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could change Faculty discuss potential reorganization |
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Colleges
could change
Faculty discuss
potential reorganization
Jennifer Sharpe
Staff Writer
Several members of the faculty met Friday to discuss the possibility of reorganizing the various colleges at Appalachian State University.
Dr. Sally Atkins, professor of human development and psychological counseling, said the meeting was the product of discussions which took place at a strategic planning commission meeting in January. Those in attendance expressed the desire to form a task force which could openly "talk about how to make the university better poised for the future," Atkins said. She also said the faculty was given the go-ahead to do this, and that "this meeting is about opening that conversation."
Faculty members met earlier last week in small groups to brainstorm and to raise issues they believe are relevant to bringing various changes to the university. A representative from each of these groups was present Friday to contribute to the discussions.
Dr. Jay Wentworth, professor of interdisciplinary studies, presented the thoughts of his group saying, "we should first look at the problems and then the solutions, one of which is perhaps reorganization." Wentworth listed several problems starting with "the general adversarial nature of the system which places faculty against faculty, department against department and college against college for resources." He recommended that the discussions address how to "promote the sharing of resources."
Wentworth went on to identify other changes needed for the university ranging from "loosening the communication boundaries between departments," to adjusting the "physical proximity" of the colleges and the faculty.
Members discussed the possibility of arranging faculty into "pods" all over campus. The pods would consist of individuals from different colleges in order to promote increased communication. They reached agreement that this would promote interaction, but would pose problems for departments, such as biology and chemistry, which share customized facilities.
Dr. Roxanne Knutson took the discussions a step further saying, "incremental changes are more likely to be accepted," and that we must pay particular attention to "public perception" and to the "needs of the students."
Dr. Nick Biddle, assistant professor of history, identified the need to separate "education administration from financial administration." He pointed out that "there is a great deal of consistency among the groups" on issues relating to the interaction of departments and to the resources allowing each department to operate. "There is probably enough grounds to make some changes," he said.
Biddle concluded the meeting urging each group to meet independently this week to discuss the possibility of making these and other changes to the university.
Faculty members will meet again on Friday to discuss their thoughts and ideas before Biddle presents Provost Harvey Durham with a summation. A committee made up of university faculty will be chosen to examine the ideas and to determine what actions will be taken. Members of this new committee have not yet been chosen, but the faculty present Friday said they hope the committee will be representative of every department in the university.
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Toy
Box benefits needy
Laurie Lyda
Staff Writer
Christmas is a time of giving, and this annual season of generosity is just around the corner. Each holiday season, many of us try to remember those less fortunate and do what we can to help out those in need.
In keeping with this frame of mind, the Appalachian Popular Programming Society is sponsoring Santa’s Toy Box for the second year in a row. Santa’s Toy Box is a non-profit organization designed to gather gifts for needy children, from infancy to 15 years, in the Watauga area.
A.P.P.S. vice president Holly Williams said she estimates that at least 100 children received Christmas presents last year from campus participants. The sponsorship also serves as the A.P.P.S. service project for the year.
A gift tree is set up in Plemmons Student Union, in front of Cascades Cafe. Data sheets on the tree give the age and sex of a particular child. There are no gift or monetary limits, and participants may be individuals or acting as part of an organization. Gift donations are to be new toys only, and there is no need to wrap the toys.
The collection box will be in Plemmons Student Union from Thursday, Nov. 7 to Friday, Dec. 6. On Dec. 6, donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please call the A.P.P.S. office at 262-2855 or Student Programs at 262-3032.
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ACT promotes awareness week
Beth Bliss
Staff Writer
Events organized by Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) will be held Nov. 15-22 to promote Hunger and Homelessness Week.
According to ACT staff member Holly Hatcher, the week is an annual event held to raise awareness about world-wide hunger and poverty.
"Twenty-seven million Americans are homeless," said Hatcher. "This is a consciousness-raising event."
According to Hatcher, the week is celebrated nationally. "However, we’re doing (activities) on a local level and raising money for four local organizations," she said.
All proceeds from each fundraising activity will be donated equally between four Watauga County charities: Habitat for Humanity, Hospitality House, Hunger Coalition and Oasis. Hatcher said that no money will be kept by ACT.
Hatcher said that the events of the week are sponsored by various campus organizations. "(ACT) is simply coordinating the week, not sponsoring it," she said.
The week will informally begin Nov. 15. A.P.P.S. films will present "Georgia" at I.G. Greer. While A.P.P.S. is donating all proceeds from the showing to Hunger and Homelessness Week. The film will be shown Nov. 15-17 and admission is $1 or one canned good.
Hunger and Homelessness Week will receive its official kickoff Nov. 18, Hatcher said. A poetry reading, sponsored by the English department, will be held 7-9 p.m. in the student union. Those who read poetry will be charged $1, while spectators will pay $2.
Alpha Phi Omega will sponsor a fast Nov. 19. Hatcher said that students do not necessarily need to refrain from eating for 24 hours. "Fasting can include giving something up that you wouldn’t normally give up, (such as) cigarettes, alcohol, or television," she said.
Hatcher said that the 24-hour fast is a good way for campus organizations to be involved in the week’s events. "Any campus organization can contact Alpha Phi Omega," she said. "Organizations can get sponsors and encourage members to fast for 24 hours to raise money."
Hatcher said that any organization wishing to participate as a group in the fast can call Alpha Phi Omega representative Chan Harrison (266-7085) for information.
A Hunger Banquet, sponsored by the Student Government Association, will be held Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Attic Window room of the student union. According to Hatcher, students will pay a $3 admission fee (or $2 and one canned good) and will participate in a random drawing to determine their "status" as a member of a high, middle, or low income group. This drawing will determine the quality and quantity of the participant’s meal, Hatcher said.
A sleep-out on Sanford Mall will be held Nov. 21. A drum circle will also perform at the event, Hatcher said. According to Hatcher, the sleep-out, which will be sponsored by Community Action Corps, promises to be another opportunity for organizations to participate and raise funds for the week. Those interested in fundraising information can contact Jeannie Garber at 262-5274, Hatcher said.
The week’s finale, a jazz concert sponsored by A.P.P.S., will be held Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. in Legends. According to Hatcher, for $3, students can see musicians Todd Wright and Friends, Jazz Ink, Jazz Ensembles I and II, and the Jazz Vocal Ensemble.
Hatcher said that students interested in participating in any of the Hunger and Homelessness Week events should look on campus for fliers and banners that will highlight more specific details as the week approaches.
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Appalachian State University reserves the right to cancel class during inclement weather. The chancellor exercises this right, which in his absence is transferred to the provost.
The chancellor consults with the vice chancellors and other university personnel as necessary to determine whether or not to cancel classes due to inclement weather.
Personnel in the Office of Public Affairs and News Bureau will notify local media of cancellations by 6 a.m., if possible. Regional and state media are also notified when appropriate.
Faculty should not ask the media to make announcements concerning the cancellation of individual classes. Faculty should consult the Faculty Handbook for University policy regarding their absence from class.
When classes are not canceled, students are expected to use their discretion about traveling to campus. The University does not expect anyone to travel to campus if it endangers his or her well-being.
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Watauga Medical Center is sponsoring their third annual "Lights For Love," benefit to support the Watauga Cancer Center.
With a $5 donation, one person can place a light on the center’s Christmas tree to remember or honor a loved one. With a $10 donation, a person can place three lights on the tree. Those who donate will receive a card noting the gift in their honor and inviting them to the tree lighting ceremony.
Checks should be made out and sent to Watauga Medical Center, P.O. Box 2600, Boone, N.C. 28607.
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The community is invited to the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony which will be held on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Watauga Medical Center’s Patient Lobby.
Volunteer of the Year, Walt Cole, will perform the symbolic tree lighting. Christmas music will be provided by the Appalachian State University Chamber Singers, the Appalachian State University Brass Ensemble and the Greenway Baptist Church Children’s Choir. Santa Claus will be present to hear the children’s Christmas wishes and to give Christmas candies to all children present.
A reception, hosted by the Medical Center Volunteers, will follow the ceremony.
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The Appalachian Humanities Thematic Festival presents "A Call for Modern Heroes: Enhance the Human Spirit for a Brighter Future for Our Children" with speaker Judy Carlson Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Linville Falls Room, Plemmons Student Union. For more information, call 262-2428.
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The Performing Arts Series presents the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra Thursday at 8 p.m. in Farthing Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for students and $12 for all others. Call 262-4046 for more information.
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