in this class. In fact, anyone who even mentions MLA will be in serious trouble. You will be writing things that YOU want to write, learning and experimenting with new forms to express yourselves.

Part of the class will operate like a workshop, lots of sitting in circles, everyone talking at once and constructively critiquing each other’s work. Always constructive. And lively. Lively is good.
If you have dreams of being a poet, novelist, playwright, screen-writer, editorialist, humorist, or just a blogger posting brilliant observations on your wildly popular web sight – Spring 2010 is the time to get started and English 2307 is the place.

Doyle Avant is a playwright, screenwriter, fiction writer and solo performer. He has presented work in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and with Jump-Start Performance Company right here in San Antonio. He drinks a lot of coffee.

Any questions? Email me at doyleavant@earthlink.net (Please put "creative writing" in the subject line.)

Blackboard Vista URL Change

Dear Students/Faculty/Staff:

This is a reminder to inform you that we changed the Blackboard Vista URL last week as part of the Alamo Colleges domain name change.

The old URL is http://vista.accd.edu

The new URL is http://vista.alamo.edu

If you have the old URL bookmarked, please remove it and add the new one. Your username/password WILL NO LONGER work on the old URL.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Support Central at (210) 485-0555, Option 4.

Reminder Holiday Hours this week:
12/26-30/2009: 8A-5P CST
01/02-03/2010: 8A-5P CST

Normal hours of Operations resume on 01/04/2010.

Regards,
Kenny Patterson
Client Services – ITS
(210) 485-0480 office

Express-News' 2009 Top Stories of the Year

In yesterday's Metro Section of the San Antonio Express-News, the paper listed its "Top 10" stories of the year.

Number four on the list was "Julian Castro wins mayor's race." The PAC connection with this story is that the mayor's mom--Rosie Castro--is the Director of the Center for Academic Transitions.

Number eight on the list was "Local Little League team makes the big time." The PAC connection with this story is that the coach of the McAllister Parl All-Stars, Mike Shull, is the son of Ellen Shull, a professor of English at PAC, and editor of the Palo Alto Review. Her grandson, John Shull, was also a member of the team.

Congratulations John Hernandez

Congratulations to PAC art instructor John Hernandez who was recognized in today's San Antonio Express-News in the Life and Culturas section, for "Zoe's Room," that was on display at the San Antonio Museum of Art--naming it one of the best visual art presentations in 2009.

Click here for the ARTICLE.

Message from the Chancellor

This year has been successful for the Alamo Colleges. This fall we reached a milestone of enrolling over 60,000 credit students and completed construction of our new facilities, on time and under budget, including 24 buildings comprising 1.2 million square feet. We also saw the successful expansion of our regional centers, reaching a total enrollment of 7,000 students. During this time of gratitude, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our partners, supporters, and friends.

We hope you will take a moment to click the link below and view the card designed by Maria Guerrero, a talented and creative student from our Northwest Vista College. The card is one of our many efforts toward living green.

http://www.alamo.edu/ecard
Best wishes for a joyous holiday season from our family to yours.

Happy Holidays,

Dr. Bruce Leslie, Chancellor and
the Faculty, Staff, and Board of Trustees of your Alamo Colleges

Board of Trustees:
District 1 Dr. Bernard K. Weiner
District 2 Denver McClendon, Chairman
District 3 Anna U. Bustamante, Assistant Secretary
District 4 Marcelo S. Casillas, Secretary
District 5 Roberto Zárate
District 6 Dr. Gene Sprague
District 7 Blakely L. Fernandez
District 8 Gary Beitzel, Vice Chairman
District 9 James A. Rindfuss

Remembering Angela De Hoyos

From Juan Tejeda:

Carnalas y Carnales: As you probably know, Angela De Hoyos, a great lady of Chican@ letters and a personal friend and mentor to me and many of us here in San Antonio and other parts, passed away on September 24, 2009. In her honor and memory, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and many of her friends from the Chicano literary and arts community and various organizations are producing a special tribute to be held on Saturday, January 9 at 7pm at the Guadalupe Theater in San Antonio (see attached invite). The event is free and many of Angela's camaradas will be there to remember her, read from her works, and just to celebrate her life that impacted us all. Among some of the writers, artists and cultural activists that will be there are Carmen Tafolla, Vangie Vigil, Antonia Castaneda, Norma Cantu, Rosemary Catacalos, Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, Reyes Cardenas, Rosie Castro, Josie Casarez, Bryce Milligan, Juan Rodriguez, Enedina Casarez-Vasquez, Pedro Rodriguez, Patty Ortiz, Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez y muchos mas. Of course, Angela's husband, Moises (Sandy) Sandoval will be there and there will be a ceremonia de la danza Azteca, musica, an exhibit and display of photos and Angela's work, tamales, chocolate y pan dulce and it's free. This is a special invite to you and all of Angela's friends. Spread the word. Gracias. Angela De Hoyos, presente. juan

Wii Fit at Palo Alto College

Here's an article from this week's Southside Reporter: Wii Fit

Express-News Editorial

Here's a link to an editorial in today's San Antonio Express News: EDITORIAL

Veterans Day 2009

Rememberances of Veterans Day 2009.

Student Affairs staff members pose with their "We Support Our Veterans" t-shirts at the end of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2009. Along with a recognition ceremony, veterans were offered an early registration opportunity to enroll for the Spring 2010 semester. Approximately 100 veterans took advantage of the opportunity!

Recommend a Band for PACfest

RECOMMEND A BAND FOR PACFEST 2010!

Planning is underway for PACFest 2010 and I would like YOU to be a part of our entertainment sub-committee by giving us your recommendations on musical acts or performances to consider scheduling for this official Fiesta San Antonio celebration!!!

During PACfest 2009 we had bands like Gabe Garcia, Los Desperadoz, Girl in a Coma and VonArmy! Who should we consider for 2010?

Please take a moment to send me your recommendations on acts to consider for PACfest 2010. Just keep in mind that we’re looking for professional, established recording artists with a home-base in San Antonio or South Texas, that appeal to a wide range of people.

On another note: During PACfest 2009 we had a second stage where student bands performed. The PACFest Committee would like your recommendation (nominate yourself if you have a band!) on who should perform. If necessary, auditions will be held.

Please send your recommendations, and if possible, contact information or website address to Vincent Bosquez, Director of Public Relations at Palo Alto College, and PACFest Committee Co-Chair. The email address is: vbosquez3@alamo.edu. Or call me at (210) 486-3880.

SEND ME YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
OVER THE HOLIDAY BREAK!
PACFEST 2010 IS

APRIL 22, 2010

A&M Kingsville 2+2 Plan w/PAC

Center for Academic Transitions would like to inform you that the TX A&M-Kingsville/PAC (San Antonio) link connected to the 2+2 transfer plans has been updated to http://www.tamuk.edu/sanantonio/undergraduatetransferplans.asp.

These are the new transfer plans that PAC students should be following. If further instruction is needed, please contact the CAT center.

Accreditation Review Committee Report

Below is the link to the Accreditation Review Committee Report.

http://www.alamo.edu/district/admin/chancellor/pdf/091216-Final-ARC-Report.pdf

The report is also available through our main web page at www.alamo.edu ---it alternates with the “Rock. Enroll” web banner at the top of the page.


Leo Zuniga
Associate Vice Chancellor of Communications
Alamo Colleges
201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. C
San Antonio, TX 78204-1429
210/485-0035
210/485-0040 (fax)

Mission Verde Project

Tuesday evening, the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees authorized the Chancellor to negotiate a Memorandum of Agreement and no-cost lease for the Mission Verde Project with the City of San Antonio, San Antonio ISD, San Antonio Youth Centers, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System.

The Alamo Colleges will provide customized job training programs for entry level employment in weatherization, energy conservation and alternative energies, such as solar and wind; provide dual credit courses for San Antonio Youth Centers students; and assign qualified instructors to teach dual credit and job training programs as appropriate.

Natatorium Closed for Holidays

The Natatorium is closed for the holidays beginning December 19 to January 3, 2010. We will resume regular schedule on January 4, 2010. In case of an emergency please call the Department of Public Safety at 222-0911. Have a safe holiday.

Aviation Program Highlighted

John Aken, Lead Instructor of Aviation Technology, reports that the Aviation Technology program participated in the McCollum High School Career Day. Aken, along with eight Palo Alto College students, put up an Aviation display with a bush pilot video. The college students interacted with the high school students as well.

Student Affairs Offices

Due to the move to the Palomino Center, the following Student Affairs Offices will be operating in the Center for Academic Transitions (CAT) in the Student Center today, Tuesday, Dec.14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

Counseling
Enrollment Services (i.e. Admissions & Records)
Financial Aid
Welcome Advising Center

PAC Bereavement Announcement

The brother of Charley Garcia, Student Success Team Leader in the Center for Academic Transitions, has passed away in California. Our prayers are with Charley and his family as they travel to the funeral in California.

Ann Turner Update

Dear PAC Colleagues,

Ann Turner, PAC Professor of Drama and Speech, is at the hospital today ready to undergo brain surgery this afternoon. She has a non-malignant brain tumor that has been growing.

Ann has been at PAC since 1987.

If you want further information or updates over the holidays, please contact Dr. Denise Barkis Richter at drichter@alamo.edu. She will be watching her work email.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann.

Phone Issue Resolved

The phone issues identified earlier this morning have been resolved. The Alamo Colleges were experiencing a problem with inbound/outbound telephone calling. Several inbound calling trunks went down, and inbound telephone call capacity was degraded approximately 60%. As a result, some outside callers to the Alamo Colleges may have experienced busy signals when calling us.

The problem was diagnosed as a vendor issue, and AT&T corrected the issue. We are now back at full capacity.

Thank you for your patience

Alamo Colleges District ITS

Intermittent Phone Issues

Dear Colleagues:

Currently, we are experiencing issues affecting the VoIP phone system. As a result, you may not be able to receive incoming calls from or dial outgoing calls to telephone numbers outside of the Alamo Colleges network. The issue is intermittent; however, we wanted to advise everyone since we do not know which location or college extensions may be affected.

Four out of the six T1 incoming circuits are experiencing problems that have been isolated on the vendor side of the network. The vendor has been contacted. Once there is resolution, another notice will be sent out.

We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are working diligently with the vendor to get the issue resolved.

Regards,
Alamo Colleges District ITS

SLHW's List of Top 10 Hispanic Books of 2009

The Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio has issued its Top 10 List of the Best Hispanic Books of 2009:

1. Confetti Girl by Diana Lopez
2. GI Bones by Martin Limon
3. Dancing with Butterflies by Reyna Grande
4. The Invisible Mountain by Carolina De Robertis
5. B as in Beauty by Alberto Ferreras
6. Amigoland by Oscar Casares
7. Damas, Drama and Ana Ruiz by Belinda Acosta
8. Last Night I Sang to the Monster by Bejamin Alire Saenz
9. Diego: Bigger Than Life by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
10. Tell me Something True by Leila Cobo

With regards to Latino Authors who have released their debut books, here are some of the best ones that have come across my desk:

1. Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa "Daughters of the Stone"
2. Belinda Acosta, Damas, Drama and Ana Ruiz
3. Julia Amante, Evenings at the Argentine Club
4. Leila Cobo, Tell Me Something True
5. The Invisible Mountain, Carolina De Robertis

Student Affairs Update

Due to the move to the Palomino Center, the following Student Affairs Offices will continue to operate in the Center for Academic Transitions (CAT) in the Student Center on Monday, December 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

Counseling
Enrollment Services (i.e. Admissions & Records)
Financial Aid
Welcome Advising Center

Recommended Holiday Phone Message

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Below is a suggested phone message to record on your phone before you leave for the holiday break:

The Alamo Community Colleges are closed for the holidays beginning December 19. This includes Palo Alto College and its satellite locations and offices. We will resume regular operating hours on Monday, January 4, 2010. In case of an emergency, please call our Department of Public Safety at 222-0911. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Thank you,
Vince

Jane Hope Memorial Scholarship Winners

The Jane Hope Memorial Scholarship Selection Committee is pleased to announce the Spring 2010 scholarship recipients.

1. Crystal Barnes
2. Raquel Hernandez
3. Loraine Rodriguez

Each student will receive $500 for the Spring semester at Palo Alto College. This is a onetime award. The scholarship will not be renewed, however a qualified student could reapply at a future date.

Congratulations, Scholarship Recipients!

Help Out Elf Louise

Here are some photos of members of PAC’s woman’s basketball team that volunteered to wrap presents for the Elf Louise project at South Park Mall yesterday afternoon. Their hard work and dedication went a long way in presenting the basketball program and Palo Alto College in a very positive light.

Congrats to SAC's Rosie Lucio

Congratulations to Rosie Lucio, Senior Secretary in the American Sign Language and Interpreter Training Department at San Antonio College for being named District-Wide Employee of the Year.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Thanks,
Jerry G.

Geraldo R. Guerra
President - Alamo Colleges Unified Staff Council

Palomino Choir Meeting

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
Wednesday is the final rehearsal of the Palomino Choir, which has performed each year since 2003 for the Holiday Luncheon, which is scheduled Dec. 11.We’re missing some of our regulars who have moved on, so if you’ve wanted to join this FUN CHOIR, now is the time!

We’ve got new songs, new ideas to entertain our colleagues – and Santa will be part of our act.
So PLEASE plan to attend the final rehearsal:

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.PERF 190 (Recital Hall) in New Performing Arts Center
You do not have to be an accomplished soloist to participate. These will be familiar songs, and we’ll even teach you some Spanish!

Hope to see you there!
Ginger Carnes & Sharon Carson, Coordinators

Employee Needs Our Help

To PAC Employees:

The apartment of Trina Jimenez, a child development specialist at our REFC since it opened in 2001, was among fire victims on Saturday on the Southeast side.

She has lost 85 percent of all her belongings. She is staying with friends.

She had renter's insurance, but she needs some help to tide her over until she can replace items.If you are willing to help her, please bring items to my office and I will be sure she gets them.

She particularly needs:
Medium tops
Size 8-10 shorts/capris
Cash (to purchase items at Goodwill) or gift cards (H-E-B, Walmart)

Thanks for your willingness to help a colleague.
(I will not be in the office on Tuesday, so you can take items to Sabina Cerda, English Department secretary.)

Ginger Hall Carnes S
taff Council President
Palo Alto College
1400 W. Villaret Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78224
www.alamo.edu/pac
(o) 210/486-3884
(cell) 210/573-3922
(fax) 210/486-3881

Be Advised Today and Tomorrow!

PAC FACULTY IS READY

TO HELP YOU REGISTER TODAY!!!!

PAC FACULTY ADVISING DAYS

Monday, December 7

Tuesday, December 8

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Student Center (Cafeteria) Annex

PAC Weather Update

From alamo.edu:

All Alamo Colleges remain open and are operating under normal conditions. All weekend classes and other activities will proceed as scheduled.

Posted Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at 1 p.m.

Next update is at 3 p.m.

Weather Hotline: 485-0189

Weather Update

From alamo.edu:

Trace of snow flurries have been reported on the south side and west side of San Antonio. All Alamo Colleges remain open and are operating under normal conditions. All weekend classes and other activities will proceed as scheduled.

Posted Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 at 10:08 a.m.

Next update at 1 p.m.

Weather Hotline: 485-0189

Snow at PAC!

And here's the photo by Ginger Carnes to prove it!

Weather Message

As of 9 a.m. today, the web site message on www.alamo.edu reads: “All Alamo Colleges are open and operating under normal conditions. As of now, all weekend classes and other activities will proceed as scheduled."

Next update from District is at 11 a.m.

End of Semester Pet Adoption

It is time again to start the adoptions of our animals that the students have worked with throughout the semester.

We have loving dogs and cats which would love to have a good home.
Attached you will find pictures and information about the animals that are available. (Birthdays and breeds are estimated)

They will only be available to adopt only from Schertz Animal Control beginning December 12th.

There will be an adoption fee of $35 per cat/dog, when you mention that the animal came from the program.

All animals have their vaccinations, have been spayed/neutered, on heartworm & flea preventative & microchipped.


We would also like to thank everyone who were able to donate towels and newspaper for our animals it is greatly appreciated. We are still openly accepting gently used blankets, towels and newspaper since they are used on a daily basis.

Thank you for your support,

Inclement Weather Plan

Per Mr. Jim McLaughlin, all Alamo Colleges will be open on Friday, December 4, unless otherwise notified through our Emergency Notification System or on our web page, www.alamo.edu

The same applies to Saturday’s classes.

The Communications Department continues to monitor local school districts for their plans of action for tomorrow. Our Police Department continues to monitor weather reports. For updates, please check our web site at www.alamo.edu, especially tomorrow morning beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Leo Zuniga
Associate Vice Chancellor of Communications
Alamo Colleges
201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. C
San Antonio, TX 78204-1429
210/485-0035
210/485-0040 (fax)

Blue Shirt Monday

BLUE SHIRT MONDAY
Dec. 7, 2009
Sponsored by PAC Staff Council

Win Prizes
Build PAC Spirit
Celebrate the Staff
Honor the Winners of the Door Decorating Contest

All professional and classified PAC Staff are invited to wear the Blue Staff T-Shirts that were given away at the Fall BBQ. (We have more Medium/Large/XL available. Contact Sabina Cerda or Ginger Carnes.)

Sometime before 3:30 p.m., go to one of these locations and fill out a ticket for a drawing for some prizes. You must be wearing your Blue Shirt to enter the drawing (You can wear a jacket over it in this cold weather!) You may only enter ONCE and you do not need to be present to win.

Drawing will be at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Student Center Annex.

FOB 130 – English Offices – Contact: Sabina Cerda
SWF 205 – Dean of Arts & Sciences
– Contact: Dana Reed

PAC Pro Wrestling

SMACK!!!
BAM!!!

T-N-T
Pro Wrestling

Palo Alto College Gym

Friday, Dec 4

Doors open at 5 pm
Bell time 6 pm

$5 at door
Free with Alamo Colleges ID
Kids 3 and under free
For more information call the
Palo Alto College
OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE
210.486.3125

Summer/Fall 2009 Graduates

Are you completing you requirements for Graduation at the end of the Fall 2009 semester? Did you complete your requirements in the Summer of 2009? If so, I would like to invite you and a guest to an Academic Achievement Dinner in the PAC Student Center Annex on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Call PR Dept at (210) 486-3880 for more info.

Job Opportunities in Science and Math

Ever wonder how Science or Math can work for you?
The opportunity to earn money, gain experience and boost your resume is only 3 clicks away!

Go to https://accdpeoplelink.accd.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1259632206020 .
1. Click on “JOBS” on the left side of the page.
2. Click on “Search Job Postings”.
3. Choose PAC for the Location.

Now accepting applications for Tutor I-V (Math & Science), Clerk I (Peer Mentors for Math & Science), and Supplemental Instruction Leader I-V (Math & Science).


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stamatis Muratidis, Ph.D. Angela Miller
Instructor of Chemistry Instructor of Mathematics
GE 216 LL 114
(210) 486-3391 (210) 486-3295

Palo Alto College is the recipient of the Motivating Opportunity to Involve Valuable Education (MOTIVÉ) Title V STEM grant, which seeks to diversify the ranks of students pursuing STEM fields and transferring to universities. Palo Alto College is eligible to receive this grant as a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution.

PAC Glucometer Winners

Diabetes Testing Day
Thanks to all who participated in our Diabetes Testing Day event!
The following participants
won a free glucometer.

*Samuel Benavides *Michael Cardosa
*Aurelia Garebay *Frank Martinez
*Maria Ibarra *Pearl E. Ortega
*Heather Morgan *Lisa Jendrzey

Glucometers may be picked up at the Health Center Mon. - Fri. 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Please call prior to pick up at: 486-3222 to ensure staff availability.