A student newsletter in touch with the heartbeat of the community.

The possibility of students receiving a bachelor’s degree within walking distance from Palo Alto College may become a reality if a state university is granted permission to build on San Antonio’s South Side. The chancellors of Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University will be given the opportunity to discuss their providing junior and senior level courses near Palo Alto College with State Sen. Frank Madla and the Alamo Community College District Board this fall. "A written proposal from each chancellor will be submitted to determine which university could accomplish the needs of students and the South Side of San Antonio," said Harold Oliver, Madla’s legislative assistant. Madla and Oliver will then review each proposal. Oliver thinks the following issues need to be addressed:         • Academic courses that a student could not find at any other university            in town.         • Respected instructors who can provide a physical presence inside the            classroom.         • Funds that each university is willing to contribute to the building of a            new university. "With this information, we can weigh each proposal and choose the best candidate," said Oliver. The chosen proposal would then be presented to the Texas State Legislature on January 12, 1999. "We are very confident that the legislature will hear us out completely, and that the proven need for another state-supported university in San Antonio will help in the decision making," said Oliver. A date for the decision is up to the legislature. "The earliest we expect a green light to go ahead will be in September of 1999," said Oliver. Both Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University are known for agricultural business education. Both universities could provide an agricultural-based curriculum for students living in the southern communities surrounding San Antonio. Additional courses involving education, medicine, fine arts and business majors may be offered according to the demand. "Coming from an agricultural background, I feel that either university will open up many opportunities for me closer to home," said Shaun Kolvalik, a freshman agricultural business major. Several locations for the proposed university are under consideration. Bexar Metropolitan Water District owns land across from Palo Alto College, adjacent to Loop 410, and has offered to donate this land for the building of the upper-division campus. Land behind the GE Parking Lot is also being considered. A program set up by the Texas Higher Education Board, however, states that supply and demand determines where and when an upper-division university can be built. Upper-division courses will be taught in rented facilities until at least 5,000 students are enrolled. When this number is reached, officials will have sufficient proof that a new campus is needed. Overall, Palo Alto students and faculty are positive about the ideas being proposed. "The addition of a state university to San Antonio’s South Side will give students more options on which university they would like to attend," said Kristie Beard, a sophomore education major. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is the only state-supported school here in town. UTSA officials were unavailable for comment regarding the new university idea, but Oliver said, "UTSA officials expressed concern that the chosen university would be duplicating courses." "There is a real need for another state-supported university in San Antonio," said Beard. The majority of universities in San Antonio are private and are more expensive than public schools. "For some students, a private education may be the way to go, but if you cannot afford a private university’s tuition, then UTSA is the only other choice," said Julia Smoot, a sophomore marketing major. Freshman Christina Hinojosa said, "I save a lot of time and money attending Palo Alto College since I do not have to travel far to attend school. It would be a great opportunity for me to have a four-year university located nearby, especially one on the South Side." When any university makes plans to build near a community college many fears and concerns are brought forth. The biggest concern for faculty members of Palo Alto College is whether or not their jobs will be threatened. Carolyn DeLecour, Palo Alto Faculty Senate President and speech instructor, is a member of Palo Alto’s strategic planning committee. The committee, made up of faculty members, students, and administration discussed the idea of a university near Palo Alto’s campus. "I have heard pros and cons on the issue, and from what I understand so far, it seems that it can only be beneficial to Palo Alto College," said DeLecour. "Of course, this is dependent on A&M or Tech only being an upper-division university. I have been told by the administration that this will not have any negative impact on our faculty." Dr. Enrique Solis, President of Palo Alto College, said, "The decision to build a state-supported university on the South Side will only enhance the development of the community." Communities benefit economically from the presence of a university campus because of increased housing and restaurant needs for students and faculty and the presence of an expanded university bookstore. Palo Alto College’s enrollment of 8,000 students demonstrates the need for higher education on the South Side. Since Palo Alto College students transfer to four-year universities more than any other community college students in the nation, A&M and Tech officials believe that placing an upper-division campus near Palo Alto would be a winning situation. Oliver has offered his service to any student, faculty member or community member who wants to get involved. "If any students wish to form a committee of their own about this new proposal, I would be honored to come to any meeting and explain any new information on the matter," said Oliver, who may be reached at 927-9464 or via e-mail at harold.oliver@senate.state.tx.us The possibility of an upper-level university on the South Side of town is now on the public's agenda. The upcoming months will determine its fate.

Next Page . .