Page 34 - ThePhoenix1986-87

Page 41Western Maryland College/October 23, 1986 Editorial Student life II Just when you thought it was safe to read an official document: The ReJXIrt of the Presidential Commission on Student Life, Part II. The original Commission booklet was not only an example of poorly constructed bureaucratic prose, but it also contained many passages that were downright offensive to campus minorities. In fact, we are surprised that the first one ever got into the hands of the public. (Evidently the administration now feels this way too, for in a letter accompanying the new report, recipients are told, "Please feel free to discard any copies of the earlier version in your possession." It is indeed a mistake worth burying.) In the revised edition, however, some of the most glaring contradictions and prejudicial statements have been corrected. But the document still offers a moderate helping of ambiguities, noncommital stances, and idealistic solutions that would probably not work if implemented. Overt idealism: The report suggests, for example, that "a faculty member should be associated with the freshman class, probably living in an apartment in one of the two freshman residence halls." Sounds terrific on the surface, but all kidding aside, it may not be psychologically healthy for a faculty member and his family to do this. We believe that separating, if only slightly, the work place from the home is essential in sparing an educator premature job burnout. In addition, there is a more physical consequence: If a student fails a test, he will certainly know where to locate his professor for a few rounds _ J. Scott Moyer of get-even-with-the-Teach. Noncommital stances: After spending thousands of dollars and two years at its task, the Presidential Commission has finally decided that Locked doors provide safety still more commissions are needed to examine the effectiveness of Campus Safety and the status of continuing education students. The The security of residence halls 2) Lock the door to your people, keep tabs on everyone. Phoenix could have told them this yean; ago without the benefit of a is of vital concern to the Office of room when you are sleeping or Even if you trust your guests, 17 member board or a slickly designed pamphlet Residence Life and the are out. Locking your door strangers wandering around the And ambiguities: In the general remarks section, the Commission Department of Campus Safety. whenever you are gone is the hall can frighten others. states that they have found "a placid and stable campus environment" While Western Maryland College single most effective action you where "complaints are scarce and mild." Then, three paragraphs later, is a relatively safe place, crimes can take to reduce theft. 6) Be careful about they suggest that WMC just might be steeped in apathy. Apathy do occur on campus. Students 3) Never lend your key leaving windows open in first may be a tranquil condition but it is certainly not the mark of a "stable must take responsibility for out. Non-residents or friends may floor rooms. Entry can easily be campus environment." If people are unhappy, there must be ensuring a safe environment. lack concern for the security of made through open windows. something wrong. And when the Commission claims that complaints Here are some steps you can your room or hall. 7) Report all security do not abound around here. this only demonstrates that they did not take to ensure greater safety in the 4) Confront unknown related maintenance problems to spend much time interviewing Greeks. commuters, or anyone who eats residence halls and on campus. persons in the hall who have no your RA. Locks, doors, in the cafeteria. I) Do not prop doors escort. If you are uncomfortable windows, and lights that are in Perhaps the most inane part of this report, though, appears at the open. Propped doors invite entry doing this yourself, contact your need of repair or replacement end of Chapter V. In an effort to combat apathy (which the by non-residents, some of whom RA or Campus Safety (202). should be reported immediately. Commission explains mayor may not exist on campus), the booklet may commit crimes against 5) Always escort guests suggests that "students, faculty. and administrators owe it to the residents. If you see a door in and out of the building. If 1. SCOIt Moyer is WMC Di- College and to themselves to metamorphose from placid pupae into propped open, close it you are hosting a group of rectorof Campus Safety prodding gadflies." We of The Phoenix, who fall under the student end of this group, - Lee Spector have been called many things in the past Somehow, though. we find the comparison of people to "bugs," no matter what the species, highly unflattering. As a result, we are offended for all those who Agnes of God highlights have been included in this weak metaphor. Egad-fly. Another poorly developed sequel. exellent cast, simple set The Phoenix tries to .show of Agnes. Maryland that believed She Agnes proud Western to present John College was compassion for her niece, but Dr. baby never existed for she really the Pielmeir's Agnes of God on October 10, 11, Livingston feels that Mother did not know where a baby comes Ed~or·in-ChieL. .!onathaoSlade 12,16,17. and 18 in Alumi Hall. Miriam is hiding something. from. It seemed next to Copy Editor.. _SlacieHemphili With a cast of three and a very The performance by Agnes was impossible that a girl with Agnes' Sports Edilor Cynth'eadlina.anded'l Mother Miriam Ruth, played by have listened to her for hours, as toughness turned to caring as she 1or1engtt1. clarity. and libalous co-ten. An jeners 10the editor rrost be signed. Aulholshipwill t>evenfiad Carvilla Dorshow. Mother well as the musical score played desperately tried to save Agnes. Address all ma~ 10: The PttoeniJI, Western Marytand CoiJeg.e. Miriam, who is Agnes' aunt, tries before and during the Weslminslar. MO 21157 to control Dr. Livingston's study intermission. continued on page 9