DAILY TROJAN, Vol. 60, No. 51, December 05, 1968 |
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University of Southern California DAILY • TROJAN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1968, VOL. LX, NO. 51 Quiet previls at S.F. State., two arrested By MIKE PARFIT Editor SAN FRANCISCO—The janitors were still cleaning up the litter at 4:30 yesterday morning on the San Francisco State campus after Tuesday’s police-student clash. Torn leaflets and paper plates and mimeographed sheets were still scattered around on the grass of the commons, a large lawn in the center of the campus. Some of the windows of the cafeteria were shattered and on the steps in front of the library was a splash of blood left over from Tuesday’s violence. By 9 a.m. the grass was clean and although there were now new leaflets circulating, the mood was quiet. “It’s too normal.” one student said. “I’m scared.” Then the police arrived. They came quietly and disappeared into buildings. One of the many newsmen waiting for what was to come offered a policeman S20 for his helmet. Other reporters in town for the disturbances had brought their own hardhats. But as the day turned out, the helmets were not needed. Although 600 police came on campus to break up a group of 2,500 chanting student strikers, there were only two arrests and no one was injured. Tuesday there had been numerous injuries and over 20 students were arrested. S.I. Hayakawa, acting president of San Francisco State, is disliked. Numerous ethnic comments were made about him yesterday, including “Uncle Tojo Tom,’" made by Ruth Hayward of Merritt College, a predominate Negro school in Oakland. Hayakawa met with Negro civic leaders early in the day and turned down their demands that police be removed from the campus and classes be cancelled for a convocation to settle strike issues. Hayakawa later held a news conference in which he said that if the civic leaders came to the campus, they would be subject to the same laws as the students. At noon, striking students staged a rally in defiance of Hayakawa’s stiff regulations. During the three-hour demonstration there were two moments in which violence could have erupted. The first came after the group of about 100 chanting demonstrators had gathered and marched shouting “On strike, shut it down!” They were met near the gym by approximately 60 athletes Vho stood their ground and shouted back “Keep it open!” A couple of rocks were thrown but one of the leaders of the march around the campus held the strikers back and there were no fights. The other major incident occured when the police moved toward a large group of students gathered in the commons area. The announcement was made that the assembly was considered illegal and an officer on a bullhorn told the students that they would be arrested if they remained in the area. About 900 remained, standing or sitting on the lawn. The police, in a muscular line of blue, formed barriers on three sides of the circle. Each time they moved forward a few steps. Students scattered but did not leave the area. Then an officer announced that the students would not be arrested if they left the campus quietly. For 15 minutes the officers stood on the lawn watching the students. Then suddenly the squads of police began to march away, apparently satisfied that the assembly had been broken up sufficiently. The arrests were made later in small incidents. JUNIOR O.J. WEIGHS IN AS 7-POUND 12-OUNCE GIRL O.J. Simpson received two rewards yesterday in New York as he prepared to receive his Heisman Trophy tonight from the New York Athletic Club. His first reward was that he was named UPI Player of the Year for 1968 college football. The second reward, a bit more meaningful, was that his wife, Marquerite, had given birth to their first child in Los Angeles. The child, a girl, was born at 3:17 p.m. yesterday at Good Samaritan Hospital. She weighed seven pounds, 12 ounces and was reported, along with her mother, as being fine. O.J. could not be contacted in New York for comment. He is not expected to name the girl Orenthal Jean. Petition circulating to support volunteer army By CARLA SWEENEY Leaders of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), Trojan Young Republicans (TYR), Trojan Young Democrats (TYD), Kennedy Action Corps and other campus leaders have joined in signing a volunteer military petition which Young Americans for Freedom, (YAF), will send to President-elect Richard Nixon. The petition was written by Alan Brandstater, senior and executive director of California YAF, as part of a state-wide “The Draft vs. You Week.” It reads: “As students and young people concerned about the destinies of our lives, and our right to exercise control over those lives, we have affixed our signatures to this petition in favor of abolishing the Selective Service System—the draft—and creating a volunteer military in its stead. We ask that you bring the full force and influence of a new Nixon administration to bear on this matter.” Among the approximately 90 students that had signed the petition by yesterday afternoon are Dan Brandt, and Aaron Wolf of SDS; Dan Levinson; president of TYR; Joel Rosenzweig president of TYD; Pat Students seek creative expression, prof says ON A CLEAR DAY—There was only light eye irritation in Los Angeles yesterday. For people with medium and heavy eyes, this was the view looking north from the Student Union. Photo by Robert Herrup Pass-fail plan for gym tabled Consideration of a proposal placing physical education classes on a pass/no-pass, basis was postponed yesterday until the January meeting of the Curriculum Committee. Dr. J. Wesley Robb, professor of religion and chairman of the General Education College, and Tom Levyn, ASSC sophomore representative, appeared before the Curriculum Committee with similar proposals, which would eliminate the current grading system for physical education classes. Levyn presented each committee member with a revised pass-fail proposal plan, which recommended that all physical education classes be placed on a pass-fail basis with the following provisions: • Physical education majors would be excluded from this program. • A minimum pass grade would be equivalent to a “C” grade. • This program would apply to Physical Education 100 through 159 inclusively, as listed in he 1968 USC general catalog. • Fail grades will not be counted in the students overall grade average. Levyn’s proposal was unanimously endorsed, by Paul A. Bloland, dean of students, the Academic Affairs Council, the Executive Council of the Associated Students and the Daily Trojan. Dr. Robb presented a proposal for placing physical education classes on a pass/no-pass basis. In the case of a no pass status, no record will be kept of an “F” grade. By JAN HUNSINGER Today’s students are primarily concerned with three problems: something worthwhile to commit themselves to, meaningful participation in decision-making processes, and seeking a new, creative media of expression, said Dr. J. Wesley Robb, who spoke to 100 high school students yesterday. The students, who are members of the College Bound Club from Jefferson High School, received a tour, heard Dr. Robb’s address, had lunch on the Row and finally broke up into interest discussion groups. They were the guests of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. The fraternity may invite students from Manuel Arts High School for a similar program. “Today’s generation of students is undoubtedly the most studied in history,” Dr. Robb said. “Next to national defense, more money goes into education than any other field. You are an easily identifiable, surveyable public. “I think that today’s young people are naturally attracted to the existentialist philosophy of Camus and Sartre because it identifies the frustrating human condition which confronts them. “We are all like the mythological Sisyphus who was condemned forever to push a rock to the top of a hill only to have it pushed back down again. We must all push our own rock, but we SIX CHOSEN TO BE SONG GIRLS Six new song girls and two alternates were chosen last night. They are Wendy Cooper, Roberta Crescenti, Linda Funk, Suzanne Knoole, Marilyn Richardson and Nora Stevens. The alternates are Marsha Grahn and Gail Stevens. The new song girls will debut at the first home Pac-8 basketball game Jan. 31 against Stanford in the Sports Arena. must realize that we can never fully attain our goal.” He said people must accept this, yet keep pushing, knowing there will be satisfying moments of freedom and liberation along with the ultimate frustration. Robb said one of the principal causes of student rebellion is that too many students are left out of the decision-making process. “Students want to be taken seriously,” he said. “I am one of those who feels that if a person is considered capable of defending his country, he should be allowed to vote.” “The fact that one cannot vote until he is 21 is a throwback to the seen-and-not-heard attitude toward youth. “Universities are more and more inclined to give students a voice in decision-making. Universities are facing the fact that they cannot and should not play a parental role. Students must be treated as adults.” About students concern for discovering means of self-expression, Robb said: “More and more, young people are finding that art forms; dance, music, and theater, are more appropriate in describing reality than scholarly facts and truths.” Dr. Robb recalled the scene in ‘The Graduate” where a party guest told Benjaman that the key to success was contained in just one word, plastic. “Youth is rebelling against a phony world; they are looking for something real,” he said. However, Dr. Robb ended his talk with a word of caution. Borrowing thoughts from a speech by the president of Yale, Dr. Robb warned: “Restless youth want now changes, but they are inclined to take short cuts. They seek instant fulfillment and get hung up because there is no such thing.” “If you seek meaning in your life, take the time to gain self-discipline. This is the only way you can hope to play a productive role in the society in which you must live. Instant anything winds up just as empty and just as phony as the things you are rebelling against.” Nolan, chairman of YAF; Bill Mauk, ASSC president; Art Berkowitz, former chairman of Youth for Nixon; Tony Rose, formerly of Students for Humphrey; Keith Keener, chairman of the Kennedy Action Corps, and Eric Cohen, candidate for ASSC president. “If you go into the military, you should be in to fight,” Nolan said, claiming that 65 per cent of the work now done by the military would be done more effectively by the Civil Service. Several members of SDS have signed the petition but Nolan explained the difference between SDS and YAF on the matter: “The SDS oppose the military; they don’t oppose conscription. We oppose conscription but we don’t oppose the military.” he said. Levinsen signed as an individual rather than as TYR president. “I don’t use the club to express my own feelings,” he said. “I would urge anybody to sign it.” YAF will sponsor a talk by Dennis Turner, a former civil rights worker who says he believes that the individual is supreme to the government, which he feels should serve only to aid the individual. The talk will begin at noon in front of Tommy Trojan. 23 members elected to Phi Beta Kappa The election of 23 seniors to Phi Beta Kappa was announced recently by Prof. Roy H. Copperud, president of the campus chapter. They will be initiated at a ceremony in January, together with members elected earlier as juniors. The new members are: Ronald Merrill Arak, political science; Robert David Biggers, premed; Juanita Ching, mathematics; Carole Christofk, psychology; Barclay Edmundson, English; Carol Haugeland, history; Marsha Krieger, political science; Martin Kumbers, mathematics; Maryann Lees, English; Barry Madore astronomy; Elaine Manolakas, English; Linda Mayer, history; Marsha Meyer, comparative literature; Lon Marshall Nickelson, economics; Dennis Clark Osgood, German; Lenore Patterson, psychology; Terry Perkins, political science; Riv-Ellen Prell, speech; William Reinsch, international relations; Alma Naomi Suehiro, biology; Judith Toyama, physical education; David Waterman, economics; and Mabel Ling Wong, English. Value of student activities complex disputed By FRANCES MUELLER The building, built solely for students, is there. But where are the students? The Student Activities Center, part of the student activities complex including the Grill and the Student Union, is used, but some feel not as it should be. Anthony Lazzaro, associate business manager and director of campus development, thinks there is something wrong with the facilities that have been provided. Lazzaro is disappointed with the results after the university spent so much money to provide the students with a center for their activities. Although he thinks the Grill is a success, he does not feel the same way about the Student Activities Center. He says that it has potential, but it is not functioning properly because there aren’t enough activities for the people on campus. Lazzaro said he also doesn’t feel that the facilities are serving as a place for people to meet people. The adninistration has offered to operate the Grill and the Student Activities Center at a loss by extending the hours, if it will encourage more students to use the facilities. Paul Moore, director of student activities, says that the students determine the use of the buildings by what they choose to do there. He added that the lounges have turned into study areas because there was a need for them. More feels that the Grill meets the needs of the student body as a restaurant, but not a gathering place. President Norman Topping has other views as to what the student activities complex should accomplish. “Historically there was no place for the students, particularity commuters to socialize except the libraries and the lawns.” he said. “The old bookstore didn’t encourage the students and the old Grill had had bad food service. In the old Student Union, there was really no place where the students could socialize. “The Student Activities Center should be used for both educational and social purposes.” I think the total complex has made it possible for more students to know other students.” Paul Bloland, dean of students, said: “The first floor of the Student Activities Center is the living room for the campus. It provides a place for people alone or with a friend to study or talk. I think it is a gathering place to meet students and parents.” “I think the student activities complex gets fantastic use.” “It is being used very well now,” Dr. Topping agreed. Moore said the student body is just beginning to find out what is available in the student activities complex. There was a rise in meetings during the fall semester. In September there were just over 100 meetings, while in October there were over 300. Moore said that many meetings are held in the Student Activities Center each day, and the rooms upstairs would be used even more if the same groups were allowed to use them every day in the week. On weekdays they are jammed and some must be turned away. The recreation facilities downstairs are also being used heavily he said. Three more pool tables are to be placed down there. Moore said the use of the recreation room, as well as the rest of the activity complex is restricted to the amount of space available. There is not enough space for programs and activities. He also believes that the activities complex is not large enough for a university of this size and that only a certain number of students can be comfortably accommodated in the Student Activities Center. The facilities are used most heavily when commuters are on campus. “I think a variety of uses will be found that weren’t even thought about before. The complex will then be used more,” said Dr. Topping. Bloland feels that because the Student Activities Center is new, more needs to be done to make the facilities useful. Moore also thinks that student activities should be increased. “Programs have increased since the beginning of the student activity of last year, but the programs need leaders,” he said. “When the students have been involved in many activities for many years, they leave a tradition, but when they haven’t, they have to be trained.” The programs will help with the continuing problem of meeting people. “One of the things the ASSC has to do, and is beginning to do, is to bring people together on an informal basis,” Moore said. Sometimes this has to be structured,” Student-faculty coffee hours and discussion programs are being started. Bloland also feels that activities need to be developed more. More thought should be given to programs that help people to meet other people. Bloland feels that there should be more programs where the participants don’t need to pair-up, for example, a service project. Bloland said that too often the programs that help people to meet other people get tagged with an unpleasant label, because people aren’t supposed to need to meet others. “Not enough attention has been given to the problems of foreign students, grad students and commuters,” said Rloland. Bloland also said that when the student activities complex is conpleted, it will be able to compare with any others. “There is general consensus that as the students become more aware of what is available to them, they will make greater use of the complex,” he said. There are some students who feel different about the Student Activities Center. A freshman who commutes said that he was in the Student Activities Center once to do some studying. “It was a nice quiet place,” he said. “There weren’t many people there.” A senior who also commutes said, “It looks like a study hall. I never had any occasion to use it.” Students seem to differ with the administration as to the purposes and the use of the Student Activities Center. “It isn’t yet a congregating place,” commented a senior in electronics engineering. He thinks maybe the reason is that not enough people know about it. “There are usually only about 10 people downstairs.” “There ought to be more activities there. All student activities should be in the Student Activities Center and not in the YWCA.” A grad student in urban affairs said that the studying was better in the Student Activities Center than in the library because smoking is allowed there. He also said that he had met a few people there, but he had little idea of what was going on in the other parts of the building. He thought the building may need more publicity to attract students there. A woman commuter said that she wished the lounges could be a more quiet place for study. She thought there should be more desks. She said if the students wanted to talk, that they should go to the cafeteria.
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Title | DAILY TROJAN, Vol. 60, No. 51, December 05, 1968 |
Full text | University of Southern California DAILY • TROJAN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1968, VOL. LX, NO. 51 Quiet previls at S.F. State., two arrested By MIKE PARFIT Editor SAN FRANCISCO—The janitors were still cleaning up the litter at 4:30 yesterday morning on the San Francisco State campus after Tuesday’s police-student clash. Torn leaflets and paper plates and mimeographed sheets were still scattered around on the grass of the commons, a large lawn in the center of the campus. Some of the windows of the cafeteria were shattered and on the steps in front of the library was a splash of blood left over from Tuesday’s violence. By 9 a.m. the grass was clean and although there were now new leaflets circulating, the mood was quiet. “It’s too normal.” one student said. “I’m scared.” Then the police arrived. They came quietly and disappeared into buildings. One of the many newsmen waiting for what was to come offered a policeman S20 for his helmet. Other reporters in town for the disturbances had brought their own hardhats. But as the day turned out, the helmets were not needed. Although 600 police came on campus to break up a group of 2,500 chanting student strikers, there were only two arrests and no one was injured. Tuesday there had been numerous injuries and over 20 students were arrested. S.I. Hayakawa, acting president of San Francisco State, is disliked. Numerous ethnic comments were made about him yesterday, including “Uncle Tojo Tom,’" made by Ruth Hayward of Merritt College, a predominate Negro school in Oakland. Hayakawa met with Negro civic leaders early in the day and turned down their demands that police be removed from the campus and classes be cancelled for a convocation to settle strike issues. Hayakawa later held a news conference in which he said that if the civic leaders came to the campus, they would be subject to the same laws as the students. At noon, striking students staged a rally in defiance of Hayakawa’s stiff regulations. During the three-hour demonstration there were two moments in which violence could have erupted. The first came after the group of about 100 chanting demonstrators had gathered and marched shouting “On strike, shut it down!” They were met near the gym by approximately 60 athletes Vho stood their ground and shouted back “Keep it open!” A couple of rocks were thrown but one of the leaders of the march around the campus held the strikers back and there were no fights. The other major incident occured when the police moved toward a large group of students gathered in the commons area. The announcement was made that the assembly was considered illegal and an officer on a bullhorn told the students that they would be arrested if they remained in the area. About 900 remained, standing or sitting on the lawn. The police, in a muscular line of blue, formed barriers on three sides of the circle. Each time they moved forward a few steps. Students scattered but did not leave the area. Then an officer announced that the students would not be arrested if they left the campus quietly. For 15 minutes the officers stood on the lawn watching the students. Then suddenly the squads of police began to march away, apparently satisfied that the assembly had been broken up sufficiently. The arrests were made later in small incidents. JUNIOR O.J. WEIGHS IN AS 7-POUND 12-OUNCE GIRL O.J. Simpson received two rewards yesterday in New York as he prepared to receive his Heisman Trophy tonight from the New York Athletic Club. His first reward was that he was named UPI Player of the Year for 1968 college football. The second reward, a bit more meaningful, was that his wife, Marquerite, had given birth to their first child in Los Angeles. The child, a girl, was born at 3:17 p.m. yesterday at Good Samaritan Hospital. She weighed seven pounds, 12 ounces and was reported, along with her mother, as being fine. O.J. could not be contacted in New York for comment. He is not expected to name the girl Orenthal Jean. Petition circulating to support volunteer army By CARLA SWEENEY Leaders of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), Trojan Young Republicans (TYR), Trojan Young Democrats (TYD), Kennedy Action Corps and other campus leaders have joined in signing a volunteer military petition which Young Americans for Freedom, (YAF), will send to President-elect Richard Nixon. The petition was written by Alan Brandstater, senior and executive director of California YAF, as part of a state-wide “The Draft vs. You Week.” It reads: “As students and young people concerned about the destinies of our lives, and our right to exercise control over those lives, we have affixed our signatures to this petition in favor of abolishing the Selective Service System—the draft—and creating a volunteer military in its stead. We ask that you bring the full force and influence of a new Nixon administration to bear on this matter.” Among the approximately 90 students that had signed the petition by yesterday afternoon are Dan Brandt, and Aaron Wolf of SDS; Dan Levinson; president of TYR; Joel Rosenzweig president of TYD; Pat Students seek creative expression, prof says ON A CLEAR DAY—There was only light eye irritation in Los Angeles yesterday. For people with medium and heavy eyes, this was the view looking north from the Student Union. Photo by Robert Herrup Pass-fail plan for gym tabled Consideration of a proposal placing physical education classes on a pass/no-pass, basis was postponed yesterday until the January meeting of the Curriculum Committee. Dr. J. Wesley Robb, professor of religion and chairman of the General Education College, and Tom Levyn, ASSC sophomore representative, appeared before the Curriculum Committee with similar proposals, which would eliminate the current grading system for physical education classes. Levyn presented each committee member with a revised pass-fail proposal plan, which recommended that all physical education classes be placed on a pass-fail basis with the following provisions: • Physical education majors would be excluded from this program. • A minimum pass grade would be equivalent to a “C” grade. • This program would apply to Physical Education 100 through 159 inclusively, as listed in he 1968 USC general catalog. • Fail grades will not be counted in the students overall grade average. Levyn’s proposal was unanimously endorsed, by Paul A. Bloland, dean of students, the Academic Affairs Council, the Executive Council of the Associated Students and the Daily Trojan. Dr. Robb presented a proposal for placing physical education classes on a pass/no-pass basis. In the case of a no pass status, no record will be kept of an “F” grade. By JAN HUNSINGER Today’s students are primarily concerned with three problems: something worthwhile to commit themselves to, meaningful participation in decision-making processes, and seeking a new, creative media of expression, said Dr. J. Wesley Robb, who spoke to 100 high school students yesterday. The students, who are members of the College Bound Club from Jefferson High School, received a tour, heard Dr. Robb’s address, had lunch on the Row and finally broke up into interest discussion groups. They were the guests of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. The fraternity may invite students from Manuel Arts High School for a similar program. “Today’s generation of students is undoubtedly the most studied in history,” Dr. Robb said. “Next to national defense, more money goes into education than any other field. You are an easily identifiable, surveyable public. “I think that today’s young people are naturally attracted to the existentialist philosophy of Camus and Sartre because it identifies the frustrating human condition which confronts them. “We are all like the mythological Sisyphus who was condemned forever to push a rock to the top of a hill only to have it pushed back down again. We must all push our own rock, but we SIX CHOSEN TO BE SONG GIRLS Six new song girls and two alternates were chosen last night. They are Wendy Cooper, Roberta Crescenti, Linda Funk, Suzanne Knoole, Marilyn Richardson and Nora Stevens. The alternates are Marsha Grahn and Gail Stevens. The new song girls will debut at the first home Pac-8 basketball game Jan. 31 against Stanford in the Sports Arena. must realize that we can never fully attain our goal.” He said people must accept this, yet keep pushing, knowing there will be satisfying moments of freedom and liberation along with the ultimate frustration. Robb said one of the principal causes of student rebellion is that too many students are left out of the decision-making process. “Students want to be taken seriously,” he said. “I am one of those who feels that if a person is considered capable of defending his country, he should be allowed to vote.” “The fact that one cannot vote until he is 21 is a throwback to the seen-and-not-heard attitude toward youth. “Universities are more and more inclined to give students a voice in decision-making. Universities are facing the fact that they cannot and should not play a parental role. Students must be treated as adults.” About students concern for discovering means of self-expression, Robb said: “More and more, young people are finding that art forms; dance, music, and theater, are more appropriate in describing reality than scholarly facts and truths.” Dr. Robb recalled the scene in ‘The Graduate” where a party guest told Benjaman that the key to success was contained in just one word, plastic. “Youth is rebelling against a phony world; they are looking for something real,” he said. However, Dr. Robb ended his talk with a word of caution. Borrowing thoughts from a speech by the president of Yale, Dr. Robb warned: “Restless youth want now changes, but they are inclined to take short cuts. They seek instant fulfillment and get hung up because there is no such thing.” “If you seek meaning in your life, take the time to gain self-discipline. This is the only way you can hope to play a productive role in the society in which you must live. Instant anything winds up just as empty and just as phony as the things you are rebelling against.” Nolan, chairman of YAF; Bill Mauk, ASSC president; Art Berkowitz, former chairman of Youth for Nixon; Tony Rose, formerly of Students for Humphrey; Keith Keener, chairman of the Kennedy Action Corps, and Eric Cohen, candidate for ASSC president. “If you go into the military, you should be in to fight,” Nolan said, claiming that 65 per cent of the work now done by the military would be done more effectively by the Civil Service. Several members of SDS have signed the petition but Nolan explained the difference between SDS and YAF on the matter: “The SDS oppose the military; they don’t oppose conscription. We oppose conscription but we don’t oppose the military.” he said. Levinsen signed as an individual rather than as TYR president. “I don’t use the club to express my own feelings,” he said. “I would urge anybody to sign it.” YAF will sponsor a talk by Dennis Turner, a former civil rights worker who says he believes that the individual is supreme to the government, which he feels should serve only to aid the individual. The talk will begin at noon in front of Tommy Trojan. 23 members elected to Phi Beta Kappa The election of 23 seniors to Phi Beta Kappa was announced recently by Prof. Roy H. Copperud, president of the campus chapter. They will be initiated at a ceremony in January, together with members elected earlier as juniors. The new members are: Ronald Merrill Arak, political science; Robert David Biggers, premed; Juanita Ching, mathematics; Carole Christofk, psychology; Barclay Edmundson, English; Carol Haugeland, history; Marsha Krieger, political science; Martin Kumbers, mathematics; Maryann Lees, English; Barry Madore astronomy; Elaine Manolakas, English; Linda Mayer, history; Marsha Meyer, comparative literature; Lon Marshall Nickelson, economics; Dennis Clark Osgood, German; Lenore Patterson, psychology; Terry Perkins, political science; Riv-Ellen Prell, speech; William Reinsch, international relations; Alma Naomi Suehiro, biology; Judith Toyama, physical education; David Waterman, economics; and Mabel Ling Wong, English. Value of student activities complex disputed By FRANCES MUELLER The building, built solely for students, is there. But where are the students? The Student Activities Center, part of the student activities complex including the Grill and the Student Union, is used, but some feel not as it should be. Anthony Lazzaro, associate business manager and director of campus development, thinks there is something wrong with the facilities that have been provided. Lazzaro is disappointed with the results after the university spent so much money to provide the students with a center for their activities. Although he thinks the Grill is a success, he does not feel the same way about the Student Activities Center. He says that it has potential, but it is not functioning properly because there aren’t enough activities for the people on campus. Lazzaro said he also doesn’t feel that the facilities are serving as a place for people to meet people. The adninistration has offered to operate the Grill and the Student Activities Center at a loss by extending the hours, if it will encourage more students to use the facilities. Paul Moore, director of student activities, says that the students determine the use of the buildings by what they choose to do there. He added that the lounges have turned into study areas because there was a need for them. More feels that the Grill meets the needs of the student body as a restaurant, but not a gathering place. President Norman Topping has other views as to what the student activities complex should accomplish. “Historically there was no place for the students, particularity commuters to socialize except the libraries and the lawns.” he said. “The old bookstore didn’t encourage the students and the old Grill had had bad food service. In the old Student Union, there was really no place where the students could socialize. “The Student Activities Center should be used for both educational and social purposes.” I think the total complex has made it possible for more students to know other students.” Paul Bloland, dean of students, said: “The first floor of the Student Activities Center is the living room for the campus. It provides a place for people alone or with a friend to study or talk. I think it is a gathering place to meet students and parents.” “I think the student activities complex gets fantastic use.” “It is being used very well now,” Dr. Topping agreed. Moore said the student body is just beginning to find out what is available in the student activities complex. There was a rise in meetings during the fall semester. In September there were just over 100 meetings, while in October there were over 300. Moore said that many meetings are held in the Student Activities Center each day, and the rooms upstairs would be used even more if the same groups were allowed to use them every day in the week. On weekdays they are jammed and some must be turned away. The recreation facilities downstairs are also being used heavily he said. Three more pool tables are to be placed down there. Moore said the use of the recreation room, as well as the rest of the activity complex is restricted to the amount of space available. There is not enough space for programs and activities. He also believes that the activities complex is not large enough for a university of this size and that only a certain number of students can be comfortably accommodated in the Student Activities Center. The facilities are used most heavily when commuters are on campus. “I think a variety of uses will be found that weren’t even thought about before. The complex will then be used more,” said Dr. Topping. Bloland feels that because the Student Activities Center is new, more needs to be done to make the facilities useful. Moore also thinks that student activities should be increased. “Programs have increased since the beginning of the student activity of last year, but the programs need leaders,” he said. “When the students have been involved in many activities for many years, they leave a tradition, but when they haven’t, they have to be trained.” The programs will help with the continuing problem of meeting people. “One of the things the ASSC has to do, and is beginning to do, is to bring people together on an informal basis,” Moore said. Sometimes this has to be structured,” Student-faculty coffee hours and discussion programs are being started. Bloland also feels that activities need to be developed more. More thought should be given to programs that help people to meet other people. Bloland feels that there should be more programs where the participants don’t need to pair-up, for example, a service project. Bloland said that too often the programs that help people to meet other people get tagged with an unpleasant label, because people aren’t supposed to need to meet others. “Not enough attention has been given to the problems of foreign students, grad students and commuters,” said Rloland. Bloland also said that when the student activities complex is conpleted, it will be able to compare with any others. “There is general consensus that as the students become more aware of what is available to them, they will make greater use of the complex,” he said. There are some students who feel different about the Student Activities Center. A freshman who commutes said that he was in the Student Activities Center once to do some studying. “It was a nice quiet place,” he said. “There weren’t many people there.” A senior who also commutes said, “It looks like a study hall. I never had any occasion to use it.” Students seem to differ with the administration as to the purposes and the use of the Student Activities Center. “It isn’t yet a congregating place,” commented a senior in electronics engineering. He thinks maybe the reason is that not enough people know about it. “There are usually only about 10 people downstairs.” “There ought to be more activities there. All student activities should be in the Student Activities Center and not in the YWCA.” A grad student in urban affairs said that the studying was better in the Student Activities Center than in the library because smoking is allowed there. He also said that he had met a few people there, but he had little idea of what was going on in the other parts of the building. He thought the building may need more publicity to attract students there. A woman commuter said that she wished the lounges could be a more quiet place for study. She thought there should be more desks. She said if the students wanted to talk, that they should go to the cafeteria. |
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