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Page 2 Editorials And Other Thoughts... The Office Of Residential Life Personal View Karen’s Korner Photo by: Nelson Valentine by Karen M. Burroughs Editor-in-Chief Dear Readers, I address this month’s column to the indifferent and un concerned instructors which seem to be sprinkled throughout the faculty at Spelman College. Spelman has a fine reputation for academic excellence, but upon close scrutiny, one will find that there is something rotten in the state of Georgia. (sorry Shakespeare.) For the exorbitant prices that Spelman charges, students should not have to contend with instructors who seem to derive a sadistic pleasure from tampering with students’ forward progres sion at this institution. Students should not have to be in convenienced by professors who take two years to remove an incomplete grade, nor should seniors have to be in distress over an instructor who waits until three days before graduation to turn in a grade. I think it is a shame for thereto be instructors at Spelman who are known among the students as "get over” teachers because the student does little or no work and can receive a grade anywhere from a "C” to an “A.” Unfortunately, in these much- sought-after courses, the student learns nothing — and isn’t that the purpose of college? On the other side of the coin, does it seem fair for students to have to be subjected to teachers who give work as though theirs is the only course that students are registered for? Enthusiastic in structors are welcome, but some of Spelman's teachers take their zeal a bit too far. I don’t expect for instructors to make it easy on students, (after all, this is college), but such acts as assign ing a paper and an exam for the same day isabit much, don’t you think? There are also instructors at this institution who have ab solutely no sympathy for student’s illnesses. I will admit that there are students who use phony illness as an excuse, but I think it is slightly ridiculous for teachers to state that they will only excuse students if they are in the hospital. Students very often do have legitimate illnesses that prevent them from atten ding class or doing homework. I know it is a difficult task for teachers to discern the genuine illnesses from the phony ex cuses, but in most cases, I feel that the student should receive the benefit of the doubt. Finally, why does Spelman continue to employ instructors that have received frequent complaints by students? What does it take to remove an incompetent instructor from the faculty of Spelman? For two years I labored under the erroneous impression that via the semi annual evaluations, students had a voice in such decisions. However, it appears that these evaluations exist solely to give students a 20-minute break from their classwork — I see no other advantage. For the excessive prices that students must pay to attend Spelman, we at least should be able to receive a quality education from instruc tors who are genuinely concern ed with the advancement of their students. Something has got to change. by Kimberly Collins News Reporter Since 1979, when Dean Sadie Allen resigned, there have been constant changes within the personnel staff of the residential life department. These changes include the recent removal of former director of housing, Ms. Andre Strong. Yet, to address Ms. Strong's removal, one must first take in to consideration those who held the position before her. Dean Allen, who was director of residential life in 1972, ab dicated her office to our present dean, Dr. Carmen Cox. At this time the responsibilities of dean had expanded. Whereas Dean Allen had only a staff of five, Dean Cox has a staff of a much greater number. When she took over the office, not only Was she to be responsible for the student life division, but for the office of admissions as well. It is from this time where the constant changes in personnel began. The big question is why? Why did Ms. Sandra Cummings, former Director of Student Life, (although she was functioning under a differenttitle) relinquish her duties in 1981 after serving only 2 years? There is also Dean Saunders who only lasted from 1981-82. Similarly, Dr. Pane, Dean Saunders successor, en dured the position from 1982-83. Finally, Ms. Andre Strong who began in July of ’83, was transferred or resigned in February. Presently, Ms. Darnita Killian is occuping the hot seat that her predecessors have vacated. How long will she last? Furthermore, does the con sistency of staff have anything to do with the consistency of ideas, which effect housing decisions? Granted, the housing problem did escalate after 1979, because of the economy changes, and forced many students back into the dorms, which was a cheaper way of living. Thus, available space became a problem and is still a problem. But with an efficient staff that works hand in hand some of these problems should have lessened by 1984. Or maybe that is the problem in residential life? Everyone has ideas, so many that they conflict and rank is pulled instead of compromises being made. Could it be possible that the reason for so many changes within personnel are due to incompatibility with the Dean? After all, the director of resident life must stay in constant touch with the Dean. It is rumored that Ms. Strong was fired. Yet, it is officially known or said that she’s been transferred to Alumni Continued on Page 10 Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Recently the residents of Morehouse-James dormitory have received a live-in guest, the "Super Rats!” All you have to do is look out the back window one night and you will discover that they are taking over. The other night I heard music and laughter in the back parking lot. I couldn’t understand who was having such a good time a 1 o’clock in the morning in the back parking lot. I looked out the window and lo and behold the Super Rats were having a local jam. Some played theirghetto blasters while others danced on the roof of my car.The party was going strong until 6 a.m., then it died out at the break of dawn. The party wasdefinitely a success and they had plenty to eat. I discovered this when a friend of mine’s windshield wipers weren’t working because a rat ate through the wires of the car. Now the residents of Morehouse-James don't even have a safe place to park their cars. Either they park one mile away around Chadwick, in front of Morehouse James and get their car plastered with those stupid yellow stickers, or risk having a riding partner in their car. I, for one, think that a visit from the Orkin man is definitely in order. A concerned Resident Dear Editor: I would like to offer my thanks to all of my Spelman Sisters who were there when Lisa and I needed them while putting together the Pageant and Cor onation. However, I would like to address the mass of apathetic students that are enrolled hereat Spelman. The S.G.A. decided to have a Blue & White Week it was because we wanted to have a special time of the year so that ALL Spelmanites could celebrate our own school. We put a lot of hard work into this week because we wanted it to be special. We did not expect for only about 6 or 7 of the 30 some odd girls who were nominated to show up for the interviews. It is understandable for some people not to want to run for Miss Blue & White, but for the high number who did not call or leave a note to let us know you're not coming is inexcusable. From having watched some of the students here at Spelman during the past 3'A years I really believe that this would not have happened to the extent that it did had these been the Miss Maroon & White interviews. I cannot understand why it is not more important to be chosen by your peers to represent your own school. Believe it or not, the S.G.A. did not initiate Miss Blue & White so that she could appear in Ebony Magazine (as one "Morehouse Man” did suggest). Miss Blue & White was in itiated for several reasons. One of the primary being the lack of respect given to us by the Mr. Blue & White contestants in 1981-82. The “gentlemen” did not deem it necessary to attend rehearsals or take the pageant seriously. Because of their at titude the pageant was cancelled for that year. Secondly, as many seem to believe, Spelman is not an exten sion of Morehouse College and Miss Maroon & White is not Spelman’s Queen. She is a Spelmanite we should be proud of for winning the honor; but she is not our Queen. As a Spelmanite, SPELMAN should come first in our hearts, not Morehouse. Many Morehouse students will be the first ones to tell you that Bennett is their sister school,not Spelman. They do not generally afford us the respect we are entitled to and many Spelmanites do not demand it. Spelman sisters if you cannot see the error in supporting Morehouse before supporting Spelman please open your eyes, if only to the fact the Morehouse students are definitely not guilty of the same oversight. I would also like to take this time to congratulate Jennifer Harkness, Valarie Binford, E. Anthony Palmer, and Gerald McKinney. I think the selection committee did a wonderful job because all the contestants were great to work with and very supportive of Spelman. Sincerely, Jennise Hall