Newspapers / St. Andrews University Student … / March 13, 1987, edition 1 / Page 4
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opinion GPAX2? If you are a bright, intel ligent, straight-A college student, then this article is not for you. However, if you are not so smart, if you have to bite and scratch for every precious point you make (like me), then perhaps you should pay a little closer attention. Students at St. Andrews discovered in their mailboxes, on February 22,1987, a little "memo randum" from the Registrar's office informing them of a new rule for determining grade point averages. Now, it seems, we will have IwG GPA's. One for those courses "passed," and another forthose courses "attempted." This new system raises some questions, not the least of which is why? What useful purpose does the existence of two GPA's serve? Does any other college have such a system? To begin with, this resolution was passed without knowledge or feedback from the student body. Officials in the S.G.A. state that they were totally unaware of it. We simply weren't consulted. Also, the memorandum stated that the new system would not take effect until the next academic year (1987-1988), when in fact it was noted that most students' grade reports already reflect the two GPA's (including mine). But upon closer examination of this resolution, detrimental effects are obvious. The memorandum slates that the second GPA is to be used to determine a student's eligability for Sophomore Honors, Honor Society, Dean's List and Honors designation at graduation. What this really does is to penalize those students who may have had some difficulty at the beginning of their academic career (or in other words, received an "F"). Often, students were recommended to Get Involved! I would like to talk directly to the St. Andrews student body at this point so that I can pose a very gripping question: Why are we, the student body, so apathetic? For the most part, I am not trying to seem self righteous, because I too am apathetic is some respects. But as a student of this college, I do think that this subject should be touched upon. Apathy is a feeling of indifference to various issues and organizations. The take an "F" by their official advisor (previously a "D" would count against a student's GPA but not an "F"). Others have received an F simply for improper withdrawal procedures. In short, the existence of an F on a student's transcript doesn't necessarily mean the student performed poorly or actually failed the course. The fact that this second GPA is going to be used to determine who attends Honors Seminar, who holds SGA offices, who becomes a SAGE tutor, whose scholarship is renewed, and who is selected for Overseas Programs should further bring to the student's attention just how significant this new ruling really is. For those students who are struggling for a borderline honors achievement (of course, we all know that is not the real reason we're here) then honors should be given where honors are due. A few small figures, along with a tiny decimal point, could "make or break" a relatively large number of us, as far as the above-mentioned honors are concerned. All this does is to discourage a lot of people from even trying to achieve honors at St. Andrews. It even seems to create an elite, "perfect," clique of students, as opposed to those of us who aren't so "perfect." Good grades come easy for some people, while others must make Herculean efforts for an equitable grade. There is no relevant reason for penalizing students whose scholastic beginnings may have been a bit slow or troublesome. If a student has been able to overcome such problems, and is currently performing better, then such efforts should be so rewarded and not suppressed in a bureau cratic "double-standard." E. Jack Rushing Junior involvement in clubs and student government organizations is tremendous on the onset. But after about a month the zealousness has virtually disappeared. This must stop. The excuse of too much work is lacking. There is enough time in college to allow for studying and specific extra curricular activities. There are tremendous possibilities here at St. Andrews. We, the students, can really put this college in the limelight. For example, through clubs, St. Andrews can be lavishly introduced to the business community of North Carolina. Not to mention the publicity the college would get from their going out in the surrounding area and speaking of the college itself. The very dismal side of apathy is the assumption of power over the student body by people who are avarice and lack the responsibility to make the clubs work. I feel apathy is rapant here because elections have become glorified popularity contests. In conclusion, I would like to make a plea to the From the Editor Words of Parting I, Heidi Jernigan, do hereby announce my resignation as editor of The Lance effective March 20, 1987. Holding the position of editor for the past year has been very rewarding for me personally. However, it has required many sacrifices which I am no longer willing to make. It is my opinion that The Lance will never reach its full potential until it has the commitment and support needed from the college and the student body. One of the most difficult aspects of my job has been recruiting quality staff members who will contribute to The Lance on a regular basis. I feel that to achieve stability within this 25 year old or ganization there should be an academic commitment, initiated by the EPC, which allows more than 2 credits for internal internships. By placing a 2 credit limit on internal internships the college implies that somehow on-campus internships are not as valuable as off- campus internships/experiences. This is simply not the case. I have had more hands-on experience with The Lance than I could possibly hope for through a limited off- campus work situation. We have a valuable learning resource right here on our campus and it is not properly utilized! Yet how can I expect quality work on a reliable basis from an intern only required to put in 2-3 hours a week. How can we dare consider starting up a Communications Major when we can not support our existing student publications/com munications? Aren't we putting the wagon in front of the horse? Also, the student body does not seem to recognize the benefits of having a strong, student-run newspaper. The Lance is one of the best resources we have for voicing our opinions and reporting the news which we feel is important. One of the most disappointing aspects of my job has been relatively little student feedback. Yes, I have even sat beside the trashcan in Belk Center student tx)dy to get into the inner workings of the organizational structure and learn to make the organization work for you. Become involved in the clubs, the newspaper, the yearbook, and student government. If we remain apathetic, we may see our opportunities and priviledges to express ourselves through organized efforts striken away by an overzealous bureacrat. Bobby C. Simpson Staff Writer counting how many copies of The Lance have been thrown away without being read. However, I am to blame for my own defeat. I have allowed The Lance to take priority over other more important aspects of my college 'career (just check my G.P.A.). The pressure of knowing that 700+ people see your final product can indeed be overwhelming. Nevertheless, it is not easy to resign. It has been exciting to grow with The Lance. Watching that first copy of each issue roll off the press is a terrific feeling which has always re-energized me. Each time I tell , myself that Ihings will get better.” Things are better — just not good enough. Putting in 30-40 hours a | week and receiving no credit or I compensation is no longer . acceptable. I recently learned that the editor of Pembroke State University's student newspaper receives $300 a month as well as academic credit. Why isn't our college following the national trend of giving credit where credit is due? I'm not saying that we should pay people to work on The Lance, but there should be some method of compensation for those who stick with it and put out quality work. Still it is not easy to resign. I v/as talking with former WSAP manager, John Sealey, just the other day. He told me that resigning as manager was very hard to do because the radio station was like his own child. That is exactly how I feel about The Lance. Well, now it is time to see if The Lance will sink or swim. You can make the difference in the outcome by supporting the paper and its new editor(s). I have agreed to adviseArain any new editor(s) for The Lance and I plan to continue writing for the paper. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you as editor. It is an experience I will never forget. Sincerely. Heidi M. Jernigan Editor
St. Andrews University Student Newspaper
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March 13, 1987, edition 1
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