Real Life Series focuses on crime prevention

According to the FBI, a violent crime happens every 19 seconds in the United States. In an effort to deter criminal activity and create awareness on the Reynolds campuses, this week, Stephanie Morton presented  a “Refuse to be a Victim” workshop as part of JSRCC’s Real Life Series of discussions. She covered basic crime prevention tips that included home security, physical security, automobile safety and workplace safety. The “Refuse to be a Victim” presentation is certified through the National Rifle Association and is backed by the Virginia Crime Prevention Association. Morton, who provides administrative support to the JSRCC Department of Police and Securities, is a Crime Prevention Specialist. Her presentation also specifically covered CPTED principles. CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) is an approach to deterring criminal activity through environmental design strategies.

“For instance you could plant flowers that are uncomfortable for people to stand in, like a holly bush,” said Morton. “…another strategy would be to trim your shrubs to deter criminals from hiding in them. These are natural deterrents that could make a criminal decide not to invade or burglarize your home.”

She also went over basics such as indoor and outdoor lighting, door locks, window locks and general awareness. She said it was important for students, faculty and staff to have a personal safety strategy in place before it is needed. Parking in well lit areas, being aware of your surroundings, and what to do when you are approached by a stranger are all strategies that can help Reynolds community members avoid a crime.

“There is no guarantee that you will never be the victim of a crime,” she said. “But there are a few common sense strategies that you can do to make it difficult for a criminal.”

The JSRCC Office of Student Life coordinates several discussions each semester as part of the Real Life Series which focuses on issues that impact the daily lives of students, staff and faculty.

Reynolds to hit the television airwaves

Dr. Randal Pinkett will be a guest on WWBT Channel 12’s “12 News at Noon” on February 1 at about 12:15 p.m.  Dr. Pinkett, author of Black Faces in White Places, will speak at 7 p.m. in the Massey Library Technology Center Lipman Auditorium on the Parham Road Campus. For more on Dr. Pinkett, visit www.reynolds.edu/events.

Be sure and tune into WRIC Channel 8’s “Good Morning Richmond” at 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 8, as JSRCC’s Culinary Arts department will give you some great tips on how to make a special treat for your Valentine.

Also be sure to watch WTVR Channel 6’s “Virginia This Morning” at 9 a.m. on Monday, February 14, as the Reynolds Culinary Arts department will give you some last minute Valentine’s Day ideas.

JSRCC Automotive Program Head Kelly Schwendeman recently taped a segment for “Comcast Newsmakers.” Kelly’s segment will be part of a series of segments that can be viewed February 6, February 27, March 13 and March 20 between 2 a.m. and 7 p.m., between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and after 2 a.m. on Saturday mornings.  The interview segments air at 24 and/or 54 minutes past the hour on channel 26 in Richmond and Chesterfield.  Comcast Newsmakers is a five-minute program that features informative interviews with community, non-profit, educational, and civic leaders.

JSRCC Gay Straight Alliance participates in Lobby Day

A small cohort from the Reynolds Gay Straight Alliance recently joined Equality Virginia, the state’s lobby and educational organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transsexual (GLBT) rights, and more than 200 activists from across the state to lobby legislators on issues important to the GLBT community. According to JSRCC Gay Straight Alliance Staff Advisor Holly Gordon, there are currently no anti-GLTB bills being considered by the Virginia General Assembly, but Lobby Day remains an important opportunity for the GLTB community to be visible and show support for each other en masse. More than 20 legislators attended a reception following Lobby Day.

The JSRCC Gay Straight Alliance is a student club that began in 2009-2010 school year and currently serves as an educational and advocacy outlet for JSRCC students, faculty and staff.

“We do a little bit of everything, from lobbying to more fun, social events,” Gordon said.

Late last year, GSA members and the JSRCC Retail Merchandising Club joined GayRVA.com and Godfrey’s to present the VIVA GLAM Ball, a special night of makeovers and drag performances to benefit the MAC AIDS Fund and the Fan Free Clinic. The GSA currently has about 90 members that meet regularly. For more information about the JSRCC GSA, contact Holly Gordon at (804) 523-5352 or hgordon@reynolds.edu or visit www.reynolds.edu/events for upcoming meeting dates.

Students explore transfer opportunities

The JSRCC Career, Employment and Transfer Center coordinated “on the spot” admissions this week with Virginia Tech admissions representatives. Students interested in attending Virginia Tech were able to submit their applications and transcripts in advance and meet with University representative for "on the spot" acceptance.

“We offer several opportunities throughout the semester to help students meet transfer requirements and to talk to them about our articulation agreements with four-year schools.” JSRCC Career Counselor Robin Beale said.

The College’s associate degree programs are designed for students who plan to complete their freshman and sophomore years of college work at the community college level and then transfer to a four-year college or university. Reynolds also has articulation agreements for specific academic programs with many universities and colleges. When students follow the stipulations of the agreement, their associate degrees have complete transferability of all credits. The Center has also coordinated upcoming meeting opportunities in February with Old Dominion’s Teletechnet program. Representatives will be on campus to discuss transfer opportunities with interested students. For more information and dates, visit www.reynolds.edu/events.

The Career, Employment and Transfer Center also offers career planning and opportunities to brush up resume writing and interview skills. Counselors can help students identify their values, explore their career options and develop a plan of action to acquire and apply the skills and knowledge they gain at Reynolds. For a list of all College advising services, visit http://www.reynolds.edu/advising/default.htm.