Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / Aug. 27, 2010, edition 1 / Page 3
Part of Elon University Student Newspaper / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
THE PENDULUM MOVE-IN ISSUE FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010 // PAGE 3 Incoming freshmen could be last class with current core requirements Jack DoSson'' News Editor The Elon University class of 2014 could be one of the last groups required to take the current first-year core classes, according to faculty members. Faculty said a committee is in place to review the general studies requirements. Since 1994, students in their freshman year have had to take College Writing (ENG 110), The Global Experience (GST 110), Health and Wellness (HED 111) and either Statistics or Calculus (MTH 112, 121 or 212). But starting last year, a committee was put together to review the current system, according to Janet Warman, a GST 110 professor who coordinates the general studies core requirement. Warman said each core class has its own coordinator — Amanda Tapler for wellness. Skip Allis for math and Jessie Moore for English. As of right now, Warman said the committee is looking to build more connections between the core classes and the classes students take later in their college careers. This would build on an idea that already dictates the purpose of the core requirements. ■ “The core classes are intended to provide the basis for Elon students so that they can succeed in their other courses at Elon and in their lives beyond Elon,” Warman said. She said all the courses have a bigger meaning beyond just class work — with The Global Experience, she said, it’s about students finding their place in the world, while statistics is about finding the value and practicality in numbers. “If we are to be educated citizens, then we need to understand the implications of the numbers that we encounter every day,” Warman said. The classes act as “building blocks,” said Jim Donathan, the associate director of academic advising. They're about learning what a college class entails, and preparing students for upper- level classes, he said. “The faculty’s always seeking to define what an education person from Elon is,” he said. GST 110 professor Jim Brown said, the core classes offer a good chance for students to learn skills they can use through the rest of their college careers as well. “1 think (taking these courses) is an important way to start off your college career,” Brown said. “The big thing 1 think you get out of these courses is a set of tools... In the long run, it’s the skills part that’s important.” Brown said professors for the GST 110 course meet once a week to check up with each other about their different approaches to teaching the course and about what works and what doesn’t. He said despite the differences in course material, the class is all about one thing — critical thinking. “On the surface, it looks different because people have different topics, but underlying, it is the same skills,” he said. “If you take the time to figure out what’s going on, there really is a kind of uniformity no matter who’s teaching it.” For Warman, the overall importance of the classes comes from what the students can get out of them. “They can connect with faculty who care deeply about first-year students and their education and who work to help students learn how they can succeed at Elon,” Warman said. “Students who take the most advantage of the core will communicate more effectively, think more deeply and develop intellectual curiosity for a richer life and a more successful college experience.” FIRST-YEAR CORE CLASSES College Writing (ENG 110) English professors teach the basic techniques of writing in this class. Research, citation and reading skiHs are developed. The Global Experience (GST 110) Professors take different approaches to teaching this general studies class. Professors from every area, including math, science, music, communications and other principles, teach the class. The main purpose is to develop critical thinking, problem solving, looking at the bigger problems in the world and discussing solutions. Health and Wellness (HED 111) Professors teach stress release, mental and physical health, how to spot drug and alcohol abuse, healthy eating habits, exercise and other topics relating to health in this class. Statistics or Calculus (MTH 112,121 or 212) These math classes are about finding the value and practicality in numbers. Some higher-level math courses teach computer programming, which is also a major at Elon. MORF MOVE-IN DAY: Video and photos from the Class of 2014 move-in weekend CONVOCATION: Video and photos from the freshmen celebration under the Oaks FAREWELL PICNIC: Photos from the parent’s farewell Dicnic at Lake Mary Nell 4IX FRENZY: Videos and photos from the night of freshmen the night of f spirit. COMMUNITY ON THE COMMONS: Photos and videos the I fall concert, karaoke and dinner COLLEGE COFFEE: Photos from the first college coffee. PARENTS’ REACTION: A look at how parents react to their children leaving for I college. P rogram 336-278-RIDE in your phone. A Iways eat food before and while you drink. R emember that prescription drugs and aicohol don't mix. T Y reat your roommates and neighbors with respect. ou should pace yourself and avoid drinking games. Q&A witfc Elon Police: f/i ii HMfMHi Pfico from S-i:SO SPARKS Student Promoting Awareness Responsibility Knowledge and Success froB 5-«:30 Free pizza and drinks will be provided
Elon University Student Newspaper
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Aug. 27, 2010, edition 1
3
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75