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LIVE BLOG: Student Speak-Out Spring 2010

This is the Live Blog for Writing on the Mall’s coverage of Student Senate’s Student Speak-Out.

8:41 – Kyle thanks everybody for coming.  Attendence – 65.  That’s It!  Have a safe Spring Break!  Special thanks to the panel for coming to the event.

8:39 – Laura Fink asks if something can be done to help the cheerleading squad get new uniforms?  Hiser says that a fundraising plan is in place to help them get new uniforms by this Fall or next Fall.  Cheerleading is treated as a club.  They are not expected to be at away games.  Only home games for both genders.

8:38 – Student asks why his academic dishonesty record cannot be cleared after being found innocent.  Kipp says she will check on the issue.

8:35 – Is tuition going up next year?  Total is $36,780.  Breakdown is the following – Tuition $27,640 – Student Fee $590 – Health Center Fee $110 – Room (average double) $4,580 – Board $3,860.  (Ed. Note – Not sure what this is compared to last year)

8:35 – Looking for an early place to print off stuff?  The ARC opens at 7:30 and has a full computer lab. (Ed. Note – Trailed off originally…edited to finish the thought)

8:31 – Patrick asks if the Athletic department could helps students get to Baseball games more easily?  Physical Plant says that the existing agreement does not allow for students to flash an ID and travel for free.  Hiser will look into transportation methods to help more students get to games.

8:29 – Kyle answers another question – Is there anything that can be done for students that want to cut through the DBRC after it closes, while the Library remains open.  Hiser says that they could maybe open for another hour?

8:24 – Jordan Stryker wonders if Residence Life can do more to make sure that a “Three Strikes” policy is followed.  Dr. Pastoor says that he will be looking at the disciplinary process in the future.  Discipline is not black and white, so things can seem fair for some or unfair for others.  He says that the punishment must fit the crime.  Kipp adds that on first offense, Kipp usually refers to the Professor who reports the problem.  All academic dishonesty reports are logged and kept track of.  Second offenders will face a more harsh punishment.

8:23 – Nicole complements Larry Hiser for helping a capstone class, but also wonders if coaches could be asked to encourage athletes to participate in multiple sports.  Hiser says that the student should see him to discuss the issue.

8:19 – Nicole asks what services the Career Center offers.  The Career Center rep is here, and mentions the services, which include the Monday Message, career fairs, class presentations, etiquette dinners, web resources, resume uploading and critiques.  Postcards were sent to parents, and the center is part of a new family initiative.  Any new ideas are welcome to be presented by students.

8:16 – Laura Fink asks if the white house (312 Putnam) by the Sigma Kappa house is owned by the College (yes, it is).  Kipp says that nothing is currently planned at the moment.  Fink also asks if the Honors House is being forced to close.  Kipp says that the Honors House confuses students that are also looking at College Honor Programs, which are not affiliated with the housing.  While students are very active, she wishes they could find another name.  College wants to protect its Honors Program.  They’d like to see the housing’s name changed.

8:15 – Ritchie Frederick wants to clarify that non-affiliated students are causing alcohol-related problems at the ATO house, not ATO brothers.  He wants to see that clarification made.  Travis says he is happy to work with ATO on problems.

8:12 – Kyle reads another question – regarding Alpha Tau Omega’s housing situation.  Travis welcomes any ATO member to come talk with him about city zoning laws and how they affect fraternities moving off campus.  It’s really really complicated.  Recently-passed ordinances require that certain areas require blood relatives to rent or own housing…not directed at Fraternities and Sororities specifically, but at college students.

8:11 – Patrick asks if Security Screens and a Phone Box could be installed at the Lambda Chi Alpha house.  Physical Plant (surprise) look into it.

8:08 – Brakey asks if student ID cards could be reinforced so that they don’t break as easily, and if the $25 fee to re-issue cards could be waived in those situations?  CPS says that the card will be replaced if the card dies.  They charge if it does not appear to be normal wear-and-tear.

8:08 – More smoking complaints, this time from Russell Hall

8:06 – Student asks about the smoking policy outside of buildings and was wondering if enforcement of smoking policies could be upped.  Also asked about a water fountain in Mary Beach.  Dr. Pastoor will look into it.

8:06 – Charlie Philpot wanted to thank the administration for hiring Ellen the RD (sitting on stage).

8:05 – Blakely Dye wanted to thank CPS for good work this semester.

8:05 – Dave Hood asks if a yellow box phone could be installed at the Delta Tau Delta House.  Physical Plant will look into it.

8:01 – Kevin wonders if there is a new dorm being constructed and if Parsons will be torn down.  RD’s are waiting for Kevin’s donation to begin construction.  Scott replies that a new residence hall had been planned and drawn out, but then the international markets crashed and the College could not borrow money for the project.  The College is looking to change the plans since the project is not planned to be constructed anytime soon.  Physical Plant says they are not neglecting Parsons.  All security screens will be installed soon on Parsons.

8:00 – Ian asks if Bartlett’s propane leak problems could be fixed.  Physical Plant says there was a small gas leak this year in a classroom.  They will follow up on the problem.

7:59 – Emma asks if students could follow up on course evaluations.  Kipp suggests going to department chairs or talking with herself.  Students should not be afraid to talk to their professor about problems they may have directly.

7:56 – Freshman student asks if financial packages could be released sooner.  A friend was left with many account problems that prevented her from eating or purchasing books.  The answer is to discuss the problem with Student Accounts and Financial Services.  They want to work with students to help them.  Says that a breakdown in communication may have led to the friend’s problem.

7:55 – Eric asks why there is a scanner at the back of Mary Beach and not the front?  RD’s will look into it. (Ed. Note – I need to copy/paste “Will Look Into It”)

7:54 – Student asks if pineapples and grapes could be the only fruit in fruit cups.  They will follow up on it.

7:53 – Carr asks if the piano in Harmar House (aka the DU house) could be repaired/tuned for students to enjoy.  Travis says he will talk to Allison and see if they can talk to DU Housing Corps.

7:53 – Student asks if premium channels could be purchased.  Physical Plant will follow up on that for a new dorm project.

7:52 – Bonakoski asks if link to Physical Plant work request form could be put on MyMC?  Physical Plant will look into it.

7:51 – Patrick Hahe suggests that area code and region code could be added to phone numbers in publications.  Administrators agree.

7:49 – Brakey asks if we can get Fox Sports Ohio on cable?  Physical Plant can’t do anything about that.  Suddenlink provides cable to the college and the area.

7:48 – Chuck Bonakoski asks why the front door of Fayerweather keeps getting left open or can be pulled open easily.  Physical Plant will add it to the now-growing to-do list.  Physical Plant reminds students they can submit work requests online.

7:47 – Alex Edelbrock asks if the cable in Parsons could be fixed.  Physical Plant says they will look into the problem.

7:46 – Blakely Dye asks if the drinking fountain on the first floor could be fixed to remove the acidic taste.  Physical Plant says they will flush the system.

7:44 – Kyle has another student question – Why are there card readers on bathroom doors?  RD responds that bathrooms in A&H has uni-sex bathrooms have card readers for safety reasons.  Laura Fink asks what happens after the students that requested them leave?  Kipp responds that it’s all to make things safer on campus.

7:42 – Tim Carr asks small fire pits could be placed around campus.  Travis says that you can fill out applications to use a fire pit around campus.  There will be a slight charge to cover wood costs.  This will start in the Fall.

7:42 – Why is water free with meal plan at Upper Gilman but $0.25 extra at Izzy’s?  Not sure

7:41 – Writing on the Mall Question – Izzy’s is closing early and workers are irratable – Rep says that it will be discussed with Chartwells

7:39 – Kyle reads another question from Facebook – this one is regarding problems with finding work that are not work-study jobs.  Financial Services says that they should come talk to him.  It’s not just a problem at Marietta, but other schools as well.

7:37 – Emily Brunning asks if Gilman Express could bring back breakfast service and if seats could be added to the Chlapaty Cafe.  Walter is not here to answer, but another person (Physical Plant?) answers that it is part of the discussion with Chartwells for next year.

7:36 – Kyle reads another question asks if more classes could be added that relate to business.  Kipp adds that she is unsure of how to answer.  She lists off the bridges between McDonough and the Business departments.

7:35 – Stephen Brakey wants to give a shout out to the women that work in Upper Gilman.

7:35 – Laura Fink adds that Walter has been told of the problem.

7:33 – Lippy again again – One of the Gilman workers has a bad attitude (not the good kind).  She wonders if there could be some sensitivity training or something to fix the problem?  President Scott says to contact Walter Miller (who is not here tonight :’-( ) about the issue and let him know.

7:32 – Lippy again – Wondering if there could be more seating in Upper Gilman.  Travis says that one or two tables could be added to Upper Gilman.

7:30 – Kyle Thauvette asks if there is a maintenance/replacement program on parts of washers/driers that are taking a beating.  Physical Plants asks to be careful with them.  They are leased from a separate service provider.  Make note of any wear and tear issues and let Physical Plant know.

7:28 – Writing on the Mall Question – What happened to the Commuter Lounge?  Kipp responds that the Library provides a good alternative now that Riggs is in the TV room.  The Commuter Lounge just wasn’t getting enough use.  The third floor space gained by moving the Emeritus Chamber was added to the Academic Resource Center, providing more use.

7:27 – Charlie Philpot asks if Bingo could be on different nights.  Travis points her towards the CUB president sitting behind her.

7:27 – Stephen Brakey asks about the M-Cash system.  You’ll have three accounts…Declining Balance, M-Cash, and Print Allotment.

7:25 PM – Tim Crandall asks what the cost is to recharge your GoPrint account.  You can put less than $25 on your card at a time.  This cash placed on your card through the Manage My ID site (or M-Cash) can be used at other locations on campus, including Food at the Gathering Place and at the Mail Room, not just the printer allotment.  Your student ID can be used at more places soon!

7:23 – Alex Edelbrock asks about the GoPrint system could better react to double-sided prints?  IT responds that students get a 10% discount for printing on both sides of paper.  The costs cover ink and toner, so it can’t be charged for just one sheet of paper.

7:22 – Can continuing education students participate in student activities?  David Travis responds that yes they can.

7:20 – Lyndsay Offenberger asks if new computers could be installed in the Purple Cow room of the Mass Media building.  IT says that every four years, labs are switched out for new computers.  Up to departments to tell IT what they need.

7:17 PM – Laura Fink asks if there is a review process for Residence Directors?  Dr. Pastoor responds that he’s not sure if there is student input in RD reviews.  Says to see him if you have a problem.  Kipp mentions that Quality Service initiative has been started to help provide better service across the board from all College services.  Comment boxes will be added in all offices and residence hall offices.

7:16 PM – Josh Maxwell asks if tenured faculty have post-tenure reviews.  Rita Kipp says that all professors are reviewed each year.  Course evaluations are required to be completed by all students each semester and she looks at them all.

7:15 PM – Lippy Lipniskas asks if the radiant floor heating could be turned back on in the Hermann Fine Arts Center.  Physical Plant says they will follow up on it.

7:13 PM – Ricky Frederickson asks about the Alcohol Policy.  Wanted to know if its fair that a person that severely violates the policy gets the same punishment as someone who barely violates.  President Scott responds that the strength of the violation is considered in reviews of cases.

7:10 PM – Correction: We had Nine Core Values, now looking at condensing to Seven Core Values.  Elimination of Financial Planning and having Technology merged into other Core Values.

7:08 PM – Updated Mission Statement read aloud.  Writing on the Mall will have this posted after SSO.

7:07 PM – Changes to the Mission Statement to help make it more concise and include graduate programs.

7:05 PM – President Jean Scott covers the changes to the Seven Core Values and the progression to the Pioneer Pledge.  Work on a new strategic plan is currently underway.  There is a re-accreditation of Marietta College will happen in 2015.

7:02 PM – Kyle Thauvette, President of Student Senate, introduces all  the reps (Finance Services, COmmunity Service, Student Life, Career Center, Provost, Athletics, Res Life, IT, Physical Plant, etc, etc.)

Student Speak-Out Coverage TONIGHT!

Writing on the Mall will have full coverage of tonight’s Student Speak-Out.  The event begins at 7 PM in McDonough Auditorium,

Just like last time, we plan to have an updating stream of questions asked at the Speak-Out, plus photos and videos.  Our goal is to have some interviews with College administrators and Student Senate members to supplement our coverage.

If you can’t be at the event, but have a question you want answers, leave a comment to this article, or leave a comment on our Facebook Fan Page, or send a Tweet our way on Twitter.  Student Senate members will also be at Gilman tonight to take questions from those that will be unable to attend.

Looking at the event’s official Facebook page, there should be a large number of people present at the event.

At this point, the list of faculty and administrators that will be attending has not been released, but as soon as it is known we will publish it.

Don’t Bring Your Laptop to This Professor’s Class

Saw this on Engadget and figured I’d share it with everybody.  The laptop is broken already, don’t worry.

Take Our Survey, Have a Chance to Win an iTunes Card

Want to win a $15 iTunes card? Head to the link to take a quick survey for Writing on the Mall. We want to know what kind of music you like to listen to for an upcoming article.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE SURVEY!

Only the first 100 entries are eligible for the drawing. Survey must be completed by February 8th at 2 AM EST. Valid e-mail address must be included for winner to receive the prize. Drawing will be held February 8th an Noon EST. One drawing entry per e-mail address. Winner will be contacted within one hour of the drawing. Winner has three days to respond, before another winner is drawn. This process will repeat until a winner is selected. Prize will be presented to winner via mail as a physical gift card. The prize is a $15 iTunes gift card. Writing on the Mall may use the information you provide to compile a list of Marietta College’s Top songs. Your name will not be connected to any song selected to be mentioned as part of the article. The winner’s name may be included in the article to show who won the prize. If you have any further questions, please e-mail patrick_h@writingonthemall.net

Writing on the Mall’s Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2009

So, we’re doing two Top 10 lists here at Writing on the Mall.  Here’s the first, which is the Top 10 most read stories of 2009.  Here’s the list:

#10 – Follow-Up on the Death of Kean Weaver: Kean Weaver was a trustee for the college, who passed away in the Spring of 2009.  This article was mostly just a link to a story by the Marietta Times.

#9 -UPDATE: MC Student Faces Up To 10 Years for Alleged Stabbing: One of the bigger story lines this Fall was the case of Thomas Robison, who allegedly attempted to rob, then stabbed a Marietta resident.  He had followed the man from a downtown bar all the way up Pike St. to near where the man lived.  The man survived, but suffered injuries to his stomach and hand.  For those looking for an update, the case still hasn’t progressed much since he waived his preliminary hearing in October.  He faces felony charges with up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

#8 – Marietta College Campus Police Take Heat From Locals: What started out with a series of articles by the Marietta Times led to this article, which strayed off topic severely, and ended up not really going anywhere.  The Times series had been published as a precursor to Doo Dah Day, in which there are lots of violations and citations handed out.  Some questioned the need for basically having two police departments in one city.  The complains never really went anywhere.

Continue reading “Writing on the Mall’s Top 10 Most Read Stories of 2009” »

Gift Guide 2009

Writing on the Mall is presenting it’s first annual gift guide for Marietta College students.  Here are the things that WotM things you should want to bring back to campus for the spring. Continue reading “Gift Guide 2009” »

LIVE: Student Speak Out 2009

Writing on the Mall is LIVE from Student Speak Out 2009.  We’ll be live blogging from the event, and updating Twitter @WriteOnTheMall.  Refresh this post to see new updates.  Photos and video will be posted later this week.

Continue reading “LIVE: Student Speak Out 2009” »

Live from Relay for Life!

Writing on the Mall will be live from Relay for Life at Marietta College from 8 PM until 2 AM.  Watch our Facebook Page, either @WriteOnTheMall or @PatrickHahe for Twitter action, Our YouTube page for videos, or our Flickr page for photo uploads.  There may be the occasional update on here, as well.  STAY TUNED!

Marietta College Needs To Dance For Charity

This has probably been one of the hardest things I’ve had to write for this site.  Not due to the subject matter, but due to the fact that I wanted to word this so that it may drive those who read it to action.  So please, if you don’t read another article this week, read this one.

Philanthropy is a major part of Marietta College’s beliefs.  We do Make a Difference Day, Community Service Day, Relay for Life, Up ’til Dawn, and many other individual organization related projects.  Without Marietta College, this city would find itself with many opportunities for service, but very few people to actually work them.

However, maybe we do too much for national efforts?  I mean, don’t get me wrong here…I enjoy Up ’til Dawn and Relay for Life…they are great causes.  However, I feel that now is the time to come together and create something new…something never seen before at Marietta College.  Something that would create a large-scale philanthropy event for the Spring semester, where we currently only have Community Service Day.  Something that has been established elsewhere and has proven immensely popular.  That event is the Dance Marathon.

THON, as it’s better known at Penn State, has been around since the early 70’s, and has since raised over $60 million dollars for the fight against pediatric cancer at a local hospital.  Money is raised all throughout the Fall and Winter by each of the participating groups.  Then in mid February, they hold a two day long dance party, celebrating the money they’ve raised and the children that they have helped over the years.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THON 2010′S PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

I’m not suggesting that we try to create an event that massive at Marietta College.  Not by a longshot.  Penn State is probably 30 to 40 times larger than us.  But if we were to take the idea of the dance marathon and have it contribute a local cause, it could be highly successful.  Have one Dance Marathon Fundraiser for each sport throughout the year, organize one or two cannings (walking around the town with cans asking for donations) a year, have side events to raise money, get organizations both on and off campus to participate, and get companies to support the cause and underwrite costs.  Then have a 12 hour dance marathon that started at, say, 2 PM on a Saturday afternoon and went until 2 AM at the Gathering Place (or Fenton Court if demand required).  Have a great DJ play music the entire time, make it fun, interactive, share stories from the charity we choose to support, and have a good time.

It would take a lot of support to get rolling, but if the campus could pull together for this one event and work in harmony, I think we could all do a lot of good for the community.

What do you think?  Let us know in the Comments section.

Writing on the Mall Cares: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Writing on the Mall is proud to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by sporting a pink band across the top of our site. Your donations could find a cure for breast cancer. Remind friends to check monthly for lumps, and schedule mammograms as your doctor suggests. For more information, please visit Susan G. Komen For the Cure