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| Sept. 14, 2004 | |||||||
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Other sites of interest: Student Government Association Center for Student Involvement & Leadership Appalachian & the Community Together Multicultural Student Development |
Fifteen seats remain after SGA Senate elections last week Two months before a presidential election, Appalachian State University students got a little practice in the democratic process as they voted in Student Government Association elections last week. During the three-day election from Sept. 7-9, 1,529 students elected SGA senators from on and off campus. Students were able to vote through AppalNET. “Overall, we had a very good turnout,” SGA Vice President Nick V. Albu said. “[It is] a very good start, and we’ll be recruiting throughout the year.” Candidates had to garner at least 25 votes to win a seat in the SGA Senate. Of the total voters, 604 were male and 925 were female. On-campus voters comprised 1,058 of the count. Off campus, 471 students voted. Cone Residence Hall had the highest number of votes with 98. Freshmen voted more than any other class with 632 votes. “This is typical because freshmen are living in residence halls,” SGA Chief of Staff Christina B. Tadlock said. As chief of staff, Tadlock coordinated the SGA elections. “We’re really excited about working with this group of people,” Tadlock said. “A lot of them have leadership experience already. You’re going to see a lot of great things come out of the organization this year.” However, several senate seats remain open. Eight off-campus seats are still available. In addition, two seats remain open for both Winkler Residence Hall and Appalachian Heights. Doughton Residence Hall, Eggers Residence Hall and the Living Learning Center each have one open seat remaining. “Students interested in filling these vacancies may pick up an application in the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership office on the second floor of Plemmons Student Union,” Tadlock said. Applicants must be full-time students with at least a 2.0 GPA. “They will need to gather 100 student signatures on a petition,” Tadlock said. Senator-elects participated in a Senate retreat Saturday in the Blue Ridge Ballroom of Plemmons Student Union. “At the retreat, Senators were acquainted with SGA’s rules and constitution and they learned how to write legislation,” Tadlock said. “We really want them to be prepared this year.” “The first senate meeting of the year will be tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Grandfather Mountain Ballroom of the [Plemmons] Student Union,” Tadlock said. This will be an informal “mock” meeting, Tadlock said. Senator-elect Eric S. Altman, a sophomore, is majoring in anthropology and English. Altman, who will represent Bowie Residence Hall, said he decided to run “almost on a whim.” “I’m feeling pretty good about the whole situation,” Altman said. Altman plans to speak with students and develop feasible
ideas for change. One of the major things in high school that I really enjoyed was getting involved with my students and hearing what they had to say,” Corbin said. “I enjoyed fixing things that people had problems with.” “I’m really looking forward to interacting with different people in the government and the senate as a whole,” Corbin said.
Trespassing has been a continuing problem for the University Police. Trespassing on construction sites is illegal and dangerous. Signs and fences have been posted around most of the 30 construction sites to keep out possible trespassers and acts of vandalism. “Most construction sites seem to be an attractive nuisance. I don’t think there has been a single project here that hasn’t been trespassed on,” Director of Design & Construction Dr. Clyde D. Robbins said. The new library has been the site of many trespassers and graffiti painting on the walls. “With five floors, the new library building is an attractive site for curious people,” Robbins said. However, trespassing on unfinished construction sites can be harmful to both the trespasser and the building. “We’ve had some problems with people nosing around the new library and other construction sites,” University Police Maj. Larry Foster said. On Sept. 4, an arrest was made at the new library construction site. The individual was arrested for alleged disorderly conduct, failure to comply, obstruction and delay of justice and unlawful entry. Both university and state citations were issued. The university is not responsible for injury and/or damages on construction sites. Bovis, the contractor hired for Appalachian’s ongoing projects, must protect their sites. “However, any individual injured on a construction site equipped with warning signs and fences are held liable for their own actions,” Robbins said. The soccer fields at State Farm have had major trespassers and vandalism. “These trespassers started up construction equipment and severely damaged the equipment,” Robbins said. While there are security cameras on location at numerous construction sites and the State Farm area, it is difficult to catch offenders. “In order to make a positive identification, the cameras would need extremely high resolution to produce sufficient evidence,” Robbins said. The Veteran’s Memorial, located next to B.B. Dougherty Hall, is another site that has accumulated a great deal of damage. Skateboarders on campus have scratched the granite foundation. One student was apprehended for ruining the memorial and forced to pay assessed damages in the amount of $3,200. “If a person is charged with a vandalism violation, they will be faced with paying for damages or serving a jail sentence,” Robbins said. University Police deal with trespassers and vandalism on construction sites often, as shown on the Police Daily Media Log. “I don’t think vandalism has ever disrupted a project enough to slow it down, but that doesn’t seem to be the intent. The intent is mostly horseplay,” Robbins said. Students need to be aware of the dangers and consequences of trespassing on active construction sites. “Construction sites are very dangerous places to be anytime; anything could happen,” Foster said. Commencement not end for
graduates For many seniors scheduled to finish their college careers this December, graduation will not signal the end of school. Commencement ceremonies will be held Dec. 11, but final examinations won’t be over until Dec. 15. Some seniors subsequently will have to come back after graduation to take their finals. Leigh E. Redmond, a senior organizational communication major from Union Grove, said coming back takes away from the significance of commencement. “A graduation ceremony symbolizes completion of college, so not to have actually completed your classes eliminates the meaning of graduation,” Redmond said. “I wouldn’t complain about having to finish, but the celebration wouldn’t be as carefree as I would like.” Cameron M. Cary, a senior broadcasting major from Charlotte, said it would be a good idea to give seniors the opportunity to change their final exam schedules. “I know people who have to come back because you don’t really get your degree until later, but I think you should definitely be allowed to change your exam time,” Cary said. University Registrar Don R. Rankins said not every senior would need to come back, depending on when their final exams are scheduled. He said he understands the significance of graduation, but added there has only been one complaint so far regarding its timing. “When graduation is held [the date] is determined by many factors,” Rankins said. Religious and secular holidays are one part of the equation. “When we initially planned it in 2003, we had it on [Dec.] 20, which was the beginning of Hanukkah,” Rankins said. “We had complaints about that. Not only that, it’s the beginning of a holiday.” “Travel and lodging play into the equation as well,” Rankins said. “The biggest factor that we’ve seen in this process that we’re worried about the most is what effect does it have on students?” Rankins said. “Around these peak periods, for a family to try and come in from Charlotte to get to Boone, that’s a real strain. Those are the things we focus on.” Finding a place to stay in Boone can also be an issue, especially for students who pack up and leave Boone only to return a few days later, Rankins said. “One additional factor that has bearing on this decision is that any ceremony after the end of the term requires many students to move out or leave temporarily, and then return to participate in the event,” Rankins said in an e-mail response to a student. The student had complained about the scheduling of graduation. “Those students who work at the event have to cut their semester break short and in many cases find lodging off-campus. Although the university may be open, faculty and support services are not readily available,” Rankins said in the e-mail. Other concerns include the Appalachian Student Ambassador workforce. “There are approximately 25 students who help with graduation who will need to be housed and fed,” Rankins said. Boone Mall to house Republican Party headquarters The Watauga County Republican Party geared up for the upcoming election last week by opening their headquarters in the Boone Mall.
Volunteer Karen Wilson said the headquarter’s purpose is to promote candidates, provide information about registering to vote, where to vote and to educate the voting public on any candidate, not just those in national elections. Wilson said it is very important to have a headquarters. “How would you know whom to vote for?” Wilson said. Volunteer Bob Synder said he has spent a lot of time putting up signs, signing people up to vote, answering questions and just being available. “I’m interested in changing our state,” Synder said. Volunteer Karen Hastings said she is pledging her time at the headquarters because she has an interest in her country and its political aspects. Wilson said many Appalachian State University students have come by since the headquarters opened, and students have also signed up to work. Anyone wanting to volunteer at the headquarters has to just drop by and sign up. Although volunteers at the headquarters can answer questions about national candidates like George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, they can also answer questions about local candidates whose platforms and issues may not be as publicized. The headquarters has a table out in front dedicated to local candidates. Anyone who has not registered to vote or wishes to register to vote in Watauga County can do so at the headquarters. Wilson welcomes any Appalachian State students who wish to register in Watauga County, but said she encourages students to vote in their hometowns either by traveling home to vote or by voting absentee. Wilson said it makes more sense for students to vote in their hometowns because they know the local candidates and issues better. Appalachian Students wanting to vote absentee can come by the headquarters to find out how to do so. Wilson said most of the time students’ parents could get the ballot mailed to them. Wilson said volunteers at the headquarters are emphasizing an importance to get to the polls in general. “If you don’t vote, you’re wasting your citizenship,” Synder said. Synder said it is important to vote because there are many countries where it isn’t allowed. “It’s a freedom we should exercise,” he said. The headquarters have a number of events planned for the weekends. A memorial for 9-11 was held Sept. 11 and North Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate Patrick Ballantine will cut the ribbon for the headquarters’ official opening on Sept. 18. The headquarters is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crutchfield named editor
of 'Cold Mountain Review' Assistant Professor of English John R. Crutchfield is the new Editor-in-Chief of Appalachian State University’s department of English journal, the Cold Mountain Review. “I’m very excited to have John Crutchfield as the new editor of Cold Mountain Review,” department of English chair Dr. Dave P. Haney said. “His predecessor, Dr. Kathryn Kirkpatrick, did an excellent job of upgrading the journal to a professional level and securing some grant money to help us market the journal more effectively. John is the perfect person to continue this effort,” Haney said. “I’m really just trying to keep the balls in the air that Kathryn had in the air,” Crutchfield said. “I think my tastes as an editor are a bit different than Kathryn’s so I think I will want to cultivate a slightly different aesthetic at least for the poems in the journal but every editor is going to bring his or her own tastes to the selection process,” Crutchfield said. Founded in 1972 by poet R.T. Smith and a group of graduate students, the journal publishes twice a year featuring poems, interviews, book reviews, photographs and more from artists and writers in the United States, as well as around the world.
“Our goal is to make it more well known and have more of a presence in the literary world,” Betty M. Conway, English professor and managing editor of the Cold Mountain Review said. “It is quite unique, I don’t know of a journal or literary magazine quiet like it.” Crutchfield has been involved with the Cold Mountain Review in the past. He held the position of associate editor two years ago but could not continue his position last year because he was a guest lecturer and artist-in-residence at the Padagogische Hochschule in Karlsruhe, Germany. “I think John was chosen as Editor-in-Chief simply because he was the most logical choice from this department,” Conway said. “He’s really bright and really intelligent and his background is so good that I’m sure that had to have been the main reason.” Crutchfield himself has a background in writing. His essays and poems have been published in national and international journals like the Appalachian Journal and the Southern Review. “As a playwright and performer, he knows what it’s like to get the arts to a broader audience. As a poet and critic, he is in touch with the national and international scene and will do an excellent job soliciting and selecting poems and poetry reviews,” Haney said. In its 33rd year of publication, the Cold Mountain Review is taking a new step and turning into a subscription only publication. “Up to this point we have basically given the journal out for free, sent it to libraries or whoever wants it, but with the state budget being what it is, that is just no longer feasible,” Crutchfield said. “The university can’t pay all our costs, so we have to take over some of them ourselves.” “If it works well, and we have good luck, and we get enough funding to carry us through until we get it turned over, it could be a wonderful thing for us because it will give us a strong national voice,” Crutchfield said. For more information about the journal or submitting work, or to sign up for a subscription, visit the Cold Mountain Review Web site. Knitting craze ties students, stars Over 200 Appalachian State University students can brag that they have something in common with stars like Julia Roberts, Madonna, Tyra Banks, Russell Crowe, football star "Rosie" Grier, and even former United States Secretary of State Madeline Albright. What is the common thread that connects these famous faces with certain Appalachian State students? They all have an addiction to knitting. The Appalachian State Knitting Club is one of the biggest and most diverse clubs on campus with over 200 members from all walks of life including athletes, sorority members and males. What is possibly the most surprising fact? The knitting club didn't even exist until the middle of the 2003 school year. "We haven't even gotten started yet this year because we missed Club Expo, but we've already had tons of girls asking about it and tons of e-mails from people wanting information," club president and senior technical photography major Ashlyn M. Bell said. Bell said she learned to knit in Gardner Residence Hall during her freshman year at Appalachian from a girl who was always knitting in the lobby. "It's a really good thing to do when you're just sitting around," Bell said. "It gives you something to do with your hands so you don't sit around eating or playing video games. It was really nice having something in common early in the school year and knitting is really relaxing." "One of the most fulfilling things about knitting is all these girls get together and have this common thing that they do. It really builds a small community. And it keeps the tradition alive. It's something I do with my grandmother, which is really fun. It kind of builds a bridge between the generation gap," Bell said. Kim L. Mitchell, Assistant Director for Leadership Education has worked with clubs at various universities and said she has noticed hobby-type clubs are becoming more popular each year. She has already had numerous students inquire about starting hobby- related clubs on campus this year, including a woodworking club. As far as knitting goes, Mitchell said, "Stereotypically, you think of older women doing it, but now there's men and women doing it." Bell said one of the club's most dedicated members last year was male. No one seems to know what has caused this knitting boom, but its effects are seen nationwide. According to a survey conducted by Research Incorporated of Atlanta, Ga. for the Craft Yarn Council of America, " The percentage of women under the age of 45 who know how to knit and crochet has doubled in the past six years, climbing from 9 to 18 percent." The survey also found that relaxation is the number one reason people knit. Wanda Howell, 43, a part-time employee at Dee's Yarn Nook in Blowing Rock has noticed a huge increase in sales over the past year. She had 10 people in the shop at 2:30 p.m. Friday, and couldn't get a break. "It's just packed every day," she said. "And we're open six days a week." She said she sees a lot of really young people, especially students from the university, and also older people, adding that ponchos are the hottest items to make right now. Even students who aren't interested in knitting know that it is popular right now. Ashley N. Daniels, a freshman English major from Leland said, "I think the earthy thing is getting back in. It's vogue right now." But not everyone is falling for the trend. Alex R. Ford, Campus Minister from Columbia, S.C. said, "If I need something that needs to be knit, I'll go to the store and buy something that is knitted. I don't see the importance in it. I would rather do something else with my time." To be a member of the Appalachian State Knitting Club, a project must be completed for the annual Project Sale, and for a service project. Last year members knit hats for cancer patients at Watauga Medical Center. Bell hopes to hold the first club meeting within the next few weeks. For more information on the club or to become a member e-mail Bell. Beginners and experienced knitters are welcome. "As long as it keeps going and people keep knitting, that's all I want," Bell said. "Anything you do with your hands that puts your mind at ease, people should do more of it." Spanish Freshman Seminar links ASU, global community The Spanish-linked Freshman Seminar courses aim to provide a diverse learning environment while teaching freshmen about Appalachian State University. Assistant Director of Freshman Learning Communities in General Studies Nikki T. Crees said there are two freshmen learning communities this year that are utilizing the Spanish language and culture. “The first class is a Freshman Seminar course taught in Spanish and the students in this class are also co-enrolled in another course together. This year the other course is a world civilizations course taught by Dr. Ed Behrend-Martinez. This is the second year this course has been offered,” Crees said. Crees said the second class is a Freshman Seminar course where the students must also be enrolled in an intermediate level Spanish course. Freshman Seminar is not taught in Spanish, and this is the first year the department has tried this particular community. Associate Professor of Spanish Dr. Victoria K. Cox, who teaches the freshman course in Spanish, believes this helps make more of a community within the class. “In a regular Freshman Seminar class you get all of sorts of people; here they have something in common that will bring them together and then they will continue exploring this interest,” Cox said. “It tightens them socially and the content brings them together.” Cox said the Freshman Seminar course helps students get the best out of their first year at ASU, while orienting them to the university. In Spanish, the Freshman Seminar course gives specific background in the culture and language, allowing them to work with the Hispanic community. “One thing I want students to get out of Freshman Seminar is that learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom, but also that knowledge is interconnected,” Interim Director of Freshman Seminar Dr. Dan B. Friedman said. “The whole idea is that the students will begin to understand more about other cultures, and therefore making them more tolerant and appreciative of other cultures.” To be able to participate in the Spanish freshman learning community, freshmen must place into conversational Spanish on the Spanish placement test. Students receive three credit hours for the Spanish Freshman
Seminar, three credit hours for the world civilizations course and the
Spanish Freshman Seminar course also acts as a validation course through
the Foreign Language Department. “Students have the possibility to earn 12 hours of credit through this six-hour learning community,” Crees said. The idea of the Spanish-linked course for freshmen derived from the Foreign Language department searching for new ways to encourage diversity at Appalachian. The department of foreign language was looking for new ways to encourage the internationalization of the curriculum at Appalachian. Current department Chair Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand, former interim department Chair Dr. Kaye Smith and Director of the Freshman Learning Communities program Joni Petschauer looked at several ideas before deciding on this particular one. “A Spanish freshman learning community for first semester freshmen has great potential to promote language, acquisition skills, and transcultural awareness through an already existing freshman program,” Crees said. Crees said internationalizing the curriculum at Appalachian is an on-going effort. Sterling-Hellenbrand, Smith and Petschauer are currently writing a grant to further expand the idea of an internationally focused freshman experience that will include a combination of language, culture, travel and service. |
© 2004 ASU Student Publications
