The Voice of Central New Mexico College
Photos by Mark Graven
Staff Writer
(slide show)
Daylight positively impacts the mental health and well-being of students according to CNM officials. This supposition is reflected in the myriad of windows incorporated in the newly renovated Max Salazar Hall, and incorporated in a hallway sign.
Welcome to our photographic tour of the wonderful world of windows from the third and fourth floors of MS, as the early July sunlight shines in.
Here comes the sun!
Story by Mark Graven
Staff Reporter
The Executive Council of Students (ECOS) met with Dean of Students Chris Cavazos to discuss the number of members and officers need to charter, or renew, a club at its June 18th on-line meeting.
Currently, CNM requires that clubs have at least eight active members, with four of them serving as officers.
ECOS members and Cavazos discussed a proposal whereby five active members and two officers would be sufficient to charter a club.
“Five (members) would be great,” said Cavazos, adding that it would represent an effort by the college and ECOS to get students more engaged.
When students are more engaged, they are more successful, he said.
CNM had more than 25 clubs and organizations in operation before the Covid pandemic shut down in-person activities on campus. Some clubs were able to stay active but others have fallen off over the last year and a half.
ECOS, which is in charge of allocating funds for the clubs, which comes out of student registration fees, last year decided to allocate funds at 50 percent of previous levels, until the campus returned to normal operations.
The ECOS board members discussed with Cavozos, the problem of club continuity, and officers being able to know the proper procedures in obtaining, and using, funds.
Kristofer Gaussoin, CNM director of student conduct and responsibilities and the official advisor to ECOS, noted that the college is working on an on-line training program for club officers, which could help overcome the problem of getting officers to in-person training.
ECOS President Alex Crossland said that at a community college, there can be more frequent turnover among officers, so clubs might need to lean more on faculty advisors to help maintain continuity.
Colin Stapleton, ECOS outreach officer, noted that faculty advisors tend to have a wide range of involvement.
Cavazos said that the role of faculty advisors in maintaining club continuity was a factor to consider in deciding how to proceed. ECOS is expected to revisit the question at its next meeting.
ECOS is meeting every other Friday at 2 p.m. during Summer Semester.
Story by Salvador Zambrano
Staff Reporter
The Equity Council, a group comprised of CNM staff and employees, has designed a SharePoint Site that will provide monthly updates to the CNM community, said Travis Thompson, a member of the Equity Council.
Each month the site will provide information on different topics of racism as well as definitions and writing from their members regarding racial problems. Other informational resources will be available through the site like videos and pieces of artistic expression to promote a greater awareness, he said.
“The goal of our site is to create a greater understanding around racial equity, diversity, inclusion, race, ethnicity, white privilege culture, as well as to build a culture of anti-racism within and around our communities,” he said.
The Council is currently seeking approval on different ways to spread their information, said Sonia Crawford, a member of the Equity Council. They intend to spread their information to the entire CNM community.
The site is currently available and can be viewed by the CNM community but has not yet been announced by the Equity Council.
The site was designed to be easy to access important information as to encourage people to come back to the site to gain future information on different topics, said Thompson.
“We want to give credit to the entire Equity Council for their effort in making this site possible”, said both Thompson and Crawford.
The Equity Council site can be found by searching for them through the MyCNM website or by clicking here. The site gives more information on their goals as well as who is a part of the Council.
All information provided on their site is also available in Spanish for any Spanish speaking readers who are interested in learning more about the Equity Council.
Story and Photos
by Mark Graven
Staff Writing
Walking through the parking lot of CNM’s Student Service Center on the sunny afternoon of May 25th, sounds of a ball game were reverberating.
Looking over the fence on the South side of CNM’ main campus, one could see fans in the stands at Isotopes Stadium.
An organ player was revving up the crowd with traditional baseball motivators like the “Charge” cheer; “Day-O, Day-O,” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
The Albuquerque Isotopes were hosting the Oklahoma City Dodgers. The score of the game ended up 12 to 0, in favor of the Dodgers, but sports were back, in an area where they had been dormant because of the covid pandemic.
So there appeared to be some joy in ABQ, even though the home team had struck out. Fans were in the stands, and cars were filling the parking lots. Baseball was bringing the New Mexico sports Mecca–which also includes University Stadium for UNM Lobo football and “The Pit” basketball arena– back to life.
Folks can checks the Isotopes website for the schedule of games and ticket prices.
Story by
Dominique Lemus
Staff reporter
Topgolf Albuquerque
According to Topgolf employee, Jake Plotkin Topgolf is open Mondays through Sundays from 10am to 10pm.
Covid policies currently required reservations for bays required, and max capacity per bay is six people, including infants & children.
The bar and common areas are open for walk-ins but all guests are required to wear a facemask when in the venue.
Healthcare workers and Teachers are given a discount of 10% off all Topgolf game play plus additional benefits are offered for healthcare workers and teachers through April 30, 2021.
The normal cost per bay is listed below.
| Tuesdays | Wednesdays -Mondays | |
| Open-12PM | 12.50/hr per bay | $25/hr per bay |
| 12PM -5PM | $17.50/hr per bay | $35/hr per bay |
| 5PM- Close | $22.50/hr per bay | $45/hr per bay |
The Albuquerque Museum
According to Albuquerque museum employee, Haley Webb the Albuquerque Museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday 9 to 5, Thursdays through Sundays 9 to 8, and closed Mondays.
Covid policies currently require everyone to wear a facemask, and only 40 people are allowed in the museum every 30 minutes.
Tickets are not available to buy at the museum but are available to buy online through Hold My Ticket only.
The current cost for tickets is listed below.
| Seniors / Adults / NM Residents | $10 |
| Children 12 and under | Free |
| Albuquerque Museum Foundation Members with ID | $5 |
ABQ Biopark
According to the city of Albuquerque employee, Tim Garcia the Biopark is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Covid policies are social distancing between guests, restrooms will be available and are cleaned and sanitized frequently.
All ABQ BioPark staff members are required to wear facemasks and all guests are required to wear a facemask unless eating or drinking.
The Biopark is limiting the number of tickets available each day.
Guests can choose a time and date when they can buy tickets online and must arrive within a half-hour of that time.
There is a military discount offered, the normal cost for tickets is listed below.
| Adult | Senior (65+) | Youth (3-12) | |
| New Mexico resident | $10.00 | $5.50 | $5.00 |
| Non-resident | $14.50 | $7.50 | $6.00 |
| Military discount- New Mexico resident | – $8.00 | $4.00 | |
| Military discount- Non-resident | $12.50 | $5.00 |
* Children (2 and under) – Free with a purchase of an adult ticket
ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden
According to city of Albuquerque employee, Renee Castillo the Botanic Garden is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Covid policies require guests to buy tickets online just like the zoo and wear a facemask unless they are eating or drinking.
Outdoor food and beverage options and outdoor kiosks for merchandise are available.
Food can also be order online from the restaurants ahead of time.
There is a military discount offered, the cost for tickets is listed below.
| Adult | Senior (65+) | Youth (3-12) | |
| New Mexico resident | $10.00 | $5.50 | $5.00 |
| Non-resident | $14.50 | $7.50 | $6.00 |
| Military discount- New Mexico resident | – $8.00 | $4.00 | |
| Military discount- Non-resident | $12.50 | $5.00 |
* children (2 and under) – Free with a purchase of an adult ticket
Sandia Peak Tramway
According to Sandia Peak Tramway’s marketing manager, Jessica Fox they are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Mondays, closed Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Covid policies are that guests will be required to wear a facemask while on the Tramway and in Tram facilities, disposable face coverings will be available for use and temperature checks will be required.
TEN 3 Restaurant on the property will be doing indoor dining at 25% capacity.
Tramcars will operate at one-third capacity and will be cleaned and sanitized between each trip.
Windows and vents will be open during the tram flight and they ask you to wear warm clothing because it can be chilly.
Tram Tickets are available to buy online 24 hours before the day you plan to arrive and are limited.
There is a military discount offered, the cost for tickets is listed below.
| Adult 21 & Over | Child 0-12 | Young Adult 13-20 | Senior 62 & Over | Military* W/ valid ID | |
| Round-Trip Tram Ride | $25 | $15 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| One-Way | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
Story by Angela Harrington
Photos by CNM Chronicle
Staff Reporter
This year’s CNM graduation ceremony, scheduled for May 1st at 12 noon, will be virtual again, according to CNM Dean of Students, Chris Cavazos.
“A lot of factors played into the decision to go virtual” said Cavazos.
Cavazos said that the decision to hold a virtual ceremony had to be made in advance due to the need to procure vendors and the venue.
He said that normally they use Tingley Coliseum or Expo New Mexico to hold in-person ceremonies, but due to the pandemic these venues were not an option.
“Obviously we didn’t expect to be doing another virtual ceremony a year later. Last year was kind of a spur of the moment, let’s put something together and go for it [situation]” he said.
Due to timelines and the need for planning, the decision to remain virtual was made in late February, and confirmed in the middle of March, according to Cavazos.
“We are aware of other schools, especially APS, who are holding in-person ceremonies; but we had already at that point decided to do virtual for planning purposes” he said.
There is still some chance for an in-person drive-through recognition celebration, on the same day as the virtual ceremony, said Cavazos.
The proposed celebration may consist of a drive-through diploma pick-up in front of the Student Services Center, according to Cavazos.
He said, “The celebration that we’re hoping to plan is going to be more about fun and recognition. Kind of like when you walk out of the ceremony and you start cheering and clapping. That’s what the celebration piece will be.”
It may be a chance for graduating students to put on the cap and gown, if they choose to, and celebrate at a distance, according to Cavazos.
He said that this has not been fully approved yet but that he hopes to have a decision and final details pertaining to this in the next week or so.
Cavazos said, “Cap and gown are not required for the virtual ceremony. However, graduation items are available to purchase through Jostens.”
What is for certain though, is that the virtual graduation ceremony will be available to family and friends from anywhere in the world, by attending online, according to Cavazos.
“There are some pluses, some positives, to a virtual ceremony” Cavazos said.
Cavazos encourages graduates to participate in the virtual ceremony. If a student believes that they are eligible to participate, but they have not received an email with instructions, please contact the Student Activities office or email graduationceremony@cnm.edu.
According to Cavazos there are some deadlines for signing up. To have your name appear in the program, you must sign up by April 9th. To be part of the recording and have your name read out loud, the deadline is April 16th.
“I would definitely encourage participation, although it’s not as ideal as an in-person ceremony, such as previous graduates and future graduates will be able to experience” said Cavazos.
Students have earned the opportunity to participate in a ceremony and it’s their day, he said.
“Everyone is going to remember this time forever. So why not say, I graduated during a pandemic? That makes it an even bigger accomplishment, if you ask me” Cavazos said.
He said that the school wants the students to be recognized for their accomplishments.
“CNM is doing the best we can with what’s available now and what we’re allowed, to make it a memorable day” stated Cavazos.
Additional information about the proposed accompanying drive-through celebration will be made available as soon as the decision is finalized, said Cavazos.
He said, “For all our students, graduating or not, just to be successful in their education during this time of crisis, is really something to recognize and be proud of.” The Chronicle will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
By
Mark Graven
Staff Writer
Phil Lister, Dean of the School of Math, Science and Engineering at CNM has accepted an invitation to attend the next Executive Council of Students (ECOS) to be held March 19th, according to ECOS President Alex Crossland.
The EOCS board has been searching for a way of obtaining more interaction between professors and students in math and science courses in the remote learning process that has taken over CNM, during Covid times.
To that end the ECOS board members, at last Friday’s meeting, crafted an email inviting Dean Lister to meet with board members this coming Friday. By the end of the meeting last Friday, Lister replied that he would attend, Crossland announced.
Dean Lister presides over a large amount of academic territory at CNM. The MSE School offers degree programs in Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Earth and Planetary Science; Engineering; Geography; Mathematical Science; Nutrition; Physics; and Pre-Health Scidnce; and non-degree programs in Astronomy and Natural Science (for teachers).
Physics course have come under particular scrutiny at ECOS board meetings because they lack a lecture component, according to Imane Bahji. ECOS vice-president.
Bahji said that if difficult science and math courses are not going to offer lecture, or some other reasonable substitute for faculty student interaction, then CNM should say so upfront, so that students know what they are getting into.
ECOS had previously contacted CNM President Tracey Hartzler, and met the the Faculty Senate, but did not achieve the improvement to remote learning that board members wanted to see.
Students interested in watching ECOS meeting with Dean Lister can go to My CNM and search for ECOS meeting link. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., as per usual with ECOS meetings.
Story and Photos
By Angela Harrington
Staff Reporter
The tiny home movement is alive and thriving according to Mr. Elliott Espinosa.
Mr. Espinosa is an Albuquerque native and lifelong resident of the South Valley. He makes his living by locating, refurbishing, and reselling recreational vehicles (RV’s), travel trailers, and boats, he said.
“People of all ages are looking to downsize right now. Lots of people are trying to lower their expenses,” said Mr. Espinosa.
Small homes are easier on the environment and less expensive, he said
“Why go into huge amounts of debt when you can have all the necessary amenities and still have the ability to move and take it all with you?” said Espinosa.
According to Espinosa, working remotely is a trend that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon and this type of flexible living fits in well with that trend.
He said, “I find life to be more rewarding when the stressful components, like expenses, are simplified. Living small is a great way to leave time and finances available for the things we enjoy most in life.”
Mr. Espinosa suggests that people look into the many options available before committing to the high cost and singular location that comes with a home mortgage.
Story and Photo
By Angela Harrington
Staff Reporter
Psychology major Isaiah Theodis said that game play has been a great way for him to get away from the stresses of not seeing friends.
He does still get out and partake in some outdoor activities, but playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) with friends and online role-playing games (RPG) has helped him get through the social distancing that has become a way of life over the last year, he said.
“I generally like the RPG games because it kind of gets you away from what you are doing and puts your mind in a different place,” said Theodis.
Theodis recommends games like Minecraft because players can let their imaginations fly by building things like mansions or castles, he said.
He stated, “With a lot of those action adventure games, the concept is just destroying, but at the end of the day, building something is a lot more fun and productive.”
He said he likes board and card games as well.
“I have been making my parents pretty mad lately with UNO. It’s hard for people to smoke me in UNO, that’s like one of my favorite things,” said Theodis.
Geography instructor Justin Fuller said Uno is one of his family’s favorites, but they also play Chutes-and-Ladders, Connect Four, and Go Fish, among others.
“I introduced my kids to Battleship, which they liked with the hunting and finding your opponent and using the Grid-type, almost a map, to record where you and your opponent’s ships are located,” Fuller said.
If you are looking for something different to play maybe try a game called SURVIVE Escape From Atlantis! (Currently being played by a member of the CNM Chronicle Staff). The idea of the game is to save people on an island, before a volcano erupts.
Click the link here for more game ideas.
Photo and story by
Mark Graven
Staff Reporter
The future site of a new Student Services Center is the parking lot of the Ted Chavez building, located on the corner of Coal Avenue and University Boulevard, Southeast, near the center of the CNM Main Campus. CNM President Tracy Hartzler said, in her recent state of the college speech, that the new service center should be completed in 2023. The current, center, located further south on University Boulevard, has remained mostly closed to the public in the past months, as Covid restrictions were put in place by CNM.
