Bad economy gives leg up to community colleges By WILLS KING Staff Writer WPKSOO4@PSU.EDU In any given year, the decision for high school students of what college to attend can present many difficulties. This year, the weakened economy appears to be making that choice even more difficult. As a result, students are applying and enrolling at community colleges at a much higher rate. Jim McCarthy, the director of admissions at Northampton CommunityCollege,saysthatover the past five years Northampton Community College has been the fastest growing community college in Pennsylvania and the fastest growing college in the state per capita. He says in his six years with the school he has seen growth each year but the greatest increase has been in the past year. “In the fall of ‘OB, our applications were up 12%, and new students enrolling were up 12%. In the spring semesters, applications were up 27%, while new students enrolling were up 24%. ” Said McCarthy. “Our enrollment in the spring was actually higher than in the fall, which is the first time in the school’s history that has happened.” Angela Cuevas, a guidance counselor at Central Dauphin High School, says that it is not uncommon for graduating high school students to choose a community college rather than a state college or university due to economic instability. “Students are either choosing the less expensive route, community college, or attending Please see ECONOMY on page 5 Index: Capital Ti The Penn State Harrisburg administration investigates $2,200 SGA fund allocations By MARTY SANTALUCIA Staff Writer MFSSO7S@PSU.EDU A $2,200 Student Government Association allocation of student money, which all went toward the travel expenses of SGA President Antonios Avramidis, was originally intended to benefit eleven students expected to attend a university trip to Spain, according to Oliver Eisler. Penn State Harrisburg administration is currently investigating the situation. Avramidis said that he was not involved in the movement of the $2,200 from the SGA to the Spanish club and was only told that his deposit for the trip would be $2OO. Program participant The Class of 2009 versus the j By Lisa Mei For The Capital Times HYMSOIB@PSU.EDU “It’s going to be hard, but the jobs are out there,” said Laurie Dobrosky, Assistant Director for Alumni Relations “Be prepared for the levels of competition when you enter the job market.” The economy looks grim, especially for those seniors who have not prepared for the job search. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers, graduating seniors face a 22 percent decline in the job market. Nathanial Hezekiah, a Finance and Management major, is graduating in May. He wants a job that his education prepared him for. “I think my chances are bright. I am an optimistic person when it comes to my outlook for the future,” Hezekiah said, “I plan to look for a job for a Opinion Maresa McNeill reported the total cost of the trip at $2,400. Avramidis personally paid the $2OO difference. In an interview with The Capital Times Avramidis denied any wrongdoing or ethical violation on his part adding that he would not be repaying the $2,200. Currently, Penn State Harrisburg administration is looking into the expenditure. Donald Holzman, senior director of student services, said that the administration is currently looking into the issue and deciding on the appropriate action; considering everything from no action to making Avramidis pay the money back. Holtzman said if decisions made by the SGA do not violate university, campus or SGA policy, the administration would not take any action even if they did not year, or a job that will pay for me to go to graduate school.” Having held positions such as president of the Black Student Union, and vice president of the Student Government Association, Hezekiah differs from other graduating seniors. “The employers are looking for the total package,” said Coordinator of Career Services Karl Martz, “Not only are they looking at GPAs, they are also looking for internship experiences, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, interviewees’ personalities, and sometimes even politeness. You have to set yourself apart from all the other candidates.” .4-7 Campus Life .... .8-9 Entertainment agree with the decision. According to Holtzman, Director of Student Affairs Felicia Brown-Haywood is heading the investigation. Brown-Haywood would not comment on an ongoing investigation. In an e-mail from former Student Court Chief Justice Oliver Eisler to Spanish club adviser and Spanish trip organizer Professor Jose Vargas-Vila, obtained by The Capital Times from Vargas-Vila, Eisler stated: “When SGA was doing its budgets, I asked you if I could put in a proposal to SGA, on behalf of Spanish club, for $2,200 to subsidize the trip for students who would be attending the trip to Spain. The reasoning for this is that at the time there were only eleven students projected to attend, and “We have a great career services center here at Penn State Harrisburg. Students do not take advantages of these services,” Dobrosky said, “They will review students’ resumes professionally for free. It usually costs a couple 10-13 Sports 14-15 Police, Calendar mes ob market of 2009 16-19 Comics 2O Games we were hoping that each student could get a small discount ($2OO per student). The SGA granted the money, and the payment was made directly to Celestial Voyagers travel agency. However, all the students who were going on the trip, with the exception of Antonios Avramidis, had already paid the full amount for their trip by the time the money was made available. Therefore, he was the only student eligible to receive the subsidy... All other participants, myself included, paid full price because we were unable to benefit from the subsidy.” The Capital Times confirmed that two other students did receive $950 in financial aid through Penn State University and a private Please see FUNDING on page 4 of hundreds of dollars if you take it outside.” Dobrosky said even though resumes do not guarantee job positions, resumes are all Please see GRADUATES
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers