^e &ottm&a Volume 78, Number 4
Fighting The Longwood Administration Since 1920
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November 24,1998
President's Forum, the Communication Breakdown and concerns about their campus. The issue that was brought An open forum for students up most frequently was the to voice their concerns to the communication between the college administration was administration and students. held in the Lankf ord Ballroom Many students announced on Wednesday, November 11, that they felt that their voice was not heard by adminat 6:15 p.m. The board of admin- istrators. One student existrators was composed of pressed concern for what he President Cormier, Rick saw as a lack of an "upward Hurley, Vice President of flow of information." He Administration and Finance, stated that students hear of Ken Kockensies, Director of the administration's deStudent Services, Norm cisions, but it was much Bregman, Vice President of harder for students' opinions Academic Affairs and Phyllis to reach the administration. Dr. Bregman explained that Mable, Vice President of Student Affairs. TimPierson, sometimes it was necessary to Dean of Students served as make decisions without the mediator. Student turnout students, and that the was high. Due to the high administration had to make attendence by students, mere decisions for the good of the were not enough seats for school, and explained, "you pay us to look out for you." everyone at the forum. Another student declared The forum began with a welcome address from Dr. that decisions were made and Cormier, and she assured the students were notified audience that the "college is afterwards. She believed that about the students," and the students should be involved purpose of the event was to in the decision making answer any questions that process from its first stages. Dr. Cormier expressed her students had. Many students had con- concern with the issue and cerns to address to the admin- promised to have a team of istration, such as the removal students created to improve of the Forensics team, campus the communication lines, and safety, the proposal to stop stated that "...communication electing Judicial Board mem- is everyone's business." The use of The Rotunda to bers and a desired support of the recycling program. At bring issues to student's one point the line of students attention was suggested, and waiting for a chance to speak Steve Stratton, SGA President, extended to the front door of stated that the SGA has the ballroom. Many issues already begun work on were brought to the attention creating a web page, as well of the administration, as as student notification by estudents voiced their opinions mail. Dr. Cormier also MEGAN BLACK Staff Writer
promised that a copy of Longwood's "Strategic Plan" would be placed in the library so that students would be more informed about the changes planned for our college. In response to the task force organized by the state of Virginia to curb underage and
President Cormier held an open forum on November 11. binge drinking Longwood has begun to work closely with the Town of Farmville police to address the problem. Students voiced concerns with what they saw as excessive rules about alcohol consumption. Those of legal drinking age felt that their rights were being denied and that by removing safe drinking environments on campus, students were being placed in potentially dangerous situations off campus. One student stated mat rules will not stop consumption of
alcohol, but destroy social situations and increase binge drinking. Dr. Cormier agreed that these were valid concerns, stating "we all know what prohibition did," and agreed to look into reinstalling Senior night at the Cafe, as well as the BiergartenatOktoberfest She assured students that their concerns did not go unheard, and promised to "look at this again and give some latitude to those of legal drinking age." Students raised the question of how the administration had the right to dictate where students may and may not go off of campus. Ken Rockensies explained that the college had a "scope of authority," and had a responsibility to protect Longwood's "learning environment." Dr. Cormier stated that "certain off-campus sites have notoriously been a problem," and the college has a responsibility tothe community as well as its students. She explained that athletes were unable to visit certain locations because they have a tremendous amount of rules they must follow as representatives of the college. She summarized her view on this topic and said, "you play, you pay." She offered an option to students who disagreed with the decision and declared, "the choice you have is not to come here." Another concern of students was the suggestion by Ken Rockensies, Director of Student Services, that
elections for Judicial Board be eliminated. His proposal was that the previous Judicial Board would select the one to follow, as he felt that Judicial Board elections were often "popularity contests," and that this proposed screening process would enhance the effectiveness of the board. Students were distressed by this, not only because they were not involved in the decision making; but that they felt they had a right to choose the people who would judge them should they have to come before the board. A reoccurring concern was the loss of tile Forensics team. Dr. Bregman explained that the Forensics director. Bill Fiege, was cut to make room for another position in the Theater Department, which is a program mat offers a degree and is understaffed. Student concerns were based on the problems this would cause for the team, which would be made into a club. Forensics achieved a national ranking, and provided students with valuable opportunities and skills, as well as giving positive publicity to the college. The members of the team were also upset that they were not included in the discussion to end the team, however Dr. Bregman insisted that the "Institution was much better served" by this change, and that this "was not not a matter to be brought to students." Members of the team itself, however, and many other
See BREAKDOWN p. 5