OCC Offers Global Studies Degree

 

By Elizabeth Mecca

 

 

Ocean County College is now offering a degree in Global Studies.  This degree program offers students curriculum designed to provide a better understanding of global society.

    A Global Studies degree consists of a strong Liberal Arts base with emphasis on global trends, cross-cultural communications, and international politics.  Students pursuing this degree must complete a Global Issues course, and two consecutive semesters of a foreign language.  Students will also take Liberal Arts and General Education Courses.  The degree can be tailored by selecting courses from various disciplines.  Study abroad experiences are available, and encouraged, but are not required to obtain this degree.

    This degree program is targeted toward students who are interested in learning about the world, want to travel or work abroad, plan to transfer to a four year program in global studies, anthropology, or international relations.  The program is also valuable to those who are pursuing a career that requires knowledge of foreign languages, diversity issues, intercultural communication skills, or global competencies.

    Career fields in which a Global Studies degree may be useful include, business administration, finance, economics, public administration, government, public policy, international relations and diplomacy, communications, advertising, public relations, marketing, journalism, humanitarian fields, healthcare, and education.  Employers are looking for workers who are culturally competent and have an understanding of global business and communication trends.  The Global Studies degree program is aiming to produce graduates with those skills.

    If you are interested in this degree program or would like more information, contact Jason Ghibesi in the School of Business, Social Science, and Human Services at 732-255-0400 ext. 2220 or email global@ocean.edu.

2014 NFL Mid-Season Report Card

By Tom Crincoli and Tim Crosio

AFC East

New England Patriots

Grade: B+

Tom Brady looks to have regained his old form after some struggles throughout the first few weeks. With his favorite target Rob Gronkowski staying healthy so far, the Patriots are once again the favorite to win their division. 

Buffalo Bills

Grade: C+

The Bills have knocked off EJ Manuel as their starter and have now turned to Kyle Orton who has played well in his first few starts with the team. The team’s main point of emphasis on defense has been their pass rush keeping opposing QBs on their toes at all times. Buffalo will most likely be in a battle for second place with the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins

Grade: C+

Miami was nearly in the same position as the Bills after some poor play from Ryan Tannehill, but decided to stick with him as their starter. Although they have shown how well their defense can play, the Dolphins are going to need their QB to step it up in order for them to have a postseason appearance.

New York Jets

Grade: F

The Jets horrendous secondary and offense that continually fails to execute has ultimately been the reason for their terrible record. Unless they can pull it together for the rest of the stretch, it is hard to picture this team even winning five games this year.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: B

When healthy this team has plenty of offensive weapons to get them into the playoffs, but an inconsistent defense has gotten them in trouble a few times this year. Their division is filled with stiff competition making every game important moving forward.

Baltimore Ravens

Grade: B+

Joe Flacco has found instant chemistry with offseason acquisition Steve Smith Sr. while Justin Forsett has filled the hole Ray Rice left in their backfield. Baltimore’s defense lead by Terrell Suggs has played exceptionally well. The team is currently is in a race with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh for first place.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade: B+

Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Ben Roethlisberger have been quite the trio so far this season. A long as the big three are consistently putting up points, the Steelers remain in big contention with the rest of the division.

Cleveland Browns

Grade: C+

They may not hold the highest expectations, especially with the loss of Josh Gordon for a good portion of the year, but the Browns have played well enough to not be forgotten. Cleveland has a defense that can make game changing plays leaving the teams fate in the hands of QB, Brian Hoyer.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts

Grade: B+

Andrew Luck has positioned himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league in the early parts of his career. He has a nice receiving core to compliment his play, including a healthy Reggie Wayne and a young gun in T.Y. Hilton. The Colts defense has seen some ugly lapses at times, but they are still the favorite to win their division.

Houston Texans

Grade: C+

J.J. Watt looks like he can carry this team at times, making him a strong candidate for the league’s MVP. At this point it wouldn’t be surprising if Watt starting throwing the ball and kicking field goals as well. For now they will stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick at Quarterback, who has bounced around the league in recent years.

Tennessee Titans

Grade: D

The Titans season hopes were short lived after a nice start from Jake Locker. The team is having trouble in every aspect of their game making it safe to say they won’t be a playoff team.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade: D

Chad Henne was given his last chance to prove himself as a starting quarterback only to lose it to first overall draft pick Blake Bortles. At this point, every win is just a bonus for Jacksonville fans, as the team will probably finish at the bottom once again.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Grade: A+

It’s hard to find a hole in this Denver team. The Broncos have easily gotten over the blowout they faced in last year’s Super Bowl and are hungry to get back there again this year. Peyton Manning’s age refuses to factor into his play leaving the Broncos as the favorites in their division, and maybe even the entire league.

San Diego Chargers

Grade: A-

Philip Rivers is on a mission this year to prove that San Diego is still a powerhouse in the AFC. While Rivers and his offense have played well enough to be where they want to be, injuries to their defense will be a thorn in their side moving forward. Expect them to be a Wild Card team as they get healthy.

Kansas City Chiefs

Grade: B+

As another injury riddled defense, the Chiefs are stuck in a tough division with two offensive powerhouses in their way. Kansas City aren’t off to quite as good of a start as last season but still remain in as a team capable of making the playoffs. It may be a fight to the finish with San Diego for a Wild Card spot. 

Oakland Raiders

Grade: F

Not much to expect from this Oakland team as they are in a rebuilding process. Quarterback Derek Carr has shown some source of promise but until they win some games, the Raiders will remain a team with an F grade.

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys

Grade:  A

The Cowboys had a rough start in the beginning of this season with a tough loss to San Fransisco. Since then, Dallas has been on a tare, ripping through their opponents with the help of Tony Romo's good play and from Demarco Murray who is having a career year. As long as the offensive line, Romo and Murray stay healthy, Dallas should make a deep playoff run.

Philadelphia Eagles

Grade: B

The Eagles are off with a 5-1 start, but their offense isn't exactly where they want. Chip Kelly's speedy offense has been hampered due to the injuries on the offensive line and running back, Darren Sproles, as well as a poor play from running back, Lesean McCoy and quarter back, Nick Foles. Kelly's offense should return to its former glory once the offensive line and Sproles become healthy again. The Eagles will be tough to beat down the stretch.

NY Giants

Grade: D

The Giants have struggled as a team so far this season in terms of offense, defense and special teams. Injuries have plagued the Giants, especially the injury to wide receiver, Victor Cruz a few weeks ago in Philadelphia. Do not expect anything special from the Giants heading into the second half of the season.

Washington Redskins

Grade: F

Washington is a dismal 2-5 this season. They have seen quarter back, Robert Griffin go down to injury, Kirk cousins start strong and then self-destruct, and are now onto third string quarter back colt McCoy. Things may be looking up for the Redskins, with Griffin due to return any time now and having just winning their second game of the season.

NFC North
Green Bay Packers

Grade: A

Packer fans have nothing to worry about as long as Quarter back, Aaron Rogers is their quarterback. Rogers and the Packers offense are off to a fast start this year after some debate of whether or not Aaron Rogers was still capable of success in Green Bay. The pack defense led by Clay Mathews at linebacker has returned to its former self from 2010 when they last one the Super Bowl. Don't expect anything less than success as long as Rogers leads the packers onto the field.

Detroit Lions

Grade: B

The lions are a hot team on a role coming from behind and winning late in games. The Lions offense has not missed a beat despite the fact they lost the league’s best wide receiver Calvin Johnson to injury. The defense has helped to keep games close late in games and has lead to  success.

Chicago Bears

Grade: D

Quarterback Jay Cutler and his bears offense has been anything but spectacular the first half of the season. The Bears coach, Marc Trestman has to get cutler and this team scoring points and winning games.

Minnesota Vikings

Grade: F

The Vikings have done nothing impressive so far this year. Do not expect them to make a turnaround either, especially with the loss of all pro running back Adrian Peterson. The Vikings will continue to start Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback and Jerick McKinnon at running back to get them playing time until they can hope to improve this offseason.

NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade: F

The addition of new coach, Lovie Smith and quarterback, Josh McCown have done nothing to improve this team. The Buccaneers will have to wait for the offseason to improve.

New Orleans Saints

Grade: D

Drew Brees has not been himself so far this year making many unforced mistakes. Defensive coordinator, rob Ryan and his defense have been like Swiss cheese to opposing offenses this season. Do not count the saints out yet though Drew Brees has a knack for coming through late in the season.

Atlanta Falcons

Grade: F

The Falcons have been plagued with the injury bug once again this season and it has struck their offensive line and the defense. The quarterback Matt Ryan is having a strong year for a quarterback without an offensive line. Until everyone is healthy and the Falcons can get a year without the injury bug they will not contend like they did only 2 years ago.

Carolina Panthers

Grade: C

The Panthers defense has been the biggest upset this year they lost many key players to free agency and suspension and it has caused them to drop to the bottom of the league in defense. As bad as the defense has been the offense hasn't been much better quarterback Cam Newton has not been able to move the ball with as much ease since the release of wide receiver Steve Smith. While struggling they have still been able to win a couple of close games and lead in the NFC South.

NFC West
Seattle Seahawks

Grade: B

Even though the Seahawks have struggled the last few weeks they still posses the best defense in the league. The trading of Percy Harvin just reassured the strength of their locker room and will help quarterback Russell Wilson keep control of his offense. The Seahawks are still the front runners in the NFC to repeat and make it back to the Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers

Grade: C:

The 49ers have been banged up most of the first half of the season and it has hurt them. The defense specifically the linebackers and the secondary have been missing most of this season. In order for the 49ers to make a run at the playoffs the defense will need to get healthy and perform to their full capability.

St. Louis Rams

Grade: F

Austin Davis has shown a lot of upside after jumping from 3rd string to starting quarterback. Regardless of his play the Rams are once again on pace to miss the playoffs in one of the NFLs hardest divisions.

Arizona Cardinals

Grade: A

Backup quarterback Sean Hill along with the strong defense kept them afloat at 5-1 without their starting quarterback Carson Palmer. With Palmer back and the defense still the strength of the team do not expect this Cardinals team to miss out on the playoffs.

Sandy Documentary Premieres at OCC

By Gabrielle Gillen    

On Sunday, Oct. 26, The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts will host the premiere screening of “Heartbreak & Healing After Sandy,” a documentary film chronicling the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The film focuses on the physical, emotional, and financial impacts that have occurred as a result of the storm, and continue today, nearly two years later. Through first-hand accounts from survivors, first responders, government officials, and volunteers, viewers will see just how greatly certain areas of the Jersey Shore were affected by the storm. “Heartbreak & Healing After Sandy” is a one-hour documentary, produced and narrated by New Jersey native, Sandra Levine.

    Sandra Levine has worked in television for over 30 years, and is a producer, writer, reporter, host, editor and photojournalist. In 1996, she founded her own television and video production company, and has dedicated her talents to positively impacting society. Levine worked at NJN Public Television from 1988 to 2011, and she was the host of both NJN’s “Homeless Tails” and “The Best Years” for Ocean County College's Ocean TV-20. Throughout her career, Levine has been nominated for 10 regional Emmy Awards, and has received numerous other awards and honors. Levine recently spoke with The Viking News to talk about her upcoming documentary.

Viking News: What inspired you to make the “Heartbreak & Healing” After Sandy documentary?

Sandra Levine: I was born and raised in Toms River. My family moved here in 1956 and this is my hometown. My husband and I live in Toms River and we’re raising our daughter in the same neighborhood where I grew up, so I am very personally tied to this area. When I find a story to be fascinating, I often feel compelled to go out and do something about it and there were so many reasons I felt compelled to do this one. It’s my hometown, my father’s house flooded, and I know a lot of friends, family, colleagues, and members of the community who were just devastated by the storm. Once I started to go out and shoot and see the damage, I got hooked by the story. There was no turning back.

VN: What has it been like working on this film for the past two years?

SL: It’s been incredible. I just started shooting when it was all happening and I really didn’t know what I was going to do with the footage. I just had to do it; I had to cover some stories. I just shot and shot and shot, and I didn’t know how it was all going to come together. Once I made the decision that I wanted to cover more or less two years, I kind of had to keep shooting. I wanted it to be about two years and that’s what it ended up being.

VN: Was there a particular story that you came across that had the biggest impact on you?

SL: I met this older gentleman. Just watching him navigate the bureaucracy of figuring out what to do really hit me hard, and I worried that the stress of dealing with it would actually kill him. Before I put him in the documentary, I called to make sure he was okay and I couldn’t reach him by his phone, so I actually drove to his house to make sure he was okay. That one man really touched me.

VN: In your opinion, which area has made the most progress and which area is still in need of the most work?

SL: I focused on five towns in Northern Ocean County: Seaside Heights, Ortley Beach, Mantoloking, Brick Township, and Toms River. I didn’t want to just do the beach so I picked a couple mainland towns and beach towns. Mantoloking was one of the hardest hit communities, and it took a long time to get started with recovery, but it’s coming along. Ortley too, and Seaside; there is just one unbelievable story after another. I describe it as an uneven recovery.

VN: Did you face any difficulties or obstacles that inhibited you from making your film?

SL: My biggest challenge was stopping shooting. You had to really slow down and stop the shooting in order to sit down, take stock of all the footage that you have, and try to start making a story out of it. I think that was probably the hardest part. Having 84 hours, or however many it ended up being, of footage and having to plow through it and make sense out of it. There were a lot of good stories in there and I couldn’t use them all, so it’s just making the decisions about which ones to put in and which ones to not. That was very hard.

VN: When tragedy strikes, we often witness people coming together to help each other with a sense of camaraderie and empathy. Did you find that to be the case in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy?

SL:  I absolutely found people coming in droves to help, of course, in the beginning. The thing is, people who weren’t affected, within a very short amount of time, were ready to move on from the Sandy story. And that’s normal. But the stories are ongoing of people who maybe now, at two years, are just really starting to gut their houses or are still waiting for insurance money. And that is very hard for people to go through. I have a lot of empathy for the people that are not made whole yet, and there are thousands and thousands of them. So I tried, in the documentary, to convey the tone that we’re on our way and things are moving along, but there are still many people who are not where they need to be and still need help.

VN: What do you think is the most important lesson to be learned from this tragedy?

SL: I interviewed Dave Robinson, a New Jersey State Climatologist at Rutgers University, and he talked about the fact that sea level is definitely rising. He explained to me that, yes, this was a terrible storm, but it is in no way the worst that Mother Nature can deliver. As sea level has been rising, the same degree of strength of a storm is causing more damage, and it’s probably not going to get better, not just for New Jersey but also globally. This is definitely an issue that we will have to grapple with now, and in the future, and we need to be prepared.

VN: Throughout your career, how does this compare to your previous projects? Was it was one of your most memorable?

SL: I think it’s the most important film that I’ve ever created. It’s also the biggest project I’ve ever worked on. This project had the most footage over the longest amount of time that I’ve ever done, and it’s probably the most important piece to me, personally, that I’ve ever worked on. I’m pretty proud of the way that it came out, and I hope that the community finds it to be a meaningful piece.

    The premiere screening of Sandra Levine’s “Heartbreak & Healing After Sandy” will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26, in the Grunin Center, Bldg. 12. There are two showings, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., however the 2 p.m. show has sold out. Tickets for the 6 p.m. show can be purchased either online at tickets.ocean.edu, or at the Box Office. For more information, check the website or call 732-255-0500. If attending, non-perishable food item donations will be collected for The People’s Pantry, and any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library will host a screening of “Heartbreak & Healing After Sandy,” on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Register by calling 732-349-6200. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the premiere of this powerful film, documenting the storm that so greatly impacted the lives of many!

New Student Center Coming to OCC

By: Michael Lynch

A project currently in the works on Ocean County College’s Main Campus will soon make for a unique new addition to the OCC student experience.

    On Monday, January 27, 2014, it was announced that a new Student Center would be built on campus. The facility will cost an estimated $19 million to build, and is expected to be completed in about 18 months.

    The new Student Center will be 56,000 square feet and two stories tall. It will be LEED-Silver certified, ensuring that it is efficient and sustainable.

    Some of the features of the first floor of the new Student Center include a bookstore, an ATM, a Box Office and a Security Department Office. It will also have a cafeteria which seats 380 people and utilizes a free cafeteria app, and a Starbucks Coffee Bar with a seating area.

    The second floor will contain a number of rooms for clubs and activities, as well as two conference rooms and offices for Student Life and Student Affairs. It will also house a number of student lounges, one of which will seat 100 people and overlooks the seating area below it; this lounge will be used for a series of smaller talks and performances.

    The Student Center will also feature a “Noisy” Room with large-screen TVs set up for gaming, and a “Quiet” Room for students to relax and catch up on homework and studying. In addition, the entire building will be set up for multimedia, with speakers and monitors spread throughout.

    “The new Student Center will encourage students who stay on campus between classes to take advantage of its inviting atmosphere and its modern amenities,” said Dr. John H. Larson, President of Ocean County College. “It will be a good place to gather for good food and good conversation, as well as a good place to relax, read, or to study.”

    The architects of the new Student Center are Kevin Blackney and Darin Jellison from Blackney Hayes Architects (Philadelphia, PA), and the project managers for OCC include Greg Romero, Jeff Standing and Craig Gianotti from Cambridge Construction Management (Clinton, NJ).

Field Hockey at OCC

By Gabrielle Gillen

    There’s a new club in town.  The Field Hockey Club is now active and looking for members.  This club is sponsored by the Office of Student Life, and is open to all students, both male and female.  “I’m so happy we were able to get the club started and give students an opportunity to play,” Caitlyn Cook, the club’s faculty adviser, said.    

All students are welcome to join the Field Hockey Club, whether they have played before or are completely new to the game.  This is an opportunity for experienced players to maintain their skills, or for beginners to try something brand new.  “Not everyone wants to play a competitive sport in college, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t still want to play,” Cook said.  This club gives students a chance to meet new people and play field hockey in a relaxed and flexible environment, without the pressure of playing for an official team. 

The club has extra field hockey sticks and shin guards so equipment is not required for those who are looking to give the game a try.  However, students are encouraged to bring cleats or sturdy sneakers as well as a mouth guard before actively playing.  Practices are held Mondays and Thursdays from 3- 5 p.m., weather permitting, on the fields behind the O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Kids Child Development Center at the end of Parking Lot 2.  

For more information regarding becoming a member of the Field Hockey Club, contact the Club Faculty Advisor, Caitlyn Cook, at ccook@ocean.edu, or the student Club President, Stephanie Toal, at stephanie_toal@portal.ocean.edu.  Don’t miss out on a chance to learn a new sport and have some fun this year. Join the Field Hockey Club today.

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FUNNY COLLEGE LECTURE STEREOTYPES

Fall 2014 Transfer Workshop Series

By Michael Lynch
Beginning in September, the Ocean County College Admissions Office will be hosting a series of workshops to help OCC students prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university.

On Thursday, Sept.18, the College Admissions Resume workshop will be held in the Center Solar Lounge at 5 p.m. Students who attend will be given a presentation by Jacob Farman, Director of Communications for the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges (NJCCC), on how to create a college admission resume which will highlight their achievements and academic performance during their time at Ocean County College.

On Friday, Sept. 19, the Financing Your Education workshop will be held in the Center Solar Lounge at 9:30 a.m. State Library employee Andrea Levandowski will be will be discussing methods of finding funding opportunities with all attending students.

On Monday, Sept. 22, the College Essay Writing workshop will be held at the Center Solar Lounge at 2 p.m. Staff members of the OCC Writing Center will be assisting attending students on with learning to write college essays that clearly state their academic and career goals.

On Thursday, Oct. 2, the Transfer Fair will be held on the Campus Mall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Representatives from over 75 colleges will be in attendance. The rain location for this event is the HPE Gym.

RSVP by contacting the Academic Advising Center, Admin Building, Room 112.