KSYM News

Finals Week is upon us here at San Antonio College and students are doing whatever they can to get themselves ready for that final challenge. Lucky for them, they're not in it alone. The Student Learning Assistance Center, or S.L.A.C. Lab has been helping students prepare for this moment all semester. I spoke with Geraldo Guerra, the director of the Academic Success centers here at SAC, about the services that S.L.A.C. provides in order to help students as they prepare for finals. Students also need to make sure they’re in the right place mentally. I spoke with Jacob Aidan Martinez, the Director of Student Life about how he tried to prepare himself mentally for finals week. I’d like to wish all students at SAC and the Alamo Colleges District good luck on Finals Week.   

Reporter: Joshua Ermis
Audio: Joshua Ermis
Producer: David Aleman 

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the public in many ways. Many small businesses were forced to shut down temporarily and in many cases permanently. One local business took the pandemic and found a way to make the most of the situation. Commonwealth Coffeehouse and Bakery. With their business being closed during the pandemic, Commonwealth was faced with a scenario that went against their business model. With social distancing and COVID-19 protocols in full effect, the ability to socialize and relax in a public space was non-existent. In an effort to stay engaged with the community,  they teamed up with local entities also impacted by COVID-19 to feed the homeless and even children at school. This  kept the employees involved during a time where many businesses were forced to lay off staff go as a way to save money. We spoke with Marcel Arana, a partner and manager at Commonwealth. He believes that this initiative is something sustainable and hopes to get San Antonio College involved when more students have returned to campus. 

Reporter: Joshua Ermis
Audio: David Aleman
Producer: David Aleman 

One way that San Antonio College keeps the students engaged is through the Office of Student Life located in the Loftin Student center. The Office of Student Life supports the academic and personal goals of students through a number of services. The services provided by the Office of Student Life include sports, recreational activities, on-campus events, and student clubs and organizations, all key aspects of the college experience. Another major part of the OSL mission is leadership development and Civic Engagement opportunities that help students not only become better leaders, but give them the opportunity to learn lessons that will aid them towards graduation. More information is available at alamo.edu/sac/studentlife 

Reporter: Joshua Ermis
Audio: Joshua Ermis
Producer: David Aleman

On September 21st, the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees decided the Koehler House was no longer needed by the Alamo Colleges District and approved the sale of the property. The primary reasons being it’s current lack of usage and the cost of keeping it in reasonable condition. The Koehler House must first be renovated to its original form due to the Texas Historical Landmark title that it’s been bestowed by the Texas Historical Commision and its historical designation by the city of san antonio. This title comes with a number of rules and regulations to preserve its historical nature. While the Koehler House isn’t currently being used for educational purposes, it does still store ceramics equipment for the Fine Arts Department in it’s carriage house. With the decision to declare it Surplus Property, this requires the equipment to be relocated to a different space. 

Reporter: Joshua Ermis
Audio: Joshua Ermis
Producer: David Aleman, Caleb Wilks 

The San Antonio College Fine Arts Program presents Looking for Normal. Looking for Normal follows Roy and Irma, an Ohio couple that has been married for 25 years. Roy and Irma go to marriage counseling with their pastor, Reverend Muncie. During a  session, Roy confesses that he is a woman trapped in a man’s body and wants a sex change. Looking for Normal explores the themes of marriage, family, and acceptance. 

This is the first play at San Antonio College since February of 2020. Due to COVID-19, the drama department was unable to put on a show as the campus was closed. The Director, Michael Doggett, started at SAC as Theatre Coordinator in the Fall of 2019.  

The play runs October  28 through November 7th at the McCallister Auditorium on the San Antonio College Campus. Showtimes are 7 pm Thursday through Saturday. Sunday matinee showtimes are at 2pm. More information is on the San Antonio College website.

Reporter: Joshua Ermis 

Audio: Nick Ortega 

Producer: David Aleman 

San Antonio College offers a multitude of resources to students. These resources aid issues both inside and outside the classroom and alleviate socioeconomic deficits. Said resources include the Wellness 360 Program, the Victory Center, and the Student Advocacy Center all here on campus. The Wellness 360 program offers primary care to students through a partnership with UT Health. 

The SAC Victory Center serves military affiliated students on a number of levels including mental health, employment, and academic assistance. One particular item on that menu of services is Academic Service. The Victory Center provides military affiliated students with access to core services associated with student success all centralized in one location.  

The Student Advocacy Center works to increase student retention and serve needs outside the classroom to aid mental health. Some of the major services include The Store, a food pantry that’s available to students, staff, and faculty, the Magic Closet, a clothes closet that is also available to students, staff, and faculty, and Grab-N-Go, which is a daily snack and drink offered to students.  

There are many services here at SAC that are available to students, faculty, and staff. More information is on the Student Advocacy Center website. You can also call the help line at 210-486-1111. 

Reporter: Joshua Ermis 

Audio: Joshua Ermis 

Producer: David Aleman 

San Antonio College hosted one of many events in celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month, Coming Out Day. They also announced that they will be including Mi Gente month in the festivities.  

Coming out is an important moment in someone’s life and can be difficult. Here at SAC, there are many inspiring stories that give meaning to the word pride. Coming Out Day was is one of many events celebrated during October and November at SAC. For more info on the LGBTQIA+ festivities, including an LGBTQIA+ scholarship oppurtunity, visit the San Antonio College website. 

Reporter: Joshua Ermis 

Audio: Joshua Ermis 

Producer: David Aleman