Posts Tagged ‘Writing on the Mall’

Forensics Team Adds Life to College

(Ed. Note – This is an opinion piece.  The contents of the article are the thoughts and opinions of the author alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Writing on the Mall or its staff)

For many students on campus, this team is almost like a secret society, except to the participants’ close friends, and this needs to change immediately. The Marietta College community of students and staff need to stand up and support these bold and lively students.

As a junior here at Marietta, I have only heard of this so-called forensics team of ours a couple of times and those were freshman year when my Communications 101 professor would make an announcement or congratulate them aloud. If you want to know more, you’ve got to talk to the right people. Once you find them and start talking though, it’s hard to stop because the passion for communications runs deep here at MC.

The Marietta College Forensics team is an organization that is dedicated to helping individuals on campus try to perfect the skill of public speaking. From their website connecting to the college’s, you can find out most of the technicalities of the organization and what they are mainly about. According to the department page for forensics, the Greeks organized contests for speakers that developed and recognized the abilities believed to have been central to democracy. I wonder how the Greeks would have felt about the Bush family’s speaking abilities.

In order to better understand what the organization is all about, it’s good to delve into what they go through in practices and competitions. First off, there are three separate categories of events; interpretation, prepared, and limit preparation. Starting in the fall, before semester even begins the seasoned team members start by researching possible topics and possible selections to start writing. New member meetings are held once the semester starts and then the team can choose which tournaments will fit their schedules.

Pieces are prepared as much as possible in the first month of school so the rest of the year can be dedicated to practice making perfect and taking the criticism from judges and making the performances stronger for the next tournament. The meetings are weekly and open to new members at any point as far as I could tell from talking to a few members and Tomeka Robinson, Communications professor and co-leader of the organization. The team usually stays the same year round because students are encouraged to try out early to get in the most tournaments possible but, no matter what your major is, you can be a forensics pro if you’d like.

Scott Burnham, current president of the team states, “I feel that more advertisement would definitely help students learn about the organization. I also feel that students need to realize that the opportunities this organization presents are limitless. This club allows students to practice a practical skill that is a necessity in a professional career. This club also promotes friendships across Universities and on our own campus.”

When asking students what their best team experience is, you might expect to hear things like hitting a homerun in the ninth and scoring that final goal that broke the tie but, on this team, the high moments are much deeper than you can expect from any other team on campus.

“[Winning the National Novice Championship freshman year] showed me that even though I attended a small college, I could still compete against universities that have enormous programs and that dedication is truly the key to your success.” Dedication huh, I think Marietta College knows a little something about that.

To a college with 175 years of history this year, stand up and be proud of the amazing public speakers that are right here in your own body of students. This organization is student-led, the most successful academic organization on campus, and it focuses on helping students reach their highest capacity that they possibly didn’t even know existed! Marietta College plays host to the annual Wilcox tournament so next year, take the chance to see you peers in action. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll make you think a little harder the next time you open your trap.

This article was written by Allison Holton, a student taking Media Writing Two at Marietta College.  Look for more articles from the class to appear on Writing on the Mall in the coming weeks.  If you are interested in writing for Writing on the Mall, please e-mail patrick_h at writingonthemall dot net.

Daily Tweets for 2010-03-09

• Check out http://www.postgazette.com/ to see a photo of the Becky Thatcher (longtime Marietta icon) being demolished in Pittsburgh. #

98.5 Provides Diverse Listening Opportunities

It’s Tuesday night. Maybe you’re working on homework and need a little background music. Maybe you’re avoiding homework and need a distraction. Your iTunes playlist is overplayed and Pandora can’t seem to get your musical style just right. So what do you do? Perhaps turning to the good old radio is the way to go.

Senior Danette Curiale, of Cleveland, Ohio, and junior Alissa Bambarger, of Conneaut, Ohio, recently started broadcasting their own hip-hop radio show on Marietta College’s own WCMO 98.5 FM. The duo’s show, Hip Hop Hour to the Second Power, runs from 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday.

“We both like hip-hop a lot,” Curiale said, “We pick songs that are popular and that we like.” They are happy to take requests, both girls said, and they will play any suggestions they get, as long as they fit into the show’s genre.

Bambarger, who goes by “A-Bam” on the show, said her favorite aspect of doing the show is getting to play the kind of music she likes because there aren’t really stations around here that play it. “I never thought I’d have a radio show,” Curiale, better known as “D-Money,” said, “It’s different. That’s what I like.” Neither thinks having a show is very hard, the most difficult thing for both is finding edited versions of the songs they want to play. During the course of the show, they also have to break for campus and community announcements, as well as play public service announcements.

Curiale and Bambarger heard about an opening for a show through their sorority sister, Amy Hayes, who has had a show for the past two years. “We just had to e-mail the station manager and fill out some paperwork with a basic idea and timeslot. It was really simple,” Curiale commented. Now they grace the airwaves for your enjoyment on those boring Tuesday nights, so take a break and tune in.

This article was written by Joe Dillon, a student taking Media Writing Two at Marietta College.  Look for more articles from the class to appear on Writing on the Mall in the coming weeks.  If you are interested in writing for Writing on the Mall, please e-mail patrick_h at writingonthemall dot net.

Daily Tweets for 2010-03-05

• March 4th protests at California universities are starting to get interesting. Watch @HuffPostCollege @NSNS @CampusTweet for the latest. #

Daily Tweets for 2010-03-04

• STUDENT SENATE LIVE BLOG STARTING NOW AT http://bit.ly/9NExNg #
• http://bit.ly/cJfKSx #

Daily Tweets for 2010-03-04

• STUDENT SENATE LIVE BLOG STARTING NOW AT http://bit.ly/9NExNg #
• http://bit.ly/cJfKSx #

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.

Daily Tweets for 2010-03-03

• Marietta College features Joe Williams and his experience with the Chile Earthquake http://bit.ly/b52ygc #
• We have been in contact with Williams and have heard his plans to help at a Chilean hospital. We'll keep on the story. #

Master’s Thesis Research Project Taking Place Wednesday, Thursday

Katherine Knight is looking for research participants for her Psychology Master’s Thesis Project. If you are in a Psychology class that offers credit for research participation, this is a great opportunity. If interested, head to Erwin Hall, Room 203 between 11 AM and 5 PM Wednesday, or between 4 and 6 PM Thursday. She estimates the study to take 20 minutes, and promises it is really easy.