Page Two
The Eclipse of Excellence
"American higher education stands on the brink of chaos. Never
have so many spent so long learning so little." So wfites Prof. Steven
M. Cahn. chairman of the philosophy department at the University of
Vermont and author of The Eclipse of Excellence, in a recent issue of
the New York Times.
Prof. Cahn says the present crisis stems fnom a widespread "fatal
educational principle" that a student should not be required to do any
academic work that displeases him. Faculty members and
administrators across the U.S. have bowed t« student pressure for the
easy route to a bachelor's degree complete with high grades.
If a student prefers not to take exams, he makes special
arrangements with his professor or chooses courses from a growing
number that have no exams. If he prefers that his work not be graded,
he selects the pass-fail courses. If he is concerned about high marks, or
easy courses, he signs up with instructors who indiscriminately give
A's and B's to everyone.
What troubles Prof. Cahn. among others, is that colleges that say
they provide "a liberal education" are not requiring the self-discipline
and hard work that becoming educated demands. Actually, he insists,
the easy road is "no more than a detour to the dead end of ignorance."
Of course, there can be joy in learning as there is in sport. But in
both instances, the joy is a result of overcoming "genuine challenges"
that cannot be experienced without toil. "It is painful to have one's
ignorance exposed and frustrating to be baffled by intellectual
subtleties." the professor writes.
If a person is to learn intellectual responsibility, he must "be taught
to recognize that not every piece of work is a good piece of work. In
fact, some work is just no good at all." Prof. Cahn believes that
teachers let the personality of the student affect their critical powers.
If the student is friendly, cooperative, and means well, they tend not to
criticize him for inadequate performances. "Such criticism, when
well-founded and constructive, is in no way demeaning, for the
willingness to accept it and learn from it is one mark of a mature
individual. Yet criticism of any sort is rare nowadays." he says.
One reason for the ingratiating attitude of professors towards
students is the increased weight being given to student evaluations of
faculty members. Prof. Cahn thinks. Indeed, he says, college
education is resembling Alice's Caucus-race in Wonderland in which
everyone begins running when he likes and stpps when he likes. There
are no rules. Yet everyone wins and everyone gets a prize.
Finally, what Prof. Cahn sees as the outcome of such chaos and
irresponsibility is the rapid decay of democracy. For the success of a
democracy depends upon the understanding and capability of its
citizens. And in this complex world, such understanding and capability
depend upon rigorous education.
In the next issue, the Peiuliiliim will examine some of Prof. Cahn's
arguments in the light of attitudes and practices at Elon College. We
invite your comments and suggestions.
Tips on Conserving Energy
As Electricity Costs Soar
By Jayne Freeman
If Elon seems darker and a bit cooler to you, don’t be
alarmed; its just the college’s way of conserving electricity and
gas. Everyone is aware that heating fuel and electricity will be
in short supply this winter.
In order to be of least inconvenience to everyone, and to
operate as scheduled throughout the winter months, Larry B.
McCauley, Sr., director of the physical plant, has planned a
timetable for the heating system. During the daylight hours ail
thermostats will be set at 68°. The thermostats will drop to 60°
at night. For the dorms the night temperatures will last 11 p.m.
to 6 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to keep all windows and
doors closed. Plenty of blankets and warm robes should keep
everyone comfortable.
In order to save electricity, alternate lights in all halls have
been turned off. Everyone is asked not to burn lights or
appliances unnecessarily.
While the college has reduced the amount of kilowatt hours
consumed, Duke Power Company has raised its rates as has
Piedmont Natural Gas Company. From June to September 1973
Elon used 1,541,600 kwh compared to the same period in 1974
when Elon used only 1,199,606 kwh. This is 22% fewer units,
yet the cost in 1973 was $18,700 compared to $22,367 for 1974’
This is a 20% rise in cost. At the present rate of use and no
further rise in costs, Mr. McCauley predicts that the college
will pay $70,000 to Duke Power Co. for 1974 compared to
I*i8.056forl973.
Elon is well stocked in its fuel supply. When there is a cold
wave, the natural gas is used only for residential areas. At these
times Elon converts to fuel oil. Last year the fuel tanks were
increased from 12,000 to 82,000-gallon capacity. If everyone
conserves, we should make it through the winter without any
difficulty.
Tips on conserving energy for the winter:
* Use lower voltage appliances.
* Wear sweaters and warm robes and pajamas in the dorm.
* Open blinds during the day for solar heat, and close in the
evening for holding heat.
* Drive only when and where necessary.
* Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances.
* When possible, wash clothes in cold water.
* Use washing machines and dryers with full loads only.
The Pendulum
Figures Released in Fall Survey
Reveal Student Use of Library
'i"«- KooKs lolTJd
decreased by 427. Reserve books circulated were up by 397_,
Of SLs loaned for home use. those on the arts led the percentage list and the nex nriost used were
genet^l geography and history, the social sciences, literature, and f.ct^n mcludmg ch.ldren s hterature.
The rfLrve book survey at the end of the semester shows that 8% items were placed on reserve for 32
courses during the fall semester and were circulated 5167 times or an average of 5.7 times each. Of ihe
rese^e items 178 or 19 9 per cent were never used, and 50.8 percent were used fewer than six times. About
83 percent of'the loans of reserve materials were made to students of four faculty members
On two days in the fall. Ihe librarians made a chart of every item circulated to students, faculty, and other
nersons On Oct II the total number circulated was 1258 of which 847 were used by students. 257 by
feculty. and 154 by others. On Nov. II. 1331 items were used of which 945 went to students. 250 to faculty,
and 136 to others. . , ... j ,
A questionnaire was distributed to students in 10:10 MWF classes at the end of the semester. Tl)e 12
questions were designed to reveal the student's relationship to the college (class and living conditions), his
major field, how often he came to the library, why he came, what materials he came to use. and what his
attitude toward the library was. A total of 714 questionnaires was tabulated.
Answers showed that 42.3 per cent visited the library more than once a week; 57.7 per cent went theit
onceaweekorlessoften;and20.2percentvisitedonceamonthorlessoften.
In saying why they came "most often, about one-third of the students said to find and read material
required for a course;" to do research for a paper or re^rt. 17.2 per cent; to do homework with their own
books, 23.1 percent; to study fora test or exam. 15.4 percent; and to have material copied (Xeroxed). 1.5
percent.
The report revealed that 6.4 per cent never visited the library to find and read material for a course; 7.8
per cent never came to do research fora paper; 22 percent never used scholarly journals; 20.2 percent never
used popular magazines; 30 per cent never read the newspapers: 23.9 per cent never used reserve books: 14
per cent never used reference books; 83 per cent never used microfilm; 9.5 per cent never used books; and
68.4 per cent never used audiovisual materials.
The Library Committee promises further surveys in an attempt to see how the library materials are being
used. Dr. Carl Ficken. assistant professor of English, is chairman.
College Faculty Approves
Leadership Honor Society
in this endeavor and to inspire
others to strive for similar
attainments.
The eligibility requirements for
admission are junior or senior
standing, class rank in the upper
35 per cent in scholarship, and
special distinction in at least one
of these areas of student life:
scholarship; athletics; social,
service and religious activities;
campus government; journalism;
speech and the mass media;
creative and performing arts.
Dr. Moncure hopes that this
leadership honor society will
"sensitize the student body" and
make students aware of the
moral and ethical issues involved
in choosing the best leaders as
well as developing leadership
qualities within themselves.
Death and Life
To Be Forum
Topic Feb. 26
If I must some day die, what
can I do to .satisfy my desire to
live? With this question, John S.
Dunne, whom New.sH'eek called
"the only modern American
theologian who has attempted a
systematic analysis of death,
explores this basic concern of
mankind.
Dr. John S. Dunne will be
featured speaker at a Liberal
Arts Forum program on
Wednesday evening, Feb. 26at 8
p.m. in Whitley. He is a member
of the faculty of Notre Daitie
University, winner of the
Harbison Award
distinguished teaching, and ine
author of four books: The City>j
the Gods. A Search for God
Time ami Memory. The
AH the Earth, and Time
Myth.
"Death and the Life SloO^
will be the topic of his address a
Elon. The Liberal Arts Forum
urges everyone to hear thi‘>
provocative speaker.
3y Paige Garriques
A third honor society is to be
created on the Elon campus
which will recognize and
encourage the development of
leadership qualities in students.
Dr. James Moncure,
vice-president of Elon College
who has taken the initiative in
promoting the Leadership Honor
Society, feels there is a need for
"constructive leadership" within
the American society, and that
college should offer an
environment which will motivate
people to become leaders. The
other honor societies on campus
are Alpha Chi, scholarship, and
Pi Gamma Mu, social science.
After three months of work by
student leaders, the Elon faculty
approved the establishment of
the Elon College Leadership
Honor Society at its January
meeting. Jim Little drew up a
constitution based on the
guidelines of ODK, a national
leadership society.
The purpose of the society will
be to give recognition to
individuals who have attained a
high standard of leadership in
college activities while
maintaining high academic
standards. The society will also
encourage students to continue
r-— , Wiivvuicigv aiuuciu^ lU cuiuiriuc
Debbie Cochran
Wesley Bennett
Gary Spitler
Janie McGann
Dave Shuford
Reed Alexander
Vicki Moeser
Lanna Peavy
Gib Buie
Lance Latane
Staff
Reporters
Editor
Layout
Men’s Sports
Women’s Sports
Photographer
Circulation
Patsy Lynch
Diane Costa
Paige Garriques
Jayne Freeman
Pamela Bradley
Adviser, Dr. Mary Ellen Priestley
^blished by the Communications Media Board of Elon
Station Government
S?oirg.. ‘■"X Box 5272,