OPINIO
Editor's
Desk
Michael Roberts
SWAN SONG
Before I say my "thank you's" and "goodbyes" I would like to connment on a
few things that I think warrant some attention.
I gained access to the questionaires sent out by the Student Life Office to
students asking for evaluations of that office. The responses were ovenwhelm-
ingly negative, and many were very hostile. It is blatantly obvious that student
are dissatisfied with the policies and actions of Student Life, and especially
Wayne Johnson. One student wrote "Wayne needs to get a new world, or get
the hell out of mine." This type of reaction was typical of the hundreds that I
read. Some will, no doubt attribute this type of response as students rebelling
against authority and resisting "sun/eillance." While I am not ignorant enough
to ignore the instances where this observation is correct, I assert that they are
minimal. I feel, instead, that the responses were the honest, frustrated feelings
of those responding. Students do not feel that they have 'Iriends" in Student Life
(with the exception of Shirley Arnold, who was looked upon favorably), and
resent the implication that a mutual co-existence is anything more than just that.
From my perspective, the Student Life Office will either have to be an office of
student life, concerns, and well-being, and consult with students on a genuine
basis, or just learn to peacefully co-esist, and recognize this as the case. I think
that members of the Student Life Office are not clear on their roles on this
campus, and have no clear agenda or vision or where we are going, or where
they may fake us.
A problem that we have to live with every day is the condition of the tennis
courts. It is a pity that a campus that cares so much about appearance would
let these courts deteriorate to the state that they are in now. They are not only
unsightly, but dangerous to anyone using them for recreation. It is very
discouraging for the teenis team to travel to colleges where the stands are
packed, and supporting the opposing team. The courts that the team has played
on for a couple of years are more of a neutral site that a home court. I'm sure
there are many teenis fans who whould like to see a few matches, but find
traveling to the town courts an inconvenience. This college will never attract the
best in tennis talent until it provides courts that the team can be proud to play
on, or at least are safe to play on. With the warm weather approaching, I have
noticed the courts filled with recreational players on some afternoons. I am
convinced that they notice the condition of the courts also, and for $11,000 per
year, we damn well deserve them.
1 would like to thank everyone who contributed to this newspaper this year,
whether on staff, a member of the community, or someone who lended moral
support. I have taken huge strides to make this a better newspaper than the one
I inherited. The feedback that I have gotten from the student body, faculty, and
staff indicates that they are pleased with my effort. Ttie detractors of this
publication were few. I have held myself to a high standard this year, and I hope
you will hold the next editor to a high standard as well. 1 have produced the type
of publication I think we deserve, and I see
that it is appreciated. I always took criticisms, contributions, and advice very
seriously. I am proud of the job that I have done here. 1 thank everyone for their
support, and their help in getting this student publication to the level that it
enjoys, even with this, my last paper.
I would like to give Chad Esposito my heart-felt thanks for his dedication to this
paper this year. His hard work, loyalty, and efforts are greatly appreciated His
willingness to make sacrifices and to take muchof the burden of this publication
deserves much praise and he has earned my respect and my deep gratitude.
I would also like to thank Dr. WD White for his insightful column this year. I
would also like to thank Pat Hoss, , Suzie Bennett, Rooney Coffman, Tabbie
Nance, Carol Tremblay, Ron Bayes, Mary Cay Gibson, Jennifer Hitch, Eric
Eubank, Ingrid Scholz, and Viking Davisfortheirinvaluable contributions. I also
thank evryone who contributed stories, letters, and useful information.
The Lance has been very close to my heart despite the numerous problems.
I have held myself to a very high standard, and strived for professionalism and
honesty in this journalistic endeavor. I leave it to you to hold the next editor to
standards that are just as high. ,
So Long...goodbye.
Letters to
the Editor...
Dean's Actions
Questioned
Dear Editor,
This past weekend an inci
dent occurred that gives us
and several other students
reason to question our pro
tection on the St. Andrews
campus. The basic facts
concerning this incident
concern three former St.
Andrews students. On Sat
urday afternoon, these three
people broke into a student's
dorm room, and began rifling
through the room, throwing
the contents of the drawers
and closets onto the floor.
This process was performed
with the intent of stealing a
particular Item. During this
process, the occupant of the
room walked in and caught
them "red-handed." The
occupant of the room then
reported the incident to the
R.D., Dean Greer, and
Campus Security. Dean
Greer spoke to the guilty
parties, and each member
clearly stated that he/she
broke into the room with the
intention of stealing. After a
four hour waiting period, the
occupant of the room was
told that the three persons
were to leave campus and
would not be able to return
for the remainder of the
weekend.
Now, this would have been
a fine decision on the part of
Dean Greer, but she did not
enforce this decision, and
these people were allowed
to be on campus. As a result
of this, the occupant of the
room, who is required by
contract to live there, did not
feelsecure or protected by
the Dean's decision. Wefeel
that she did not uphold her
title as "Dean of Students"
because of her refusal to
protect the rights of the stu
dents. As students con
cerned with our own protec
tion and security, we at
tempted to discuss this mat
ter with Dean Greer. Her
response to our atten:ipt to
discuss this was a blunt
"This is none of your busi
ness."
As students here at St.
Andrews, we feel that the
safety and security of our
community is the responsi
bility of us all. With her re
sponsibilities as Dean of
Students, Dean Greer
should at least explain to all
concerned students why this
blatant violation of the saltire
and N.C. state law was ef
fectively ignored by her. We
are openly calling for her to
publicly explain her actions.
We are also urging students
to express his/her opinions
about this matter.
The bottom line is: the
rights of St. Andrews stu
dents are not protected by
our Dean of Students, Cyn
thia Greer.
Charles Wally ivlann
Robin L. tvlurzynski
Meg Anderson
Affordable?
In response to the Business
Club's T-shirts bearing the
logo "St. Andrews College-lf
you haven't heard of it, you
probably can't afford it," one
is tempted to inquire as to
the intent of the statement
itself. Is it that the Business
Club is simply just perpetually
occupied with money; is it
intending to focus on the
rising cost of higher
education in general; or per
chance, is it that as ourtirsi
impressions ledustobelieve,
that it is an elitist statement
going far beyond the simple
pride of educational
acquisitions?
individuals do not supporttii
minds behind sue
statement, and feel it negat
the spirit of the St. Andrew
community.
Mary T, Jamey D.