Middlebury Campus 2000-01-12 : Volume 98, Issue 12

16 Pages·64.6 MB·English

by  Middlebury College

VOL. 98 No. 12 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12,2000 SINCE 1905
College establishes absence limit
By Meleah Chamberlain tions are not excused absences." more difficult to have student op-
News Editor Athletic games are explained ab- portunities for all kinds of extra cur-
A policy statement regarding the sences, which do not excuse the ricular activities without a protected
minimum number of classes that student from the work or course block of time."
students must attend in order to re- obligations, said Wyatt. According to Byerly, the issue of
ceive course credit will be consid- All faculty members receive a missing class comes to a head in
ered by the Faculty Athletic Policy schedule of the game dates of each winter term because of the lessened
Committee (FAPQ.the faculty and team for the year. According to the class time. "Winter term is serious
the administration at their meeting FAPC statement on explained ab- like any other, not more dispensable
on January 17.. . sence, "Although faculty are expect- in terms of time."
The decision to change the poli- ed to make their policy on course The policy statement will express
cy comes in the wake of faculty attendance clear at the beginning of the limit of class absences in terms of
upset over ski team members' ab- each course, it is the individual stu- a percentage.
sences in winter term. Several ski dent's responsibility to consult with After the minimum number of
team members participated in the his or her instructor as to the effect days are missed for any unexcused
National Competitions in Utah of explained absences." reason, the student will be dropped
over holiday break. Some succes- "We are very sensitive to the from the course and receive no cred-
sively qualified for higher level missed class issue and try to keep it it. Limits that professors set for max-
races, which continue until January at a minimum,"said Reilly. He said imum missed days will be consid-
17, when winter term classes are that scheduling is complicated with ered as the rule for that class, and the
more than half completed. Some'of the increasing number of late after- school-wide policy will cover any
these students made previous noon and evening classes. "It is courses without set limits.
arrangements for their classes, such
Scott Symposium offers
as independent studies, but others
spoke to their professors later than
views on world religion
the faculty and administration saw
as acceptable, according to Russell
Reilly, Director of Athletics. Some By Chris Atwood Yarbrough said he believes the
of the students did not contact their Staff Writer discussions that go on within the
professors until early January. In an effort to stimulate discus- classrooms are as important as the
"There was a lack of clarity sion concerning World Religions questions raised in the broader lec-
about obligations that prompted a and World Conflicts, Middlebury tures of the symposium."There is an
way to communicate our expecta- College sponsored its third annual integral relationship between the Peter Huoppi
tions with the students," said Alison Scott Symposium on January 6-7. lectures and the class. The courses in Spinning circles of the floor of Ross Lounge, JeffKendig '00 and Jenny
Byerly, Associate Dean of the Fac- Two lecturers spoke each day, with (see Scott, page 4) Morgan '00 practice their moves during a dance workshop on Tuesday.
ulty and coordinator of winter their talks linked via video between
Room Draw plans focus on seniority
term."Through failures of commu- Middlebury, Vermont and the
nication, students often misunder- Salzburg Seminar in Austria, where
stand obligations to winter term 30 Middlebury students are cur- By Alison Hertel members. Substance free room ing will house seniors and is sched-
classes. As a result, the administra- rently studying Religion and Con- Staff Writer draw will still be held separately. uled to open in the fail of 2002.
tion is drafting a policy statement flict in Modern Europe. A housing crunch at Middlebury The college is also working on This housing is planned to add 100
which is a description of the ab- The symposium's subject matter for the past few years has resulted in creating more beds to permanently to 140 beds. Plans are still being
solute minimum number of classes dealt with international politics, students living in converted lounges end the housing shortage. Plans for considered for the Atwater hous-
that a student should expect to at- diplomacy and religion in conjunc- and an increased number of stu- new dorms in Ross Commons in- ing.
tend if he or she wishes to receive tion with various, more region-spe- dents living off campus. The resi- clude four-person apartments with In addition to plans for the new
credit for a course." cific Winter Term clustered classes. dential life committee has received bathrooms, living areas and kitch- dorms, the college has a long-term
The administration asked the Event speakers included: Dr. Fareed complaints and constructive criti- enettes. On the top floor of the new goal of reducing the number of
coaches involved to advise those Zakaria, Dr. Olin Robinson, Profes- ' cism, especially about the com- dorm there will be senior-quality students allowed off-campus to 60.
students that they would lose their sor Walker Connor and Dr. Dou- mons room draw system attempted singles. Construction is scheduled After the new housing is estab-
place in their winter term classes if glas Johnston. Although the initial last year. for early summer of this year. The lished, the need for students to be
they failed to attend their first day Scott Symposium discussions As a result of student and ad- dorm will be constructed along off-campus will diminish. Kathy
of classes, according to Byerly. ended, lectures regarding specific ministration concerns, the Residen- with a grassy area in what is now Ebner said, "The town's housing
School policy states that if a stu- world regions such as China, In- tial Life Staff is reviewing the room Upper and Lower A Lot. They plan market can barely support the 100
dent does not attend the first two donesia, Bosnia, Africa and the draw process. The plans for this to add parking to Ridgeline in order students living off-campus now."
hours of a class or make prior Middle East will continue through year's room draw are not yet final. to compensate for the loss in park- Residential Life also would also like
arrangements, he will automatical- January 23. The Residential Life Committee will ing spaces. Tom McGinn, who is co- to change some small student
ly be dropped from the winter and Named in honor of Charles spend the next month finalizing ordinating the Ross Commons pro- houses in town into faculty rentals.
spring terms. In order to take class- Scott, former chaplain of Middle- general guidelines from proposals ject, said, "We won't close A lot until However, the change in town is a
es in the spring, he or she must bury College from the 1950s they received from the Student additional parking has been added long-term goal that will not hap-
apply to the administration com- to 1980s, the Scott Symposium has Government Association, the Inter- to the Ridgeline parking lot." pen for some time.
mittee for re-admittance . If a stu- previously addressed Religion in commons Council and approxi- In addition to the new dorm, In another housing-related -
dent is not attending 12 credit America, and Religion and Art. mately twenty student letters. A final Ross commons will add beds in Mi- issue, the Community Council is
hours of a four-year collegiate in- During the end of Scott's tenure, draft of the guidelines is scheduled liken Tower in the form of vertical reviewing proposals to add a Russ-
stitution, the NCAA will not allow alumni created an endowment in to be available by the end of the apartments. The four-student ian and a Japanese house. If these
that athlete to play on a college his honor, the funds of which allow month. Voter-like apartments will include a proposals are passed the houses
team. the Scott Symposium to take place. Kathy Ebner, Dean of Commons, common area, kitchenette and will change from senior housing to
Reilly said that the misinterpre- Professor of Religion Larry "The main goals of the Residéntial bathroom and will house a total of academic housing.
tation occurred for several reasons. Yarbrough, who helped select the Life Committee are to make room 18 people. Both the new dorm and
Index
Athletes thought there would be symposium's speakers, said he sees draw simpler and to have seniority the vertical apartments will add
more flexibility in scheduling and the goal of the Scott Symposium as as an organizing principle." Room more upper classmen beds to Ross Opinions........ 5
many students failed to compre- "something that would have broad draw will not be-decentralized and Commons. Maria IVumpler, Dean Arts............... .8
Features 10
hend the school's policy that first appeal and add to the intellectual the dean of commons office will run of Ross Commons, said she hopes
Sports 16
year students must take a winter and spiritual aspect of the campus." the draw. Students will have only that the new housing will provide
course on campus. Yarbrough also said that the one random number and the com- "attractive living options for se-
The Campus is printed on recymcled
Byerly said, "The students were Scott Symposium was "not de- mons will participate together in niors" ;. paper. It is also recyclable.
misinformed and not fully aware of signed to provide answers but to only one room draw without hous- Housing will be also added in At-
their obligations. Athletic competi- provoke questions." ing perks for commons council water Commons. The Atwater hous- 111 please visit our website at
^ www.mlddlebury.edu/~campus
Inside... Features Sports i
Governor Dean discusses his goals WRMC expects growth, Ryan sets scoring record
innovation, professional- as women keep winning
ism
page 10 page 8 page 16
NEWS
Page 2 September 16,1999
New CSO director joins college staff
By Anne DeWitt
In-Depth Editor
The Campus: Where did you
work before coming to Middlebury?
Rosebourough: I was at Wellesley
College, Wellesley, Mass., right out-
By Meteah Chamberlain side of Boston.
News Editor C: How long were you there?
R: A little over two years. I was the
director of the Alumni career pro-
Dartmouth proposes Cluster plan similar to Commons grams, which was part of the Center
for Work and Service.
Dartmouth College in New Hampshire issued a steering committee My responsibility was to create
recommendations report that calls for changes in the housing situation, and direct and certainly provide ser-
including mention of "common houses"and non-student residential vices and programs for the 33,000
staff. alumni living all over the world.
Committee chair Susan Dentzer said the changes to the residential That centered around some main
system at the College were "drastic" and "the centerpiece of our propos- aspects of doing actual career-relat-
al." She said the College wants to "take the best of the old Dartmouth... ed programming in various alumni
forward into the next century" with "a system where people will feel at regions. They have ten alumni re-
home in residence halls." gions around the country and an in-
The new system proposed, not unlike Middlebury's Commons Sys- ternational division. I would actual-
tem, would assign first years an affiliated commons upon matriculation, ly go there and do workshops and
where they would have the opportunity to live within the cluster until programs that were career-related,
senior year, when other housing is available. A student-run governing either in terms of the nuts-and-bolts
board called the "Cluster Council" is also a proposed part of the plan. stuff like looking for a job and net-
The committee proposed to add common houses to each cluster and working, as well as trends in the job
adding more non-student residential staff and supply housing.for 350 market.
more students. Then, also, I had responsibility
The committee included recommendations for major Greek reform, for all of the on-campus services:
acting on College President James Wright's promise to end the Greek sys- career counseling for alums. Every-
tem'^ we know it." Though the single-sex Greek system will remain in- thing that you would do for an un-
tact at the present time, the report recommended stricter regulations for dergraduate student we also provid-
the Coed Fraternity Sorority (CFS) houses, which could result in some ed those services for Wellesley
houses being derecognized by the College. The regulations will cover fa- alums. - Jaye Rosebourough is the new director of the Career Services Office.
cility, membership organization of the house and are an attempt to And then thirdly—and a real fun
phase the houses out of the prominence in Dartmouth's residential and area—were all the alumni-student leader. And then thirdly I'm looking they're doing a great job. There's al-
social spheres. The report states,"This reduction is desirable in order to programs, all of those kinds of pro- to build upon and improve upon ways room for any staff to grow and
eliminate the historical dominance by the CFS organizations of Dart- grams that connected the fabulous the already good career services improve and this staff is certainly
mouth social life." resources that alums of any school program that's here, but certainly to eager to do that, but I think they've
provide, with our current students. take it forward to the level of excel- been doing a very fine job.
* »
Williams freezes tuition, Middlebury won't follow suit lence that Presi- C: Do you have specific changes
I talked with lots and lots of people,
dent McCardell is vMt<ifctit to make here?
.. • ^ ' ^
and every single one of them said, looking for. R; No, not really. As I informed
Williams College in Massachusetts instituted a freeze on tuition for
this school year, which may have a ripple effect at other high-priced "Oh, what a fabulous place to work!". C: So how do people when I was interviewing and
you like Middle- coming in early, I have to assess
schools, experts say. The tuition for 2000-01 will be $31,520, the same —Jaye Rosebourough,
bury so far? what here's first. Sort of "If it ain't
fee that was charged for 1999, said the president of the College, Carl Vogt.
CSO director R: It's delight- broke, don't fix it" and also not rein-
William's tuition has climbed annually for the past 46 years, from
$20,780 in 1990. However, due to strong investment returns and alumni — ful—the people venting the wheel and making a
contributions, the college is not in need of the same increased fee as in C: How did you come to work at are delightful. I look forward to feel- great deal of change that maybe un-
Middlebury? ing a little bit more in place. necessary. This semester for me will
us," he told The New York Times. R: Well, actually, I was sought out. C; How well do you think the be essentially to ensure that we're
Tuesday's announcement may put pressure on schools similar to Middlebury used a search firm for CSO currently works? providing good service and that the
Williams to hold fees in line, said Stanley O. Ikenberry, president of the this last hiring and I was contacted R: You know, it would be difficult main things are being provided, but
American Council on Education. by the search firm based on a refer- for me to say, having not really had also to assess where we need to go.
This will raise the competitive stakes for other institutions to work ral from a colleague of mine at Har- time to assess everything, but based Then this summer we're going to
even harder to contain costs for themselves and the costs they pass onto vard, who said I might be what they on who I've met, what I've seen take a look at the whole thing, and
their students," he said. were looking for. I was thrilled to ex- here, what's provided, what's in then if they need to create new
However, Middlebury College is not considering a freeze on tuition plore this opportunity at Middle- place and being offered, I think things they'll be on tap for this fall.
at this time, said President John McCardell. According to SGA Presi- bury, even though I was very happy
dent Dana Dunleavy '00, who met with the president to discuss the at Wellesley. I wasn't looking or
issue, freezing the tuition would require "a large endowment." going anywhere, but obviously it was
too good an opportunity to pass up. formerly
I talked with lots and lots of peo-
Captain Kangaroo
ple, and every single one of them
said "Oh, what a fabulous place to
Actor, Author, Emmy Award Winner, and Educator will discuss
work" and "What a great student
Four day forecast body" and "What a great communi- Television, the Electronic Media, and Children's Literature
ty" and "What a wonderful place to
Thursday, January 20,2000 at 4:30 p.m.
live." Either the Chamber of Com-
MM Ross Lounge, Middlebury College, Admission Free, Buffet to follow
merce here is handing out a lot of
•-JWffc I
checks to people to get them to do
good PR or it must be true.
C: How long have you been here?
R: I came to wo rk Monday and
Tuesday last week, and a few hours
Wednesday and then had to leave
and go to a conference in Boston
that has to do with our whole on-
PARTLY CLOUDY PARRY CLOUDY PARTLY CLOUDY PARTLY CLOUDY line job information, recruiting, date
management. I think you call it
Mojo on-line. Then I just got back.
C: What do expect from this job?
R: Well, first of all; I'm just look-
High: 41* High: 49° High: 50° High: 50° ing to learn my way around, and
who all the players are. Secondly, I'm
Low: 22° Low: 28° Low: 34° Low: 36°
looking to provide leadership and
support for the staff that's here, who to celebrate Page 1
V y
are already doing a tremendous job,
but I think they're looking for the
cohesiveness of having a permanent
NEWS
September 16,1999.
Modular homes near completion, set for occupation next month
By Alison Hertel through a block draw that will be number of seniors proportionally.
Staff Writer _ held Friday, January 14,2000. Stu- There was a lot of discussion
The modular homes, which dents can pick up application among the Ross Commons Team
were originally planned to be oc- forms outside of Paige Budelsky's over what to name them. After
cupied in mid-October, are on- office in order to be considered. much deliberation and considera-
campus and will be completed Budelsky'said she plans to have tions such as characters from the
this week for the student residents tours be available when the hous- television show"The Simpsons," it
moving in February. The homes, es are completed. was decided that the houses would
initially available only Despite all of the long-term issues, the be named after famous
to seniors, have now explorers. They are
modular homes are an impressive
been opened to ju- named Earhart,
niors, and will be cho- answer to the housing crunch, especially Cousteau, Norgay,
sen in a draw based on given the limited amount of time the Peary and Ride.
seniority. The residential life
residential life staff had to find nearly
The five houses are staff began the process
located near the 100 students a place to live. of trying to get modu-
Ridgeline Parking Lot. lar homes on-campus
—Sarah Cooley'00
Each house has five as a solution to the
singles, one double, two bath- The houses are included as part housing shortage in August. The
rooms, a kitchen and dining area of Ross Commons. Ross was cho- zoning map of the town allows for
and a living area. They will have sen because it is physically the modular housing only in desig-
full telephone and Ethernet closest commons to the new hous- nated areas. As Middlebury's pro-
wiring. The houses will be chosen es and because it has the smallest posed site was not designated, it
took some time to get the homes
College receives record
approved. They are currently ap-
proved for the next four years,
number of applications
that time the administration
hopes that a permanent solution
By Laura Tarimo cember. to the housing crunch will be in
Staff Writer According to Hanson, this place.
Middlebury College's Admis- year's Early Decision applicant The residential life staff needed
sions Office received more appli- pool was very strong. "The in- to create more housing this year in
cations this year than any other creased numbers don't make it order to accommodate the student
year. As of now, 5011 applications any easier to choose What we will body, as there were 32 people
have been received and even more end up with is a great class this without rooms at the beginning of
are expected before the end of the year." Hanson reports that many the academic year. The residential
application due-date. This is a deferred students were very life staff researched alternatives Peter Huoppi
three percent increase from the strong academically and the Ad- before deciding on modular The nearly completed modular homes will be ready for residents in February.
4864 applications received last missions Committee wanted to homes as the temporary solution
year. \ , ,2.-.. look at them comparatively to the to the housing crunch. Kathy
a
The Dean of Students Affairs, applicants of regular decision. Ebner, Dean of Commons, said,
Ann Hanson, said that this is the In spite of the larger pool, the "Many other schools have used
first time the numbers have College will admit fewer students modular homes as temporary
reached or passed 5000. "And [the this year than it did last year. The housing and the students have Buy one Entree & get the second one Free
numbers] will end up even high- change is due to recent problems liked them."
er than this before the year is encountered with housing and Sarah Cooley '00 shares Ebner's Valid Sunday-Thursday Evenings Only
through." A number of applica- over-estimations in overseas positive view of the modular Expires 1/31/2000
tions received have not been in- study. The matriculation rate is homes, but emphasizes the tem-
cluded in the count because the expected to be 530 students for porary aspect of them. Cooley
application fee/waiver have yet to the fall term and 115 students ad- said, "Despite all of the long-term Woody's Restaurant
be submitted. mitted in February. Last year 540 issues, the modular homes are an
The number of Early Decision students matriculated in the fall. impressive answer to the housing
5 Bakery Lane • Middlebury • [phone]
applicants has increased by 11 President John McCardell crunch, especially given the limit-
percent from last year. John Han- views the large applicant pool as ed amount of time residential life
son, the Director of Admissions, telling of the value prospective had to find nearly 100 students a second entrée must be of equal or lesser value • gratuities are not included
said he sees this as a good sign. students attach to the educational place to live. In this respect, it is a and are based on price of both entrees • certificate cannot be used with any
"The higher number of Early De- experience at Middlebury. He great idea." other promotion or on holidays falling within the specified time period
cision applicants tells us that Mid- said, "I believe that the growing Paige Budelsky, Assistant Di-
dlebury is the first choice of an in- interest expressed in Middlebury rector of Residential Life, said,
Campus Security Log
creasing number of students.. College is a reflection of our ef- "The homes are really nice." She
They will bring their talents and forts to build the College of the went to visit the site where they
abilities but especially their com- future." McCardell said he has are built and looked at the various
mitment. It helps campus high expectations for the class of models. A floor plan of the chosen The Department of Public Safety responded to the following
morale." 2004. "I believe that the class that model is available outside of her incident reports. - -
Middlebury has two Early De- enters this fall will be the most se- office. Budelsky is also hoping to
cision options. In the first round, lective ever, and thus potentially have tours of the houses as soon as 01/03/00 Responded to a report of a medical emer
after the application due-date of the strongest ever." they are completed this week. gency in Gifford.
November 15, students are noti- 01/04/00 Responded to a report of an auto accident in
fied of their enrollment status by Adirondack Circle.
December 15. Students applying 01/07/00 Responded lffS53355HEinregistered
during the second.round are no-
tified early in February. Hanson 01/07/00
explained that the second round
The SGA Safety Task Foi to recruit student
allows students who were unable 01/07/00
workers for the Midd® lyJan 10, over 60
to make a decision on their first MnCiijlough.
have the Midd Rides
choice in November due to athlet-
program up llwutip
ic activities or other autumn sea- * >»'I III ;.
Will:
sonal activities, to do so in De-
Applicat on die
SPRING web at v 01/08/1 in Battell.
BREAK
Applicai 1:00 PM 01/08/00 Responded to a l^Wbf an unregistered
on Frida; party at 126 South Main Street.
Policy R< 01/09/00 Responded to a medical emergency in KDR.
Student 01/10/00 Received a report of stolen furniture from
fps* AU. DESTINATIONS Web Gui Hepburn.
Commit) uary 21.
Best Prices, Hotels, Discounts, & Biggest
Community and Bars in If you have any information on the above incidents, please
BROWSE THE WEB inter-campus.com rooms on ca contact the Department of Public Safety at x-5911 or x-5133.
For Details £» Reservations Call
INTER-CAMPUS PROGRAMS
1 - 8 0 0 - 3 2 7 - 6 0 13
NEWS
September 16,1999
Page 4
DeQray and Andrieu retire from college staff to pursue interests
By Seth Kroop
StaffWriter
College"' employees Beverly
DeGray and Brenda Andrieu re-
cently decided to retire. Both
women reflect positively on their
experiences at Middlebury and
plan to stay active.
After working for Middlebury
Dining Services for 42 and a half
years, DeGray came in for her last
day of work on Friday, January 7.
DeGray has been the head of the
Crest Room since it began in 1960
and ran other snack bars on-cam-
pus before it began. She has also
helped cater special events such as
alumni weekends and worked at
the Breadloaf English school, the
golf course, and the Snow Bowl.
DeGray came to work at Mid-
dlebury College in July 1957, two
years after her high school gradua-
tion. Before coming to the College,
DeGray operated a soda fountain
College employees Beverly DeGray, former head of the Crest Room (left), and Brenda Andrieu, a psychological counselor (right), recently decided to retire
in downtown Middlebury in what
is now Angela's Restaurant. them where to go downtown, I lent being around the students, faculty, contexts in which they forge rela- seling, audited a Spanish class. But
Looking back on her time in the them my car if they needed it, and and alumni," said DeGray, "but I'm tionships with students are very dif- that is the closest she has come to
food service industry at Middle- I tried to do the little things that happy to be able to leave while I'm ferent. fulfilling this curiosity.
bury, DeGray said that she feels she made them feel more comfortable," healthy." "In the dining services, you get to Despite her retirement, Andrieu
has had the unique opportunity to she said. DeGray will be missed by her see people in different moods. Some plans to stay very, active. She will
forge relationships with students, Although she is retiring, DeGray colleagues in Middlebury Dining are happy; some are sad. But most continue to do disability evalua-
professors, and administrators. plans to stay active in Middlebury Services. Said Matthew Biette, Asso- of the people that come to counsel- tions for the state of Vermont. In ad-
"I'm very proud of having College life. She intends to visit for ciate Director of Middlebury Din- ing are in a difficult situation," An- dition, she hopes to participate in
served the college community for alumni events and is excited at the ing Services, "Beverly is an icon. drieu said. "It's not a happy situa- the Senior Olympics. She also plans
42 and a half years and having had opportunity to be able to go to And when you lose an icon you lose tion, but you know you're needed to sell Native-American and
the privilege of raising two won- more sporting events. a lot of history. She has seen more and valued in that situation." African arts and crafts, a hobby of
derful daughters at the same time," Looking back on all of the histo- changes in Middlebury than the After seeing students come into hers. "I don't plan to sit in my rock-
said DeGray. "I feel I had a won- ry she has witnessed at Middlebury majority of people here." her office over the past 11 years, An- ing chair and knit," she explained.
derful relationship with the stu- college, DeGray is nostalgic for the Andrieu, who has been a psy- drieu has often wondered what it Andrieu says that she will most
dents, the administration, and the - 1960s. chological counselor in the Center would be like to be a student at miss the indirect advantages of
faculty" "The sixties were an exciting for Counseling and Human Rela- Middlebury. She explains that sev- being on a college campus. "I guess
DeGray takes pride in the rela- time at Middlebury. The students tions for the past 11 and a half years eral years ago she and Gary Margo- you could call it the intellectual
tionships she has established while were excited at that time, and they will also be retiring at the end of the lis, Director of the Center for Coun- stimulation," she said.
working in the Crest Room, espe- had causes. The students have month. Scott Symposium lecture
cially with the students. She con- never changed, but their causes "I enjoy sharing whatever
centrated on learning students' have now. They're still the same knowledge or insights I have with explores world religions
names, and keeping in touch with good students." people," Andrieu said. "It gives me
them when they come back for DeGray, who has worked great pleasure when someone calls
alumni weekends, and she is excit- through the administration of five on me and wants me to share some (ctfhtinued from page 1 ) argued Connor, in many cases it im-
ed to meet new students who are different college presidents and insights that I might have, I also feel the cluster will test and evaluate the pacts local and regional conflicts.
children of alumni that she re- under four different food service humbled to know that students en- ideas raised in the lectures, with As the final lecturer of the Scott
members. directors, is pleased, but emotional trust their personal lives to me." some courses seeking a more care- Symposium, Douglas Johnston,
"In particular, I always took the about her retirement. Andrieu said thatboth she and fully defined use of the term 'reli- President of the International Cen-
freshman under my wine. I told "It's going to be emotional not DeGray deal with students but the gion' and an understanding of its ter for Religion and Diplomacy, said
role in specific regions and con- that the strong Western Separation
flicts." of Church and State led to difficulty
Speaking on the morning of in understanding how religion and
Thursday, January 6, Zakaria, who politics blend in other parts of the
works as Managing Editor of For- worid. Johnston said that there is a
eign Affairs and a Contributing Ed- "learned repugnance" to the men-
itor of Newsweek, discussed 'Reli- tion of religion in conflict resolution
gion and World Conflict' from a amortg Western Governments.
Board of Trustees elects campus phonathan fundraiser for remains a charter trustee of the political science perspective. Za- Johnston said that practical con-
Churchill Franklin as chair the College. College. Gargalli will serve as vice karia said that religion is an impor- flict resolution should utilize the ad-
In addition to his involvement chair of the board. tant influence when examining po- vantages of government involve-
The Middlebury College Board in the College, Franklin is execu- litical conflict, but that political ment, coupled with the third party
of Trustees elected Churchill tive vice president and co-founder scientists do not evaluate doctrine trust and influence religion can add.
Franklin as their chair beginning of Acadian Asset Management, a Kresge Foundation grants issues because they rarely play a sig- "Until we introduce this spiritual
January 1,2000. five billion dollar global invest- science equipment funds nificant role in the conflicts. aspect to world politics we are
Franklin graduated from Mid- ment management firm, whose Later that day, Robinson, Presi- doomed to return to this cycle of re-
dlebury in 1971 where he majored clients include Fortune 500 com- The Michigan-based Kresge dent of the Salzburg Seminar and venge, violence for violence," said
in American literature and partic- panies, large state retirement Foundation recently awarded Mid- President Emeritus of the College, Johnston.
ipated in varsity football. After funds, foundations 'and endow- dlebury College a Science Initiative discussed the growing importance Professor Bill Waldron, who
begin elected a trustee in 1989, ments. Challenge Grant of $500,000 for of human rights in foreign policy. teaches a cluster class entitled "Chi-
Franklin served as vice chair of the John McCardell Jr., president of science equipment. The College Robinson said that although certain nese Communist Destruction of Ti-
Middlebury board and a member the College, said, "As Middlebury has received one half of that total, figures such as Jimmy Carter helped betan Buddhist Civilization," said,
of several board committees. prepares to enter its third century, which is $250,000. The grant sup- bring human rights to the forefront "In general, the entire symposium
As an alumnus of the College, Churchill Franklin offers the bold plements the funds raised by the of policy making, religion has yet to was designed to cover a wide vari-
Franklin chairs the leadership gifts leadership needed to guide the College to purchase equipment for be recognized as a significant piece ety of issues and perspectives, just
committee for the College's Bicen- College into the very top ranks of chemistry, geology and physics. An of foreign policy. like the classes clustered around the
tennial Campaign, and has served liberal arts colleges in the nation. additional $250,000 will support Friday, January 7, Connor lec- theme of Religion and World Con-
as chair of the reunion gift com- His dedication and loyalty, com- an endowment fund for the pur- tured concerning religious conflicts flict. Thus, they complement the
mittees for his 15 and 25-year re- bined with his willingness to work chase of new or replacement in- throughout history. Connor is a vis- courses very well. Not all of them, of
: unions. He is also an admissions hard on behalf of Middlebury, strumentation in the future. In iting professor of Political Science course, apply equally to all courses,
volunteer, a class agent and alumni have prepared Churchill well for order to receive the second part of and Distinguished Scholar-in-resi- but many of the issues raised in the
career advisor. Franklin is the the responsibilities which he now the grant, the College must raise an dence. In addition, Connor has been talks have come up in class and will
founding president of the Boston assumes," said McCardell additional one million dollars by widely published, including his certainly come up again. All in all,
Middlebury College Alumni Asso- Franklin succeeds outgoing the spring .of 2001, creating a total book Ethnonationalism: The Quest the symposium has worked very
ciation and organized the first off- endowment fund of $1.25 million.
board chair Claire Gargalli, who for Understanding (1994). Because well, as is evidenced by the large au-
religion is linked to ethnic identity, dience attending the lectures."
FEATURES
January 12,2000
Governor Dean discusses his goals
By Bob Wainwright emphasized the integration of people opf rehensive domestic partnership
Features Editor color in Vermont through programs bill, which will allow gay and les-
Campus: Governor Dean, how didl ike the Coming Home Foundation. Isb ian couples to enjoy the same
you become interested in politics? that a continuing priority? rights as heterosexual couples.
Dean: I was always a big fan of Dean: We are asking for Campus: You considered running
Jimmy Carter's, and when I was in $100,000 in the budget for the for president in the upcoming election.
medical school President Carter Coming Home Foundation. Why did you decide in the end not
was running for re-election. I think that the initial way Ver- pursue the presidency?
So, I decided to volunteer for mont tried to become more di- Dean: A bunch of reasons. First
his campaign. The head of the verse was to import people from of all, my kids love living in
campaign turned out to be a state elsewhere, but that probably has mont, and I think it's really good
senator who had lived about five turned out to be unsuccessful. Ver- for them to be in Vermont. And
doors down from me, so I I think Vermont is going to grow second, the people in
got to know all of her fam- the state really didn't
tremendously in the next century. I
ily and friends, and that like the idea that much.
got me involved in politics think we're either going to double or Campus: If you had run
in Vermont. triple our population. for president, what would
Campus: What are your the core issues of your cam-
—Vermont Governor Howard Dean
legislative plans for the year paign have been?
2000? mont is a unique place, which is Dean: There are really two
Dean: We have done a lot of why many of us like it. enormous ones. The first is to raise
things in the past eight years, par- But, you can't transplant your- relations and diversity in the
ticularly in health care, land con- self very easily, whether you're country as a whole. I think we
servation, and education. white or black, from Philadelphia need an enormous amount of
What I really would like to do is to Vermont. It would be a culture work in that area. And although I
get the legislature to consolidate shock. An even more pervasive think the president has done a
our gains. Sometimes in periods one to people of color than it great job, we clearly need to do
of change, the change outstrips would be for whites. more.
people's ability to adjust, and I Well, what the Coming Home The second is we need a nation-
think we're in danger of that now. Foundation does is to work with al health insurance plan. Whether
So we need to make sure that people of color who are already it is to be run by the private sector
our health care and education sys- Vermonters, and to try to increase or the government, we have to Peter Huoppi
tems are financially sustainable. their opportunities to become have one. Another focus is educa- On his way to a decisive victory, Keegan Uhl '01 lines up a shot
There will be an enormous num- leaders in the community. And (see Governor, page 7) while playing a game of eight ball in the Grille on Tuesday night.
ber of other things, but those two that, I think, makes sense because
Middkid.com offers course evaluations
will be most important. it eliminates the culture shock.
" CampusfWillyou continue to focus These people are Vermonters,
on the Vermont workforce? and they know what it is like to live By Kristen Sylva As the site clearly indicates, Middkid.com were unhappy with a
Dean: Yes, because even though inVermont. And if you are willing StaffWriter these online evaluations are com- particular course or professor.
right now we have an enormous to stay and become a leader in As a junior counselor, I have pletely unofficial, as well as anony- Could multiple negative responses
number of new jobs, I think it is your community, that is another found myself deluged with thou- mous. Some of the questions posed cost a faculty member his or her
important to prepare the economy. way of creating diversity. That is sands of questions from inquisi- are similar to the official evalua- job?
When the downturn comes, and what I want to do— to make it eas- tive, and sometimes downright tion, such as how many hours are Adler claims that this is not so.
eventually it will, we will need to ier for people of color in Vermont nervous first-years concerning spent per week on a particular "Keep in mind that students have
respond. to participate in leadership insti- which classes they should take and class. Others, such as "would you already filled out the official evalu-
Campus: You have said in the past tutions. which professors are worthy of recommend this course to another ations, which do have an impact
that you feel the best way to improve Campus: In the paper today is ant heir attention. Much to their dis- student" and "would you take an- on whether or not a professor con-
jobs in Vermont is through a well-edu-article on the Vermont Supreme appointment, I have tinues to be employed by
Some students and faculty, however, fear
cated work force. Court's ruling in favor of same sex not taken every single the college. But students
Dean: Correct. One of the ad- marriages. What is your position onc lass at Middlebury the implications of possible negative don't get to see those
vantages Vermont has is a really that? College, nor do I per- evaluations...Could multiple negative evaluations. What we
hard-working work force, which is Dean: I have no problem with sonally know each pro- have here at
pretty well-educated relative to the the domestic partnership bill. I fessor employed here. responses cost a faculty member his or Middkid.com is a way, in
rest of the country. But, Americans think that is a good idea, and I However, when the her job? fact the only way, for stu-
aren't particularly well-educated think the court basically gave us time comes again next dents to be exposed to
relative to the rest of the world. two choices. spring to select courses, students other course with this professor" what their peers really think."
It's interesting, for example, that One is to allow gay people to get will have a new advantage, thanks appear simple but are in fact far Perhaps then, a password, such
a lot of the computer program- married and the other is to pass a to Middkid.com course evalua- more useful to students. as a college identification number,
mers in Silicon Valley are from bill in legislature that sets out all tions. Through this innovative and This online evaluation process should be required in order to view
Asia, and the reason for that is that the rights and benefits of mar- useful web site, students can eval- is quite efficient, requiring only a the evaluations. "What if somehow
they cannot find qualified Ameri- riage, without actually allowing uate classes and professors from few minutes to complete per a prospective student was able to_
cans. I think that, obviously, re- gay marriage. I think there is no the fall semester, and their reviews course. Students are asked to rate get onto the page," worries Michael
fleets poorly on our ability to get possibility the legislature will pass will be available online for students different aspects of the class, and at Kerkorian, '01. "One poor review
kids through school and into jobs. the gay marriage bill. So, I think to refer to before and during fell the end are allowed space in which could even prevent a student from
Campus: In the past, you have also the thing to do is to pass the com- registration later on this spring. to write additional comments. applying to Middlebury."
According to Middkid.com co- Adler feels that such a situation
Quilting bee founder Ted Adlèr '99.5, these re- is not likely to have a negative out-
sponses may be edited for profan- come. He argues that many schools
ity and slander before being posted already make their official evalua-
on the web. Still, these evaluations tions available to students, and that
are comprised entirely of the voic- a poor review may benefit faculty
es of the student body. far more than it would other stu-
"Students,will be able to read dents, perspective or otherwise.
y
evaluations about classes as well as Still, what students must realize
professors," says Adler. is that if they do not complete the
"Middkid.com coursé evaluations" evaluations on Middkid.com, there
merely codify what already exists will be no basis for comparison
by word of mouth, and puts it all in next spring. Think of the Febs who
one place, creating an online com- will be searching aimlessly for fell
munity within the college." courses- recall the classes you can
He stresses that Middkid.com is only wish you'd been warned
not creating new opinions, but about.
merely exhibiting existing ones in a Middkid.com course evalua-
way that is beneficial to both stu- tions are quick, easy, and will be
dents and faculty members. available through the end of J-
Some students and faculty, how- Term. Adler reminds us, "The
ever, fear the implications of possi- questions and responses are based
ble negative evaluations. Certainly, on what one student would ask an-
Andrew Corrigan it seems more than likely that a other, and, now that the word is out
Hoping to one day sew their own king-sized bed spreads, students gather closely around a table in good number of students who will there, I can only hope that people
Gifford Annex Lounge during a workshop entitled "Quiltmaking Fundamentals" on Monday afternoon. complete evaluations through take advantage of it."
OPINIONS
Page 6 January 12,2000
Winter term continues to allow students to expand horizons
By Jon White came on the heels of a nation-wide Armstrong's initial proposal for a When President Armstrong nancial aid. Last year off-campus
StaffWriter movement of rethinking higher- 4-1-4 system and pass/fail method again brought a solely 4-1-4 sys- courses were re-introduced, with a
In April of 1967, Middlebury level education. The 1950s and '60s of evaluation in non-major cours- tern proposal before the faculty in course in Panama offered through
College President James Arm- saw a growing desire among edu- es, they nonetheless supported a February of 1968, the faculty ap- the biology department, and one
strong submitted a two-pronged cators to establish more unconven- movement towards the creation of proved the proposal 69 to 29. The offered in environmental studies
proposal to the faculty. The pro- tional programs of study. following academic in Yosemite National Park.
posal called for the establishment This included a height- In keeping with the idea that winter year, Middlebury im- Mr. Macey also notes that win-
of a winter term of study. It also ened interest in indepen- term should allow for more education plemented the 4-1-4, ter term remains essentially a time
recommended creating a pass/fail dent study, as well as the program, creating a for students to "break out of com-
al freedom, Middlebury students now
system of grading in courses that birth of the 4-1-4 system. winter term while trim- fort zones" in both on- and off-
Were not used as credit towards a According to David M. take advantage of off campus oppor- ming the 15 week fall campus study, a concept endorsed
student's particular major. Stameshkin in his book tunities." '/"." and spring semesters to by President Armstrong and Mid-
The faculty embraced the idea "The Strength of the —— - • 13 weeks each. dlebury faculty that pushed the
of a winter term, but rejected the Hills, Middlebury College 1915- winter term. The faculty saw the President Armstrong greeted winter term concept in the late 60s.
proposal based on the concept of 1990," establishing a 4-1-4 system winter term as an opportunity to the new winter term program by Student engagement in intern-
eliminating grades in non-major had popular support not only from engage students in more non-tra- saying that it fostered an environ- ships during winter term further
areas of study. President Armstrong, but also the ditional and intellectually engag- ment "more hospitable and con- supports the idea that winter term
President Armstrong's proposal faculty. While the faculty rejected ing study. ducive to teaching." is the ideal time to pursue in non-
Today winter term remains a traditional study. According to
r time of both non-traditional and Claire Tetrault in the Career Ser-
&his week in oMiddleburv history
traditional intellectual explo- vices Office, 148 students are
ration. In keeping with the idea presently undertaking winter term
, ; , _ — : " (f Ç . that winter term should allow for internships.
A look at the history of the College through the pages of the Campus. more educational freedom, Mid- Current internships represent
4 Q CO "Pool Construction Begun on Campus: $26,690 Gift Enables College To dlebury students now take advan- an array of geographical locations
I w U c. Add To Snow Bowl Facilities" tage of off-campus study opportu- and fields of study. Students this
Middlebury College is expanding its recreational facilities with the completion of the Ski Lodge at the nities, as well as internships. winter term are working in loca-
College's Snow Bowl and the construction of a new swimming pool on the main campus. This year, Middlebury offered tions as diverse as China and
An anonymous gift of $26,690 and the promise of an additional gift from the same source makes it pos- three off-campus classes during J- Chile, with some staying here in
sible for Middlebury to engage an architect and plan for the completion of the ski lodge in 1962. term: "Writing in the Wilds" with Vermont to work. Mrs. Tetrault
Construction was also recently started on the new Middlebury College swimming pool. The contractors Julia Alvarez in the Dominican Re- says that the most popular area
hvae started preliminary foundation work on the pool which will be located adjacent to the McCollough public; "Religion and Conflict in students are working in this Janu-
Gymnasium. Modern Europe" in Salzburg, Aus- ary is medicine, although business,
tria; and "Geology and Natural education and communications
"Art-Music Center Plans Announced" History of Costa Rica" in Costa remain popular areas as well.
Tentative plans for the Arts and Music Center to be constructed between Wright Memorial Theatre and Rica. Twelve students are studying Originally conceived as a means
the presently uncompleted Sunderland Language Center were released this week. in the Dominican Republic with of adding variation to the tradi-
Estimated cost of the center is $1,250,000 at a minimum. President Armstrong has set the fall of 1967 Mrs. Alvarez, while 18 are studying tional double-semester academic
as the target date for completion of the first phase of both the arts center and a new science center. He said in Costa Rica and 30 hâve traveled year, as well as a path through
last week that he hopes both will be in construction at the same time. Since the arts center is a smaller un- to Salzburg for winter term. which students might be given a
dertaking, however, it could be ready for full occupancy by the end of 1968. David Macey from the Office of unique academic experience,
Off-Campus Study notes that off- today's winter term is a time where
campus courses during winter students can take both ordinary
"Forum reccomends vegetarian alternative"
term were suspended for several courses and unique ones. It also af-
At the January 12 Student Forum meeting the central issue was food. Terry BoUricius reccomended that years beginning in 1989 as the col- fords students the chance to study
Middlebury as an institution offer vegetarian dishes at all meals in addition to one of the usual meat dish- lege struggled to fund off-campus off-campus, and to in potential ca-
es. These meals would serve to make students more aware of their dietary needs and excesses. study for students already on fi- reer fields.
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FEATURES
January 12,2000
Commentator criticizes
Is that your final answer?
Middlebury on NPR
ByJessVoelker Benoit of the Office of Public Re-
StaffWriter lations at Middlebury issued a
On December 23, Middlebury statement,"written in consultation
was the subject of a segment on All with several senior officials of the
Things Considered, a popular pro- college."
gram that airs on National Public In defense of the college, the
Radio. Commentator Ralph statement cites the fact that "over
Shoenstein satirized what he sees the past decade Middlebury Col-
as a trend towards self-merchan- lege has risen from eleventh to fifth
dizing in higher education. He place among national liberal arts
cited Middlebury as the forerun- colleges in the U.S. News and
ner in this trend. World Report Rankings." It goes
According to Shoenstein, it is on to say that "for every space in its
not academic interests but perks first-year class, Middlebury re-
such as "new dormitories that re- ceives nine applications from
semble ski chalets" and "all you can highly talented students all over
eat Ben and Jerry's in the dining the world." Aplicatiorts have con-
halls" that attract students to Mid- tinued to increase through this
dlebury. "Once known for its ex- year. Peter Huoppi
cellent — Also Reading questions with the flare of Regis Philbin, juniors Tom Marks and Chris Ramsey moderate a first
teaching of According to Schoenstein, it is mentioned round match-up between a two four-person teams in the College's second annual College Bowl tournament.
lan- - is the hefty
not academic interests but Governor Dean discusses his goals
guages," 47 million
says perks such as "new dormitories dollars that
Shoen- the college (continued from page 5) contemporary of yours at Yale. ue to push the envelope on edûca-
that resemble ski chalets" and
stein, spent in tion. Dean: Actually I didn't know tion.
"Middle- "all you can eat Ben and Jerry's order to There's no reason why we can- him at Yale. He is a little older than Campus: Finally, what do you con-
bury has in the dining halls" that attract build Bi- not have standards based educa- I am. He graduated in '66, and I got sider to be your major achievements
learned certtenial tion everywhere. And the last is out in '71, so we didn't cross paths since coming to office?
students to Midd.
that Hall, an ef- much better environmental pro- there. But, I know him as a gover- Dean: The biggest one in the
money talks." fort to attract top students and fac tection. We are doing a good job of nor. short term is balancing the budget.
It is no longer so much an aca- ulty in the sciences. land conservation as a country, but Campus: What's your view of him? I have taken a state that had the
demic institution as it is an "ac- The statement argues that the there are still many problems with Dean: I like him a lot. He is a highest income taxes in the coun-
credited resort." He goes on to facilities at Middlebury have in no acid rain, and an enormous straight-forward, honest person. try and one of the biggest deficits
quote President McCardell as re- way compromised the academics. amount of problems of overuse He is certainly more conservative in the country to a state, which is
ferring to the Middlebury experi- The administrative powers that be and misuse of resources. than I am. I do plan to endorse the now ranked number one in New
ence as the "the Middlebury prod- are "engaged in creating a seamless Campus:. What do you see as the democratic nomination. I don't England in terms of its bond rat-
uct." "It's a brand new package," learning environment." strengths and weaknesses of the two agree with his views on abortion ings.
says Shoenstein, "that he can real- In response to Shoenstein's democratic candidates, Gore and or health care. But, I do think he is But in the long term, the most
ly sell." j •. + (*« !••• claim that Middlebury's swim- Bradley? a good human being. important one is that we have con-
Shoenstein explained that, ming pool is so glamorous that it Dean: I think that Bill Bradley Campus: Do you plan to run for re- served hundreds of thousands of
prompted by Middlebury's at- must be referred to as a "natori- is going to do very well in the election in 2000? acres since I've been governor.
tempt to attract students with um," the statement reads: "The fine Northeast. He is a very thoughtful, Dean: I am planning to run, And now we are going to embark
swanky athletic facilities and athletic facilities, which Mr. committed person, who is very yes. on an opportunity to buy the de-
gourmet ice cream, colleges will Shoenstein cites as evidence of un- straight-forward. Campus: What will be the key is- velopment rights along the inter-
soon be attracting prospective stu- seemly opulence, provide our stu- I think A1 Gore will be the next sues? state and Route 7. So, we won't
dents through television advertise- dents with safe, well-equipped president of the United States. And Dean: Health care will be an have the same kind of suburban
ments. sports venues allowing for growth I think he has an enormous enormous issue. The Republicans sprawl that has occurred in other
He goes on to create a phony of the mind within a healthy body." amount of motivation for the job. will argue that we have insured too states that have been developed.
advertisement luring students to The statement concludes by He has some very good goals, par- many people. Vermont has about Vermont is going to grow
what he calls "Liberal Lite College." inviting Mr. Shoenstein to Middle- ticularly for environmental and the lowest rate of uninsured chil- tremendously in the next century.
Liberal Lite, jokes Shoenstein, is a bury so that he may discover "that health legislation. dren, and the second lowest rate of I think we're either going to dou-
place for the student who would Middlebury is a nationally promi- Campus: Do you see Bradley as uninsured adults in the country. ble or triple our population/There
"rather have gum disease than read nent liberal arts college." That's all doing especially well in Vermont? So, I expect an attack from the Re- are so many people in New York
a book." "Has your travel agent fine and well, if Shoenstein's travel Dean: I think that Bradley will publicans on health care. and Boston who will be able to do
been unable to get you a reserva- agent can get him a room. probably win in Vermont and New My issues will be the fact that I their job in Vermont because of
tion at Middlebury?" He asks.. Due to the housing crunch, he Hampshire, and maybe New York. run Vermont in a very fiscally re- the internet. We've got to get ready
"Then come to Liberal Lite... may have to spend the night in a But, I don't think he's a national strained way. We have the highest for that, so that we don't simply
where learning is optional." modular home rather than in a ski candidate. financial ratings that we have had become over-developed like so
In response to the program, Phil chalet. Campus: George W. Bush was a in 25 years. And, I want to contin- many other places in the country.
<6# .
C A M P US
• • ' • • *• •
What would be your ideal J-term class?
Photos by Andrew Corrigar
"Sleeping I "Pong 101." Techniques of MCCullough 'All inspiration and no grades. "Brewery Making." f. y
Dancing."
—Meagan Dodge '03 -Eric Bundonis '03 " Miller '02.5 —James West —JeflWelnëf'03
History Professor
OPINIONS
January 12,2000
Page 8
Editorial
AS 7T R A P m o M L. SU&JMAN
Real Life Responsibility
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In the wake of extensive absences by student athletes,
CR&.4T<V& Ai&tUt.S
the College has decided to establish a maximum percent-
age of classes that students can miss. This policy, in the
eyes of the College, will ensure that students remain more
focused on their studies than on atheletics. It is true that
athletics and academics occassionally interfere with one
another, but the College's proposed solution is not die cor-
rect one. In drafting this policy, the College is forgetting
that its purpose here is not to act in loco parentislmt to
encourage students to take responsibility for their actions.
Every student is well aWare that missing class is detri-
mental to their studies, but sometimes students feel that
other matters are more important. A student must have
the ability to weigh the pros and cons of missing a class
and to decide for themselves whether or not to attend.
When this year's senior class goes out into the workforce,
there will be no one saying how many days they can miss.
Instead, each person will be expected to be responsible for /Ç f&CYCLABlMS YfAbi
3
themseleves and suffer the repercussions of their actions.
c
piprr US£t£K SKI fdOjUfVlTMT MAM o
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An imposed limit on the number of missed classes still >.
oo
might not change the situation in the case of some profes-
sors. Every student is aware that there are professors at this
warns against warming
college who allow students to regularly miss classes, espe-
cially for athletic events. An imposed limit will not change
a professor's decisionas to whether someone is "absent.'Hf In light of the past few tion on campus that people are then that's OK." However,
they feel the absence is warranted, they will merely ignore months being unseason- really concerned. Where are the warmer temperatures bring
it. ably warm, I must ask, staff and faculty who are push- more than fun in the sun.
"Does anyone care about glob- ing for vanpools so that they Warmer temperatures increase
There are effective steps that the College can take to al warming?" At a recent con- don't have to drive to work in precipitation and extreme
limit the interference between academics and athletics ference I attended at UVM their single passenger vehicle? weather events, which may
while still allowing students to make their own choices. called "The Impact of Climate Where are the students who are bring more destructive ice
The NESCAC schools have continually debated the merits signing petitions asking the storms and droughts to
of post-season play and whether it interferes with educa- Amy Seif government to agree to Kyoto Vferhiont. A change in climate
tion. If there is concern about post-season play, what Protocol resolutions? Where are could'Wipe out species that are
about games that are scheduled while students are sup- Change on Vermont's Econo- the students and staff who are not very mobile and therefore
posed to be in class? my," I learned that human-in- choosing to buy lower-emission cannot move to a zone of colder
duced climate change may vehicles instead of sporty temperatures, such as the
The College stands in the position of stressing both the cause the downfall of all of Ver- SUVs? Perhaps the community monarch butterfly or Pacific
importance of education and the value of athletics at a lib- mont's major industries, _ salmon. Global warming
eral arts institution. A severe limit, or perhaps even out- namely skiing, forestry, may offer lovely tropical
right ban, on mid-week games would probably be widely maple sugaring, and fall We are no longer in the era of temperatures, but with it
accepted by NESCAC. It would show that academics are tourism. Not only are comes the migration and
'Pandora's Box' regarding global
important, not to be trumped by athletics, and vice versa. these industries the back- growth of tropical pests,
It would limit concerns about athletes missing classes. bone of the state's econo- warming. such as mosquitoes bear-
And, finally, it would ensure that students learn the deci- my, but they are what ing malaria and other dis-
sion-making skills that they will benefit from long after makes Vermont special. —~ — ease vector organisms.
they leave the College. We are no longer in the We at Middlebury
era of'Pandora's Box' regarding is aware of global warming and College have the power to do
global warming, when scientif- the scientific research that something to thwart these dan-
ic uncertainty shadowed con- proves its certainty, but we don't gers. We can join with Clean Air
cerns by environmentalists that understand the consequences. I Cool Planet, a Northeast-based
our gluttonous appetite for often hear people saying, "Well, alliance that seeks to bring
tH3j t iWthhteburp Cantputf
energy and our love for our if this nice weather means that about actual greenhouse gas
automobiles were slowly we are warming up the planet, (See Seif, p. 10)
Editor-in-Chief
warming the planet. The
Christopher L. Morgan Seniors encouraged to
majority of scientists now
Managing Editor agree that the release of carbon
Emily W. Manning dioxide and other greenhouse voice class gift ideas
Business Manager Advertising Manager gases will increase global tem-
Peter Morgan Matt Noble peratures. The scientists that
don't agree may be loud, espe- M j his is an open letter to all The Senior Class Gift is our first
cially when the dollars flow in members of the Class of opportunity to show how much
Sports Editor from corporations responsible JL i2 000 encouraging you to our Middlebury College experi-
î%ie Hart for the majority of greenhouse take part in the Senior Class Gift ence has meant to us. As the first
gas emissions, but they are few. Program. Currently, the pro- class to graduate in the new mil-
Note the tone in these recent gram consists of two important lennium, and at the time of
headings from The New York aspects. The first being selecting Middlebury's Bicentennial, there
Times: "Human Imprint on
is no greater opportunity in the
Jfs Climate Change Grows Blake Rutherford '00.5 history of pur College to give
||] |-|pthE|t^ Clearer" (June 29, 1999), and
fe something back, the time of
"Scientists Warn Against
a gift reflective of our time here Middlebury's Bicentennial, there
Ignoring. Climate Change"
at Middlebury. The second is is no greater opportunity in the
(January 29, 1999). Of course,
raising enough funds to pur- history of our College to give
we still can't prove that the
chase the gift of our choosing. something back.
warm day today is due to the
The Senior Class Gift Commit- We're looking forward to your
emissions of carbon dioxide
tee is asking foras much input as opinions, ideas and contribu-
from our cars or the burning of
The Middlebury Cami per of Mid^tiijry College, is published in coal in power plants. However, we can have from the entire tions. Please feel free to contact
Middlebury, Vermont by the Mlddlfit^V College. Publication Is every class. We are also asking that Kate Lockwood or myself at
WEdeidtonreiasld aanyd o bf uthsien eascsa doeffmiciecs y aerae) In ry Collepgeeri.o Tdhse a Mndid fdinleabl uerxya mCainmaptiuosn sIs, wwheaetnh elor ookvienrg tahte t hpea spta httuenrndsr eodf everyone begin thinking about extensions 6471 or 4733, or via
produced on an Apple Macintosh network runril QuarkXPress 3.32. and Is printed by Denton making a contribution towards e-mail: at lockwood@middle-
Publications, Inc at Ellzabathtown, New York. The advertising deadline for all display and classified years, it becomes harder to
advertising is Friday at 5 p.m. for the next week's issue. Mailing address: The Middlebury Campus, Drawer refute the claim that tempera- this effort bury.edu, rutherford@middle-
c3o0n, Mceirdndsl etob uthrye CBoulsleingees.s M Midadnlaegbeurr.y A, VddTr 0eSss7 Sa3ll. leOttfefircse t poh tohne ee:d (it8o0r2 t)o 4 t4h3e-5 O7p3i6n.i oPnlesa sEed iatodrd. rTehsse dMisidtrdilbeubtuiorny tures are rising in an unnatural We are actively seeking opin- bury.edu. Thank you.
Campus will not accept or print anonymous letters and reserves the right to edit all Opinions letters. The way. ions and advice from a broad Blake Rutherford is Co-Chair,
opinions expressed in the Opinions section, reviews, columns, editorial comics and other commentary, are
views of the Individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Middlebury Campus range of people, representing the of the Senior Class Gift
First class postage paid at Middlebury, VT 0S7S3. Subscription rate: S45 per year or 525 per semester However, I see little indica- many facets of the Class of 2000. Committee
within the United States; $50 per year or $30 per semester overseas.
OPINIONS
January 12,2000 Page 9
Adler critiques elements of Middlebury's Commons System
In an effort to improve an al- ing to 2,350 students. Through themselves into the commons. activities and a way of providing "the numbers" disagree. A lot of
ready thriving school, Middle- decentralized dinning and a con- This comes in contrast to every better-than-average housing to a students participate in the com-
bury launched an ambitious tinued residential housing, the other club, organization or resi- select few. mons for justifiable, but selfish,
... task in September 1998 when the Middlebury community of the dential life option on campus. You Middlebury students are many reasons. Their motto is simple:
v
Board of Tr ustees "approved a res- future, fpr better or worse, will can chose to be on the — Ask not what you can do
likely be very different from today. crew team or live in The system is extremely well- for your commons, ask
V r'"
Even if you disagree with the Weybridge House, but financed, has only the best intentions what your commons can
Ted Adler'99.5
principals of the Commons like it or not, you're in a in mind and a complete monopoly on do for you. .
idential life resolution that will System, one must acknowledge commons and subject Simply put, none of
dramatically re-envision and re- that its goals are admirable. The to all the privileges of power. However, the Communists had these new activities that
shape student life on this campus." system is extremely well financed, membership (especially similar traits. take place by virtue of
(Quotes, unless otherwise attrib- has only the best of intentions in the phonemail). From bankrolling have any
uted, come from the Commons mind and a complete monopoly the student perspective, the things, but stupid is not one of meaningful connection to the
home page, which can be found at: on power. However, the Commons System feels like it is them. As one Feb classmate of commons. There is no tradition
http://www.middlebury.edu/com- Communists had similar traits. being imposed from above. Thus mine said, when facing a wall, being built, and the connections
mons). The new "Enhanced" Nonetheless, one question few students feel a personal asso- Middlebury students are taught to created are artificial and predicat-
Commons system, and its favorite remains. Why is the commons ciation to their Commons and go around it. Thus, the campus is ed solely on a quid-pro-quo
buzz word ("community"), has failing miserably? (Sorry many do not support the system. full of self-professed commons- rewards system. This is no way to
started to change life .- • . To take it a step further, haters that learned how to manip- build community.
on campus. as one friend of mine wrote: ulate the system. President In the implementation of the
You can choose to be on the crew
The College's If you objectively view what McCardell, in the Commons' commons system^ we are only in
Administration has team or live in Weybridge House, but characteristics work in con- Mission wrote, "I believe that our the second inning. Thus, it is way
come to "acknowledge like it or not, you're in a Commons cert to foster true commu- students should be empowered to too early to write it off as a total
that education takes nity, you will likely find that allocate space, administer bud- failure. Instead of using The
place around the clock and subject to all the membership substantive artificial pres- gets, plan events, and frame and Campus as a bully pulpit, I offer a
and in all venues." privileges. sure usually has a negative enforce rules." However, in saying simple suggestion for those whose
Therefore, they are —- — long term effect. Such coer- that, I doubt he had in mind com- career goals are inexplicably tied
trying to recreate our community Professor Krauss. The answer can cive powers do little to create true mons sponsorship of an outdoor to the commons. An ideal
so that it is structured to make the not be found in Czeslaw Milosz's "buy-in," and as a result, the hot tub during last year's Winter "Commons Community" already
most of this opportunity. The new "The Captive Mind") intended community devolves to a Carnival. Free pizza at weekly exists at Middlebury, in the form
Middlebury hopes to be smaller The source of the commons lowest common denominator sit- meetings and posh rooms for con- of the Social House System. Even
and more intimate even though woes, in my opinion, is simple. uation. In this case, the commons tinuing commons residents will though anyone who says these
enrollment will continue increas- Students do not chose to integrate are largely a means of funding not make the system work, even if two "systems" are not diabolical
opposites is a liar, the commons
Reiber hopes for reconcilliation in new century could learn a lot from the Social
Houses. After all, look at what the
People's Republic of China has
{{The day after Athens was minds of the Turkish relief work- somehow fallen apart. the child in Greece as survivors, picked up from American capital-
struck by its most serious ers, there was simply no other We who have survived the they all felt a responsibility to pro- ists.
earthquake in decades, mil- choice: the protection of life, in atrocities of the 20th century mote understanding and compas- For the "Commonists" on cam-
lions of television viewers times of trouble, goes beyond the- must confront the fact that in sion. For all of us who would pus, the Social Houses have a lot
watched in awe as Turkish rescue needs of the self, and national order to overcome future atroci- work to build relationships across to envy beginning with significant
workers pulled a Greek child from identity can momentari- ——- boundaries, especially student support. In a referendum
under a pile of rubble. Announc- lybe forgotten. important during this time last spring, 80% of the
ers struggled to control their Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Like the Greek and Turkish conflict, of globalization, we must Middlebury student body voted
winner of the Nobel have the courage to realize in favor of keeping the Social
violent conflicts around the world
Jonathan Reiber '00 Peace Prize, was a public- that we are all, in some way, Houses at Middlebury. This sta-
survivor of recent time. have left us terrified. suffering because of the vio- tistic is all the more remarkable
emotion. "It's the Turks!" one of From a socio-historical lence in the world. Our suf- when one considers that 71% of
them shouted as his voice began perspective, the fact that — _ fering, if dealt with correctly, student body voted on the refer-
to crack. "They've got the little he was a German who survived ties, different measures of com- can be a means to reconciliation. endum and only 25% of
boy. They saved him. And now the both World Wars whilst remain- munication must be undertaken. This year, we at Middlebury Middlebury students are actually
Turkish guy is drinking from a ing an opponent to both the There is a great similarity between have the opportunity to take a members of a Social House. Even
bottle of water. It's the same bot- Weimar Republic and the Schweitzer, Camus, and the leading role in creating a dialogue Math professor Michael Olnik,
tle the Greek rescuers just drank National Socialist Party, shows us Turkish relief workers who saved (see Peaceful, page 10) ($ee Commons, page 10)
from. This is love." some of the survivor experience e res to criticism
The New York Times, 9/13/99 and guilt that may have motivated
him. As a creative survivor,
a
As the world continues to Schweitzer's philosophy of rever-
shrink through technology, eco- ence for life proposes love and n December 23, National in its first-year class, Middlebury dramatically increased interest in
nomic interdependence, and interconnectedness as the driving |Public Radio's All Things receives nine applications from Middlebury among highly talent-
ubiquitous cultural exchange, the force in reconciliation. This sur- Considered aired a com- highly talented students all over ed science students, while also
fact that we are survivors of geno- vivor responsibility is asserted mentary criticizing the College's the world. What accounts for this? improving the College's ability to
cide and ethnic or religious vio- again with brand-of liberal arts education. The Middlebury has committed itself, recruit the very best science facul-
lence may be our greatest asset in Albert Camus words from his following is Middlebury's official to the goal of becoming one of the ty and researchers. The fine ath-
the prevention of future conflicts. Nobel Prize acceptance speech of response, sent in to All Things truly outstanding liberal arts col- letic facilities, which Mr.
Like the Greek and Turkish 1957, "Do you know, that over a Considered for potential broad- leges in the country. Success in Schoenstein cite as evidence of
conflict, violent conflicts around period of twenty-five years, cast. . . , this effort requires that both the unseemly opulence, provide our
academic and residential compo- students with safe, well-equipped
the world have left us terrified. between 1922 and 1947,seventy
nents of Middlebury's traditional sports venues where students can
According to Robert Jay Lifton, million European men, women Phil Benoit
liberal arts program be enhanced develop individual and team-
this violence has turned us into and children, have been uproot-
and improved. We are engaged in based athletic skills, allowing fbr
survivors. ed, deported, killed?" Lifton Ralph Schoenstein's December
creating a seamless learning envi- growth of the mind within a
writes, quoting Camus. 23 commentary the "Malls of Ivy"
A survivor is one who has
ronment where students and fac- healthy body.
encountered, been exposed to, or He also spoke of "paltry excus- posits a scenario in which colleges
witnessed death firsthand and has es of those who remain alive," seek to attract talented high ulty pursue knowledge together in ' Visit Middlebury College, Mr.
himself or herself remained alive and, throughout his work, of his school students by offering spa- a variety of academic and resi- Schoenstein. Speak with our stu-
What I am suggesting is that to own "temptation of hatred like campuses where amenities dential settings. This initiative dents, meet our faculty, stroll
touch death and then to rejoin the [which] had to be overcome"; of outweigh academics in impor- requires us to reconfigure resi- around our scenic Vermont cam-
living can be a source of insight his sense of loss ("that strength of tance, and challenges to the intel- dence halls and dining facilities so pus, and attend a sports contest.
and power, and that this is true love which has been taken from lect are minimal. Mr. Schoenstein they are more conducive to creat- You will discover that Middlebury
not only for those exposed to us forever"); and of his and his picked Middlebury College as an ing such an environment. We are is a nationally prominent liberal
holocaust, or to the death of a generations struggle to construct example of what he labels the "lib- also investing heavily in attracting arts college, situated on a well-
parent, lover or friend, but%lso "an art of living in times of cata- eral lite" college experience. top faculty, meeting the financial maintained campus, striving to
needs of deserving students, and create the very best conditions
for those who have permitted strophe in order to be reborn by The label won't stick.
improving our academic facilities. possible fbr students to receive an
themselves to experience fully the fighting openly against the death Over the past decade
absolutely first-rate college educa-
"end of an eraf personal or his- instinct at work in our history." Middlebury College has risen Though Mr. Schoenstein's
tion.
torical. Here we have illustrated the from eleventh to fifth place commentary failed to mention it,
The Greek child mentioned in existential crisis caused by the- among national liberal arts col- Middlebury's largest project is a Phil Benoit is the Director of
the above story was pulled from atrocities of the twentieth centu- leges in the U.S. News World $47 million, 200,000 square foot Public Affairs at Middlebury
the wreckage because, in the ry. For Camus the world has Report rankings. For every space science center. This facility has College.
OPINIONS
Page 10 January 12,2000
Beetem encourages students' role in promoting child literacy
You've probably all seen the more like 30 book kids. When Many students enjoy taking, time high school, let alone gone to col- of the kids as well as their reading
commercials on TV that tell you adults read to kids it also demon- out of their busy schedules and lege. What their college students ability.
to read to your kids. Celebrities strates that reading can be enjoy- sitting down to read with a child. think and do really can affect
volunteer to remind you that "If able and is not just related to The kids really look forward to them. The kids at Bristol
you don't, who will?" The truth is schoolwork. the college students coming and Elementary . . • .••; . - • . V - / ' • -• .
Last summer I was reading a repeatedly ask their teachers and
• — —— —-——— -..' > .."fi s c o ° 1 M y students enjoy taking time out of
Liz Beetem '02 novel on a whitewater rafting trip other students who is coming to recently put an
when a 14-year-old boy asked read to them. They might prefer on a play their busy schedules and sitting down to
that reading to kids from a young me, "Why are you reading in the to play soccer or basketball with and at first read with a child.The kids really look for-
age helps them learn to read bet- summer?" Whqp I said that I was their college students, but when only girls
ward to the college students coming.
ter and helps them do better in reading for fun he could not they settle down they also enjoy would be in
school. Many kids in Addison believe that I would voluntarily reading or just talking to them. the, play. .
County, as well as other places in pick up a book, let alone read the College students also serve as Then two boys found out that
the U.S., are well below their whole thing. This is where I think mentors for the kids. Many of the their college buddy had been in To find out more on Page 1,
grade level for reading. This is the school system in America is children have very few positive theater in high school so they please call Margaret Sanchez at
failing. We should role models in their lives. Their decided to be in the play. The extension. 3010. You won't regret
We should not be turning kids not be turning kids parents may not have finished buddies really do affect the lives it. 'r —' .
away from litera-
away from literature but encourag-
ture but encourag- Commons' success lies in students
ing them to read about things that ing them to read
interest them outside of school. about things that
interest them out- (continued from page 9) Membership in a Social House is That, in fact, is the beauty of the
often because they do not get side of school. who put forth a proposal at last what you make of it. system. Social Houses are a part
enough one-on-one help at Middlebury College students year's faculty meeting to dis- Unlike the "Enhanced" of the social scene, not the scene.
home. Many parents are too busy are attempting to improve litera- band social houses, can crunch Commons system, Social House There is a lot more to Middlebury
to read to their kids. cy and the desire to read in those numbers. identity is built around more than than Social Houses and hopefully
I was a student teacher in a Addison County through Page 1, Another attribute to the living together. Friendships that there will always be a lot more to
kindergarten class this fall and an organization that sends volun- Social Houses is that every stu- develop through participation in Middlebury than the Commons.
even at that young age I could tell teers to many local schools. Page dent on campus is guaranteed intramural sports, aiinual pledge As a member of the class of
which kids had been read to and 1 also donates money and books the opportunity to be in one if events, and yes, weekends parties, '99.5,1 âm a veritable grandpa on
which had not. Most of us were to local children. So far over 100 they so chose. Each student create a strong attachment to the campus. Most Commonists
probably 1000 book kids, while students have volunteered for decides whether or not would use this fact to dis-
Unlike the "Enhanced" Commons
many kids in Addison County are Page 1, a number which is rising. -to join. Thus, each credit my argument. I can
Peaceful solutions lie member is a part of a system, Social House identity is built ' hear them now: "He wasn't
Social House because around more than living together. introduced to the
they wanted to be. In a 'enhanced' Commons his
in greater discussion few years when rising Friendships that develop through freshman year, so obviously
sophomores are forced participation in intramural sports, • -;te'woft't like it." Or, more
and cultural exchange to live with in their annual pledge events, and yes, .ttslike!fjv>''he's graduating in
Commons, I doubt two weeks so who cares."
weekend parties create a strong
they will view the situ- For their sake, I wish my
(continued from page 9) Here at Middlebury discussion ation in the same man- attachment to the institution. opinion would graduate
on respect and understanding. have begun and will continue ner. - with me. However» even
The Peace Symposium: through April. Identity is found in the Social institution. Instead of drinking in though I don't have a "Cook'03" t-
Respect and Social Action, an Although all of our lives are Houses, not in the Commons. closets, kids in social houses drink shirt, I happen to spend a lot of
inter-group organization, is going extremely different, what we have Social House members identify together. Some debate Plato over my time with freshman and
to move onto the national level. in common can be extremely with their organization while a few beers. Some, despite the sophomores. They don't like the
For a couple days in April, col- powerful. The greatest surprise, some students still don't know stereotype, don't drink at all. Commons System either.
leges and universities around the and the greatest joy, as seen by the what Commons they live in. Students in Social Houses Finally, the Administration's
country will be engaged in dis- rescue in Greece, is what comes This allegiance to one's house is develop strong bonds between favorite argument in this type of
cussions about what it means to out of our shared understanding. stronger for some then others. each other and with the school. situation is "student memory only
live in culturally diverse, reli- The non-gender biased "broth- The care and respect between lasts four years." Basically, what
giously pluralistic, world. ers" in my social house call me members is awesome. After all, the Middlebury students of today
At Middlebury, on April 13th, __ If you are interested in getting "Waldo" because they can never these places are called "houses" for think doesn't really matter. This
Professor Sarah Lawrence- involved with the Peace find me. On the other hand, I a reason. For the saké of the capi- 'ad nauseam' attitude is imbued in
Lightfoot of the Harvard Symposium,contact either Joseph know one kid who moved in the tal campaign, Social House mem- certain (tenured) members of the
University Graduate School of Barker '00, Jonathan Reiber '00, spring of his sophomore year bers also come back in droves on Administration to the point of no
Education will deliver a speech- Maika Prewitt '03, or Miyuki and did not leave until gradua- homecoming weekend. return. Will the Middlebury
based on her book, "Respect." Matsumoto '00. tion (summers included). All of these positive qualities experience of the class of '08 be
are absolutely not exclusively different? Probably. Will it be bet-
found in Social House members. ter? That's for you to decide.
Seif explains need for
environmental activism
(continued from page 8) other areas as well. For instance, a
emission reduction through the reduction in automobile travel
commitment of colleges and contributes to lowering air pollu-
other groups. Since the govern- tion and death rates. Using less
ment won't commit to the Kyoto energy to heat our buildings will
Protocol to reduce greenhouse translate into reduced energy
gas emissions, signed by the costs and reduced reliance on
United States in December 1998 harmful methods of energy pro-
Staff writers are but not yet ratified by the Senate, duction. Therefore, even if we
Clean Air Cool Planet is asking find, fifty years from now, that the
colleges to make their own com- warm weather was due to natural
mitments towards reduction of weather variations, we wouldn't
gases without waiting for the gov-
have lost out by reducing our
ernment to act. If Middlebury
emissions. Where we stand to>lose
College chooses to become a
big however, is if we don't do any-
member of this alliance, we will
thing to reduce our emissions but
need to take steps to reduce our
later learn that we have caused
emissions to an amount deter-
irreversible damage. So, does any-
mined by the college. Fortunately,
contact one care about global warming?
any steps the college takes
iîifvfiiiiii;
towards ending the emission of
Drawer 30 greenhouse gases will help in Amy Seif is the College's
Environmental Coordinator.