Newspapers / Methodist University Student Newspaper / Nov. 22, 1991, edition 1 / Page 2
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Page2 SMALLTALK November22.1991 Forum (From Page 1) self was against it, but that a majority are in favor of the 12-point system. He also stated that a grandfather clause was sug gested by one faculty member, but that suggestion was voted down by a majori ty- Dean Bitterbaum stated that the idea that the faculty are opposed to the grand father clause because it would mean more woric for them is a misconception. He said that one factor in the decision was that if a professor assigned plus and minus grades to all his students, and the grades for the upperclassmen were then changed back to straight letter grades, the change would lake away the profes sor's right to evaluate his class. Presi dent Hendricks added that such a change in upperclassmen's grades would have to be accomplished by administrative ac tion after the grades were in the comput er, and that those upperclassmen who had earned pluses would actually be hurt by the change. When asked why the grading system change could not be regarded as a cata logue change applying only to those stu dents who came in under the 91-92 cata logue, Dr. Collins stated that a faculty member who had recently attended a meeting of administrators reported that academia across the nation view the Protest (From Page 1) "Everyone assumes that it [the new policy] will be detrimental," Dr. Hen dricks stated. "The trend in higher edu cation in America is to go to the plus- minus grading scale. In the end, the grading system will not be determined by the students." He also encouraged the students to attend the forum that day and continue the discussion with the faculty and administration. When interviewed after the demon stration, Ratliff said that she would like a point-to-point explanation as to why the faculty would not accept the grandfather clause. She also explained what the next step would be for the SGA and students. She asked that students let their profes sors know how they feel, and have their parents write letters to the college asking that the faculty reconsider their decision. grading policy as a matter of administra tive policy. For this reason changing the grading system is not considered a cata logue change. Another student asked why only 30 of the 53 full-time faculty had voted on the change, saying that an issue over which students had expressed such con cern should have been voted on by the entire faculty. Dean Bitterbaum replied, "I agree, but we live in a democracy, and in a democracy, if you have a quorum, then it’s the majority of that quorum." One student referred to Dr. Bitter- baum's statement by saying: "You were speaking of a democracy earlier. What is the students' role in this democracy? Per sonally, I feel like a peasant." Many students expressed concern over the way the new grading policy was implemented. The President answered that there had been a mix-up in taking this issue to the Student Government As sociation, and that the mistake was unfor tunate. Another student asked if it would have made any difference if it had gone to SGA last year. "What if SGA had vot ed against it?" the student asked. "1 don't see any line between the faculty and the students for the future." Dean Bitterbaum responded that there would be a dialogue in the future. He has planned another forum with a panel of faculty members to address the students' concerns about the grading poli cy. Dr. Bitterbaum also stated: "Dr. Campbell tells me that a lot of research has gone on for many years. Your GPA should probably change only two tenths of a point." Another student voiced concern that he may lose his scholarship under the new system. President Hendricks an nounced that anyone students who lose their scholarships because they get more minus grades than plus grades would re tain their scholarships. A few students expressed concern over the fact that some professors have Slated that they will not use the new poli cy. One student felt that it was unfair that some faculty members are using the new system while others refuse to do so. President Hendricks replied that colleges have historically been very reticent about telling faculty members what kinds of grades they could award. He went on to say, "In the end, the faculty who are here permanently have to decide what curricu lum, what programs, and what grading standards they think are appropriate for the college." A student responded to another stu dent's comment about the right of profes sors to set their own grading policy. She Elden Owsley addresses students at protest Firewood Gatherers Share The Warmth by Joy R. Godwin "Share the Warmth IV" drew a large warm-hearted crowd on Sunday, Novem ber 3. More than 40 staff members and students braved cold and wet weather to chop wood for some less fortunate fami lies in the Fayetteville area. Urban Ministry of Fayetteville pro vides the names of families that need help to meet fuel needs during the winter months. The Student Affairs office had the trees cut, and then participants of "Share the Warmth IV" worked for 3 hours, splitting 4 truckloads of wood. and distributing it to five families. The idea for "Share the Warmth" be gan three years ago after Kathy Woltz, Director of Counseling, took a group of students to Washington to participate in the March on Washington for the Home less. With 650 acres of campus land, she felt it was time for Methodist College to give some of itself to others in need. After four successful events, Ms. Woltz says "Share the Warmth seems to be the most effective, best attended, pro ject on campus." The project not only helps others outside the college commu nity, but it strengthens the relationships and promotes interaction of students and staff. Ms. Woltz said that she would like to see more faculty and administration participation. Students and staff will have another opportunity to support this project, how ever. "Share the Warmth V" may take place before Christmas in order to pro vide a warm holiday season for those in need. Weather permitting, the project will last all day and provide wood to 12- 16 families. People interested in this project should watch for posters with de tails or contact the Student Affairs office. said, "I'd just like to go on the record as saying that as long as I've been in college the faculty has been free to make their own grading policy." She further slated that the faculty should be permitted to ad just their grading requirements if such adjustment is in the students' best inter est. Another student asked about the way student transcripts will reflect the policy change. President Hendricks stated that he didn't see any reason why transcripts couldn't reflect this change. A final topic introduced before the panel concerned the smoking policy that has been implemented on campus. Presi dent Hendricks said that this question was one of smokers rights versus non- smokers rights. When the student asked if there was a penalty for smoking in the non-smoking areas, the President did not have an answer. Overall, the students and panel mem bers exchanged ideas, concerns, frustra tions, and spoke about the hopes for the future of the college. President Hen dricks summed up his feelings when he said, "I hope we have created a sense of community, but in the end, the curricu lum of the college and the grading policy of the college cannot be put to a student referendum." Communications Dept. Gets New Equipment by Cheryl D. Chambers The Communications Department has just received a badly needed camera, a Sony DXC-327 K. Funding for the new camera partially came from the Rog ers Trust Foundation. The camera was purchased from the Midwest Company which went bankrupt just as the camera was about to be purchased; so, the school got a good deal and saved about 5,300 dollars. But this is just a part of our school's current attempt to upgrade our television studio. Mr. Bob Bloodworth, Assistant Pro fessor of the Communications Depart ment, states we also have grants pending for the additional equipment that could allow communications students to do electronic graphics and special effects. The new camera has many features which make video shooting a joy. It has a lightweight portable deck and 16-power zoom lens. The new camera doubles the capability of the communications studio by allowing one student to shoot outside, while someone else is using the studio in side. The new $9,500.00 camera in cludes a new deck, battery charger, bat tery supply, and batteries.
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Nov. 22, 1991, edition 1
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