Posts Tagged ‘Provost’

Common Reading Announced For Fall

I mentioned it on Facebook and Twitter the other day, but figured I would do a full write-up on my day off.

Provost Rita Smith Kipp has announced that “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” has been selected as Marietta College’s Common Reading for 2010.

I believe this is the college’s first official attempt at a common reading (a common reading for all incoming Freshmen had been discussed for last summer, but never came to fruition).

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a book about the life of Henrietta Lacks, an African American who died of cancer at the age of 30 in 1951.  Some of her cancerous cells were taken and used for medical experimentation without consent.  The interesting thing is that the cells never died…they continue to live and multiply today.  These so-called HeLa cells have now led to numerous medical developments.  The book discusses all the angles of the case, from the ethics, to the medicines developed, and more.

According to the story on Marietta’s website, all students, faculty, and staff are being encouraged (but not required) to pick up the book.  A group discussion will be held on August 29th at 4 p.m.  No location has been announced.

If you are looking to pick up the book, Amazon has it for $16, or $14 from its affiliates.  Half.com has it for anywhere between $13 and $18.

Many schools implement common readings as a way to keep students active through the summer months, and more specifically, give Freshmen classes a common point to start discussions with.  Typically the author is brought in to speak about the book, but Marietta has not said if this will happen or not.

Student Speak Out to Let Students Get it All Out

Tired and frustrated with how things are at Marietta College?  Now’s your chance to have your voice heard and hear from the administrators themselves how your problem can be addressed.

Wednesday, November 18th at 7 PM in the McDonough Auditorium is your chance.  A panel of administrators will hear your problems and respond to them.  The heavy hitters will be there, including President Jean Scott, VP of Administration and Finance Dan Bryant, Director of Dining Services Walter Miller, Director of Career Center Hilles Hughes, Director of Residence Life Bruce Peterson, Director of Athletics Larry Hiser, Director of Physical Plant Fred Smith, Chief Information Officer Administrative Computing John Davis, Director of Student Financial Services Kevin Lamb, Provost and Dean of the College Dr. Rita Kipp, and Chief of Campus Police Dave Valkinburg.

Can’t make it?  No Problem.  Writing on the Mall will take your questions to the meeting and ask them for you!  Just leave a comment here on the blog with your question, or leave a comment on our Facebook page, or tweet at us @writeonthemall.  We’ll take all the questions we receive and report back with the answers.