Students prepare for 21-
By Chloe McGee
staff Writer
A group of 11 Brevard College students led by
wilderness leadership and experiential education
(WLEE) professor John Buford make up the
crew of what is commonly referred to as the
“Immersion Semester”— a WLEE course that
involves rigorous planning and countless hours
in the field.
“It’s the capstone of the WLEE degree,”
Sydney Shaw, a senior WLEE major, explained.
In preparation for a student planned and
student led 21-day wilderness expedition the
team participates in a number of activities,
including rock climbing, whitewater kayaking
and canoeing, sea kayaking on the coast,
mountain biking and backpacking.
However, their preparations extend past the
physical requirements or as Shaw defines them,
“hard skills.” Soft skill, personal attributes and
methods that ensure effective communication,
such as leadership, followership, conflict
resolution and behavior management are equally
important aspects of the immersion curriculum.
The students practice these skills throughout
the semester, but this is only a dress rehearsal
for what is to come.
The 21-day back country excursion is when
the students’ endurance and competence is really
put to the test. The trip shows how their planning
and prerequisite tasks are condensed and applied
in the field.
“Everything we did up until the 21-day was
crucial to our success, especially the soft skills
— problem solving, group dynamics, expedition
planning and critical thinking,” Shannon Kerr,
a former participant of the immersion semester,
said.
Teamwork is a fundamental component of
the WLEE program. For optimal performance
on their trip, it is critical for all members to
be proficient in both expedition behavior and
technique. Each group is only as strong as its
weakest link.
“It’s up to the individual to be prepared, and
it can negatively affect the group if someone
isn’t,” Shaw said. “But part of good teamwork
is to help others beforehand to prevent this from
happening in the field.”
The group is scheduled to embark on their
extended trip at the end of this month. The
location has yet to be determined, but will be
decided upon by the students. In the meantime,
they are preparing mentally and physically for
a demanding adventure—an opportunity to
learn and practice skills which are essential to
wilderness education.
Rover project underway Fall Break
reminders
By Carmen Boone
Arts & Life Editor
The rovers are robots, tools that can be
controlled from the classroom by remote
sensing.
Originally, they were designed to give students
an opportunity to explore Pisgah National
Forest. However, the main goal now is to use
them to get students excited about science and
to keep them engaged.
“We really wanted to give our students a
sort of experience with technology that just
didn’t exist on this campus before,” said Mike
Castelaz, physics professor and leader of the
rover program. “Here, you have an opportunity
really to take something and go and explore
something that maybe no one’s ever seen
before.”
In addition to Castelaz, a core group was
involved with the rover project. Dr. Jennifer
Frick-Ruppert, professor of biology and Math
and Science Division chair, did the administrative
paperwork. Dr. Maureen Drinkard, assistant
professor of environmental studies, was in
See 'Rover project,' page 6
Science students send commands to the rover on
the Brevard College campus. The rover program
was funded by a National Science Foundation grant.
As everyone is in the throws of midterms,
many people are counting down the days until
Fall Break. Here is some important information
to prepare for the break.
Fall Break begins Saturday, Oct. 13 and runs
through Sunday, Oct. 21. No classes will meet
during this week.
Myers Dining Hall will close on Friday, Oct.
12 following dinner at 7 p.m. It will reopen on
Thursday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 21 for
brunch and dinner. Brunch will be held from
11 a.m. until 2 p.m. while dinner will be served
from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Regular meal times begin again on Oct. 22
at 7 a.m.
Coltrane Underground will close Thursday,
Oct. 11 at 11 p.m. It is scheduled to reopen
Monday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m.
Students are reminded to keep an eye on their
Brevard College email for any further updates
regarding Fall Break.
— Julie Carter