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ark Allan {Pant .bringing the news to you. Volume II Number XVI Atlanta, Georgia September 25 1991 Cole Looks at Future I induction makes history By Tonya Latimer News Editor By Sheryl Kennedy Editor-in-Chief The consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College was a step that has brought much prosperity, but Dr.Thomas W. Cole Jr. , president of Clark Atlanta University, said that there are still more changes to come. 'The glass is only half full," he said. "The quality of the service can be improved, the way the buildings look, the quality of academics. All these are issues that still need to be worked on to fill the glass to the rim." Dr. Cole said that improving the quality of the university in every aspect is not his only concern. He said that not having enough hours in the day to accomplish each task is one of his daily hurdles, but not having enough time to spend with students is one of his greatest challenges. "Having time to interact with students is something my schedule does not always permit," he said. "I miss not being able to share visions with the students about the mission of the university and what should be added to enhance the quality of the institution. There input is valuable and necessary." Dr. Cole said the university is still making adjustments to the registration process, improving housing and adding additional parking. He said things are seldom what they appear to be and he encourages students who have complaints with these areas to offer obtainable suggestions. "What students and parents don’t realize is that they need to document run-ins and remember names," he said. "I want to listen to make things better, but I can't do so when a student complains and then I ask who did it and they say "some lady in financial aid." Last semester Dr. Cole said that he was able to combat the problem of not having enough time to spend with each student by setting up informal meetings once a month with representation of commuter students to graduate students. Dr. Cole said he hopes to get the same, type of meetings started this year to deal with campus issues in a personal manner. Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr., President of CAU ’’his year the housing problem was attacked by the completion of Beckwith Dormitory which facilitates graduate and undergraduate students, and the renovation of Bumstead/Ware Dormitory which houses graduate and undergraduate females. Along with these facilities, parking lots were paved adjacent to the building to help solve the parking problem. Dr. Cole said the next alternative would be a parking garage, but he said that would be an expensive venture for the university and the student body. "Most universities have parking garages, but they come with a semester fee of $30 or more," said Dr. Cole. "However, if that's what the student body wants we can work toward that goal." Dr. Cole said that he believes in the student body and has been accused of being pro-students. He said that he has received letters and heard comments from faculty members about his pro-student attitude. "The student body's voice is the most powerful voice on campus and I don’t think the students realize it," said Dr. Cole. He said that he made a commitment to make CAU the best university in the country and that has been his sense of motivation. On the drawing board for campus expansion is a student union building, humanities building, another academic building and an additional dormitory depending on student enrollment. Among the various campus issues he is trying to attack, there is Continued on page 3 On Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m., nearly 800 students were inducted into the Clark Atlanta University family through a service centered around the theme, "The African American Tradition: Meeting the Challenges.” Although the induction ceremony was a tradition at Clark College and one that was continued after the consolidation of the two parent institutions, this induction ceremony made history. According to Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr., president of CAU, this marked the first time that the activity was held outside, as opposed to Davage Auditorium. He added that this was the largest number of students ever to participate in an induction ceremony at the university. Eric Morgan, chairman of the Orientation Guide Corp, reminded the students that they will only experience "one block party, one orientation week and one induction ceremony." He said that all of these things, including fully planned days of seminars, are designed to introduce them to college life at CAU. Furthermore, Dr. Larry Earvin, associate provost and dean of students, reiterated the importance of orientation week. He said that this week is full of "fun- filled" evenings such as block parties, skating parties and luaus. "However, starting Wednesday, Aug. 28 your evenings will be spent at Robert Woodruff Library," said Dr. Earvin. 'You are blessed and also burdened," said Dr. Cole. "Because you must carry on for those who are not blessed." He challenged the students to remember three things that will ensure them to stay focused and on target: "1) who sent you here 2) who is not here and 3) why you are here." He emphasized that "if they remember their mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, guardians, and all of the other persons who believed in them enough to borrow, mortgage, scrape and pinch to get them to CAU, they will stay focused.” "You must work twice as hard because you are not here for yourself. You are here for others as well," added Dr. Cole. He said that those others are those less fortunate. Pamela Malone, graduate president of SGA, challenged the listeners to "never find themselves idle or apathetic." In addition, she challenged them to demand, request and discover their proper place in the CAU family. "Failure to accept or fulfill these challenges must declare you a betrayal of your people and your education," said Ms. Malone. According to Ramona Houston, undergraduate president of SGA, for every 100 African American women J Continued on page 3 THE INSIDER Malcolm X ...page 4 Clarence Thomas ...page 5 SGA Highlights ...page 8 Entertainment ...page 9 CAU Whips MBC ...page 10 Vickerstaff Named Coach ...page 12 WELCOME NEW STUDENTS