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NEWS NOVEMBERS, 2013 MONKS Buddhist monks create, erase mandala of compassion Continued from page I the For four days, Monks from Sera Je school and monastery created a sand mandala. On Oct. 31, they held a ceremony to destroy the mandala. For the monks, this symbolizes the impermanence of life. While here, the monks also raised money and awareness for their school and promoted Free Tibet. Studies Daniel Rhodes. "They did mandala of the compassion Buddha." The monks traveled from Sera Je school and monastery in India. Their visit promotes Free Tibet, a movement to end the Chinese occupation of Tibet. "What is surprising to many people outside Tibet is that the situation continues to deteriorate," said Associate Professor of Religious Studies Eric Mortensen. "Tibetans are not able to freely practice their religion. Over the past few years, at least 127 Tibetans have self-immolated due to the repressive policies of China toward Tibetans." The Buddhist Fellowship club, which helped organize the monks' visit to campus, focuses on nonviolent practices. "Buddhism is about loving everyone no matter what," said senior Daphne Hankins, a member of the Fellowship. "Absolute acceptance no matter what their background is, no matter what their age or race. Everyone is equal and everyone can teach you a lesson. And you should endeavor to love equally." The final ceremony of the event required the destruction of the mandala. The monks carefully gathered some of the sand and handed it out in little bags to spectators. They then took the remaining grains of the mandala down to the lake and slowly poured the residual colored sand into the water. This tradition symbolizes the transitory nature of the world. "Everything is impermanent," said Geshe Sangpo, a highly esteemed monk from Sera Je Monastery. "No attachment. This is showing Tibet culture." Presidential search going confidential to ensure best candidates will apply BY BRYAN DOOLEY Psst! Can you keep a secret? The Presidential Search Committee sure can, and they intend to do so during the next phase of their search. The board of trustees is working towards a final leadership statement consisting of an intricate job description for the next Guilford College president. Before the statement can be finalized, the board must reach consensus. Once this important step is complete, the search process will become confidential for several months. "We based our decision on the advice given to us by our search consultants and other consultants we talked with," said Carole Bruce, chair of the Presidential Search Committee and trustee, in an email interview. "Confidentiality during the recruiting and interview process is essential to getting the best-qualified candidates to consider participating in Guilford's presidential search." Richie Zweigenhaft, Dana professor of psychology and participant in the 1996 presidential search, explained the importance of confidentiality in an email interview. "The prevailing view seems to be that if the process were completely open, including knowledge of who has applied or been nominated, then many potential candidates would withdraw their names," Zweigenhaft said. "They don't want those where they are now employed to know that they are looking elsewhere." Cuitent President and Professor of Political Science Kent Chabotar commented from a former candidate's perspective in an email interview. 'This (wish for secrecy) is a common concern not only because of not wanting to appear to be disloyal but also because of professional consequences if you do not get the job," said Chabotar. Elwood Parker, professor of mathematics and participant in the 1980 presidential search, expressed similar reasons for this confidentiality. "If the candidate was turned down for any reason ... the candidate would not want that made public," Parker said. "If a person is nominated and not pursued by the Committee, they would not want the nominator to slow down the process by asking questions. "There will always be people who withdraw or add their names late in the process. In either case, the candidate would not want that widely known." The confidential phase will not last for the duration of the search. "When it gets to the finalists, the Presidential Search Committee typically makes it clear to the finalists that their names will be made public," said Zweigenhaft. "They come to the campus to meet various constituencies in the commumty in a more public fashion." Parker provided insights into how the Presidential Search Committee has used this time in the past. "During this time, applications will begin to come in," Parker said. "Candidates will provide a statement of why they would be a good fit. Candidates also provide a list of references, which the Committee may contact and follow up with. 'The applications are read through carefully and cut down to a smaller number, then down to the semi-finalists. At this point, campus interviews are set up." Chabotar recalled his own interview at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in 2002. "It was apparent that they had wisely decided to have some standard questions asked of all candidates, one of which I think was, 'Why do you want to be the president of Guilford College?"' Chabotar said. "They had sent me materials about the College, including the leadership statement, in advance, so I was able to do my homework." According to Parker, the duration of this confidential period varies, but it is best if it is no longer than absolutely necessary. "If the search goes on too long, some candidates may accept other jobs or may not be able to wait for Guilford because of other commitments," said Parker. Bruce assures the community that through this confidential phase, the Presidential Search Committee will be able to find the best possible contender. "We are seeking the best-qualified candidates who are most likely not in the job market; they are probably in very secure positions in excellent institutions around the country," said Bruce. "The prevailing view seems to be that if the process were completely open, including knowledge of who has applied or been nominatea, then many potential candidates would withdraw their names." Richie Zweigenhaft, professor of psychology
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