Newspapers / Elizabeth City State University … / April 1, 1984, edition 1 / Page 2
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Page 2 R.J. Walker and Pieces from the Editor’s Desk The COMPASS H The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Summing It Up Well, it’s now that time when I must do the opposite of what I did in my first issue as Editor-in- Chief. Instead of welcoming you I must now bid you farewell. As much as I hate to admit it, I must confess I find this no easy task. For some obscene reason I find doing this quite saddening. Please don’t misinterpet;me I’m sad, but I’m also a man of no tears so keep your Kleenexes for future uses. Enough of that let’s get to some more serious material. When I assumed the position of Editor- in-Chief our main goal was to produce a newspaper that informed the entire University Family and the community of what is going on on campus, and to also provide accurate and relevant information. I believe without a shadow of a doubt we have reached this goal. In order for us to cover more news ■ that effects the ECSU campus and the community, we need to hear from you. I also feel quite pleased as well as proud of the accomplishments the COMPASS has reached under my editorship. We have produced the first issue to ever come out during registration in the entire history of the COMPASS, we have been the first to change from the tabloid to the vertical format, and our paper is closer to professionalism than any past COMPASS staff has produced. That’s enough to make any editor feel proud. Don’t get me wrong I do not dare take all the credit. Much credit goes to the COMPASS staff, the Modern Languages Department, Dr. Jenkins and a host of others. This entire editorial may sound or appear a little conceited, but all I have to say is: “May the work I’ve done speak for me!!! ” The COMPASS encourages its readers to respond by submitting “Letters to the Editor.” Letters should be submitted to Mrs. Robin Beamon in the Modern Languages Department- Johnson Hall. They should be typed, or legibly writte n. by Algie H. Mabry, Jr. Executive Editor As the 1983-84 academic term comes to an end, we all have the tendency to remember certain things. If anything. Vikings should remember the absentee policy and the selection of our new Chancellor. Both were occurences in our history that have had a tremendous effect on our lives. In addition, peer pressure was waving high. In the fall semester, the absentee policy was the big issue. Why did this cause such a big controversy? You either went to classes and were accounted for, or else you didn’t attend and suffered the consequences. The policy also created an ordeal for the faculty and the administration. Both parties wished to implement a policy to increase student class attendance, yet both were negligent in addressing the necessary red-tape to make such a policy work. Nevertheless, 50% favored the policy and 50% opposed it. by Linda Putnam staff Writer “ I think it has been helpful; however, I have seen some flaws,” Dr. Floyd L. Robinson, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs said discussing the new absentee policy. This policy requires self- discipline from the student. It mirrors the world of work because everyone must be able to follow rules and regulations on the job. Dr. Robinson said the policy was adopted because of a significant rise in the number of students who did not pass standardized tests. The faculty felt that one of the reasons students were having difficulty was due to poor classroom attendance. About 144 students were cut from a class during the fall semester. The number will decrease this semester. by Mike Moore Feature Editor Chancellor Jenkins says that ECSU’s future growth plans should lead this University into “... servicing the needs of this area.” According to Jenkins, the proposed $8.2 million Science Complex will serve the area best right now. Jenkins reasons that, “... because Science and Math are areas of such high demand, ECSU needs to produce state-of- the-art scientists. If we can do that, research facilities and corporations will be beating on our doors.” Northeastern North Carolina is traditionally a rural area. A large part of the world is set in urban cultures. As a result of being traditionally rural, this area is somewhat culturally isolated from the much larger, urban world. As long as we exist, that is some of us, as intelligent, educated and individualistic beings, no single way will be able to satisfy everyone. The concept of trying to satisfy everyone has been a major aspect of ECSU history — an aspect which needs discussion. Conform and satisfy only when necessary. For instance, any organization which requires its members to wear rust and black, is just a club. If you wish to be a member, you choose to conform to the dress code. To illustrate ignorance in conformity — suppose you associate with a clique of perfect “10” babes. They decide to wear mini-skirts, so naturally you wear one too. It’s a common fact that not enough material can be found to accomodate a size-18 woman, especially one with size 44” hips. “We were the last state- supported, historically black institution to have such a policy. The trend is to require more discipline from students and this is what everyone is looking for,” Robinson said. The policy is not without flaws, Robinson admits. “The paperwork has been tremendous. We issued 25-30 excuses a day at first. Now we are averaging about 5-10 a day.” “It is also a hardship on students who have financial problems and need to work, but we try to work with everyone,” interjected Robinson. There should be allowances for juniors and seniors. If a student is going to have trouble it will be in the freshman year. Also, it might be wise to begin the policy after classes stabilize at the beginning of each semester. “Elizabeth City is in a situation much similar to many other Northeastern cities. The cultural isolation experienced here results from the area’s lack of mass transportation,” Jenkins says, “No mass commuter railways or airlines currently serve the region.” Jenkins and his predecessor, the late Dr. Marion Thorpe, have both expressed a vested interest in negotiations between Governors Jim Hunt, NC, and Chuck Robb, Va, to expand Interstate 17-theough Elizabeth City-to connect with Interstate 64 in Virginia. Highway 17 is expanded on North Carolina’s land to the Va. line. Va., however, has yet to complete the highway’s expansion on its side of the border. If Va. would complete the expansion to highway 64, Jenkins says, “... travel from industrial centers to this area would be so much easier. The completion would have brought much industry and many social facilities to this area.” Once again, conform and satisfy only when necessary. Don’t make a mockery of oneself to conform OR satisfy. Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! Dr. Jimmy Raymond Jenkins will become the next official chief-executive of this institution. His striving for academic excellence has been an example that many students should follow. Twenty years ago, he was right where we are, but look at him now — Chancellor of ECSU. Before Dr. Jenkins was bestowed the title of Chancellor, much effort was made to make this particular alumnus the leader of our University. Team work was the key to success in selecting Dr. Jenkins. Sometimes students are accidentally delayed during the first week, and we should be understanding of this. Dr. Robinson agrees that students are attending classes more regularly. The faculty is generally supportive as is the student body, though there have been some complaints. The policy will be reviewed the end of the year, it could be strengthened or diluted. It is unlikely that it will be abandoned entirely. “I think students, faculty and administration alike should look objectively at the policy, its merit and effects before making any judgments,” said Dr. ■Robinson. Until Hwy. 17 expansion is complete, or a mass commuter railway or airline opens in the area, cultural isolation remains here. To alleviate the isolation, other means must be sought. As Dare County is currently doing, facilities and events must be created to attract more people to the area. Jenkins proposes to expand facilities and programs and to offer courses to attract urban students to the area. The best course to follow seems to be an attempt at mass communication with the urban world, before our virgin land is pathetically raped by the oncoming urban hordes. The proposed Computer Center and Science Complex seek to attract industrial corporations, as well as members of the prestigious, but small scientific community to the area. The proposed growth plans for ECSU will probably succeed in attracting urban dwellers, but are they the plans which are best for this traditionally rural area and are they best suited to the stage of growth this area is experiencing? The University Archives should include how students, administrators, city officials and the community pulled together for the advancement of this institution. Throughout the city, everyone played a role in selecting our new Chancellor. This team effort is proof of what young faces and working unity can accomplish. Wine Initiates New Experiences by Bert Smiley Member of Wine Psi Phi, South Carolina State Wine is not really what people think of it as. As the initials signify, “We initiate new experiences,” and our motto is to build a better brotherhood among brothers. We say this because most social groups and fraternities tend to compete for the highest honor, in other words being better than the next. That’s understandable, but if you think back to time of creation, you see we were all made from one, that is one cell, one division, and now billions of years later, we seem to have lost our way. That’s where Wine comes in, ’cause we’re all about bringing this oneness back. At least try to get these other groups to come under one ideal, ’cause even though 20 minds are masterful, 300 minds would be unstoppable. We as a whole, need to wake up and open our mental eyes to the surroundings. If you can conceive this in a positive way, you would see that we could achieve a great amount, not only in State College, but in other universities. Wine the challenge is what we’re all about. People out there, let’s wake up, we’ve been sleeping too long... “ I think it is unprofessional and condescending for the adult level students. I realize some people don’t come to class, but if they don’t, it is fair enough for them to fail the course,” said Michael Emmert, a junior English major. “I don’t like it! You’re supposed to be adults. That decision should be up to you. I keep my grades up so it does not really motivate me. If we’re going to have a policy, I think juniors and seniors at least should be exempt,” said Frances Leigh, a Computer Science major. “I think it is a good policy and has helped students get better grades. I know my grades are better than they would be otherwise.,” said Lisa Cherry, a Criminal Justice major. “I don’t like the policy because I have had to miss a lot of football practice. My grades are better than they were before, though,” commented Ervin Harris, a Criminal Justice major. “I think it is a good policy. It has helped me come to class more and my grades have improved a whole letter grade. I think everyone has a responsibility to come to class,” said Dwight Sutton, an Industrial Arts major. Many faculty members support the absentee policy. “It has been a lot of work, especially keeping up with tardies,” said Dr. Eloise Roberts. “I support it, because it has helped get students to class.” “I understand why the policy was instituted and believe me it has helpejd keep students attending classes,” said Mrs. Diana Gardner. The COMPASS would like to Extend Special Thanks to Ms. Marion Pierre for her contributions and support for this issue. Congratulations to the Graduating Ciass Of 84, IVlay your Future Hold Loads Of Happiness & Success “The opinions expressed in the COMPASS do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Elizabeth City State University, its administration, faculty, or student body.” The COMPASS Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor R. J. Walker Algie H. Mabry, Jr. Editor in Training Production Manager Da Via Purnell Algie H. Mabry, Jr. Advertising Manager Rick L. Jones News Editor Feature Editor Ricky Wilkins Mike Moore Sports Editor Tammye Jones Advisors Dr. Anne Henderson Staff Artist Diana Gardner Joseph Taylor Dr. Robert Thorne This Fitat/ssuB of The COMPASS fyr The Year 1983-84 is Dedicated to our Advisors, Dr, Anne Henderson and D/lrs. Diana Gardner Also to D/Is. Robin Beamon for their Time^ Patience^ Aihfice and Most of ait Their Love- Absentee Policy Worics? SPECULATION Jenkins Eyes ECSU’s Future /
Elizabeth City State University Student Newspaper
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April 1, 1984, edition 1
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