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(04/26/96 9:00am)
In response to a drastic increase in aggressive and threatening panhandling on campus, the Office of Community Relations has launched a new initiative called "Don't Give Change, Help Penn Make a Change." The program will provide local merchants with information booklets and a list of campus locations where panhandlers are especially prevalent. In addition, posters will be displayed around campus and in the windows of on-campus businesses to publicize the campaign. The program will begin experimentally next month and will officially start in September, according to Community Relations Director Glenn Bryan. Twenty local business -- including McDonald's, CVS, Wawa, 7-11, Cinnabon and Allegro's Pizza -- have already agreed to take part in the University's campaign against panhandling. "We want to make this area a panhandling-free area," Bryan said. "We want people to give their change to organizations that deal with problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, mental health illnesses and homelessness." The booklet also offers alternatives to giving change -- such as giving food, telling panhandlers where to find area service organizations and volunteering with one of the organizations listed in the booklet. "Many panhandlers and street people are very personable and will be friendly and attentive to get your attention and sympathy," the booklet reads. The information specifically asks students not to give panhandlers money because it "is used most often to support a drug or alcohol habit." Bryan explained that panhandling poses a safety risk to community members, while also hurting local businesses. He met with representatives from several organizations, including the Center City District and City Services to the Homeless, to generate ideas for the new program. University officials decided against distributing vouchers for food, an idea that was previously under consideration. "We want to educate the Penn community," Bryan said. "We can increase the capacity level of service organizations by donating money to them rather than giving change to panhandlers." Bryan also said he hopes to integrate the program into next fall's New Student Orientation. Activities will include presentations for those interested and student-community discussions between students, faculty, community members and business owners.
(04/24/96 9:00am)
Few students vote in Pennsylvania primary More people entered Irvine Auditorium to hear an organ recital yesterday than to vote in Pennsylvania's primary elections. In the Republican presidential primary, Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) led with 65 percent of the vote over Pat Buchanan, who had 17 percent of the vote. Steve Forbes took eight percent, Alan Keyes won six percent and Richard Lugar had four percent of the vote. In the Democratic presidential primary, President Bill Clinton won with 92 percent of the vote over Lyndon LaRouche, who had only eight percent. But fewer than 50 people -- mostly adults and members of the 27th Ward Democratic Executive Committee -- voted at neighborhood polling places in yesterday's elections. Wharton junior Adam Cooper, who assisted at Irvine, said volunteers were manning the polls from 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. "We're averaging one student every four hours," he said at around 4 p.m. College junior Jeff Pokras, a committee person for the 27th ward, said the low voter turnout was not a surprise. Pokras attributed the turnout to apathy among students, adding that primary elections do not normally attract many voters. Plus, primary elections in Pennsylvania are usually held after classes end. "Even if the primary election was publicized better, the voter turnout would still be comparably low," Pokras said. "The hype about the presidential elections has died down already," he added. "Many offices that are up for election – such as state treasurer – are not well-known among students." In the Democratic primary for state treasurer, Mina Baker Knoll won with 63 percent of the vote. College Republicans Chairperson Anthony Andreoli said the apathy did not come as a surprise. "Even during the November mayoral election, turnout was low," the Wharton junior said. He added that he did not expect this pattern to change for the presidential balloting this fall. "I don't even think that turnout will be high for the general elections, because many students vote in their home states," he said. In an attempt to increase election participation and minimize confusion, the 27th Ward Democratic Executive Committee proposed centralized voting on campus by allowing every registered voter -- except some students living west of 40th Street -- to cast ballots at Irvine Auditorium. City commissioners approved the plan two weeks ago. The consolidated voting location accepts voters from five of the ward's 23 divisions -- the five where most students reside. Formerly, students residing in different buildings were registered to vote in different locations -- including High Rise East, High Rise South and Irvine. The committee will attempt to reserve Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge for November's general elections. Pokras explained that 5,400 of 6,800 students who were registered to vote took part in the 1992 general election, an 80 percent turnout. An average of 600 students vote in general elections not held during presidential election years, he added. In Republican primaries for seats in the U.S. Congress, state Sen. John Peterson led with 43 percent of the vote over Bob Shuster, who had 20 percent, in Pennsylvania's 5th District, the state's largest. Shuster, the son of U.S. Rep. Bud Shuster, was trying to join his father in Congress to become one-half of the first father-son team since 1845 to serve at the same time in the House. Rep. Ruth Rudy, who now represents the 5th District, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. The Associated Press contributed to this story.
(04/19/96 9:00am)
The Philadelphia Streets Department announced Wednesday that the 120-year-old South Street bridge at 30th and South streets will be rehabilitated or reconstructed within the next few years. The bridge is a major traffic corridor for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists from both Center City and West Philadelphia. The construction will last for three to four years. Joseph Syrnick, chief engineer and surveyor for the Streets Department, said the bridge needs reconstruction. "The bridge is nearing the end of its useful life," he said. He added that costs for maintaining the structure increase constantly. The Streets Department has chosen Gannett Fleming, a local engineering consulting firm, to help direct the project. Representatives from the Philadelphia Streets Department, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Gannett Fleming were present at a public information meeting held Wednesday evening in Meyerson Hall to announce the bridge project. Gary Sheppard, who is managing the project for Gannett Fleming, emphasized that the bridge rehabilitation is in its infant stages. "No design or construction schemes have been chosen yet," he said. Sheppard noted that the environmental assessment of the bridge and its surroundings will be complete by 1998, when officials will determine a preliminary design plan. He added that the firm will decide between rehabilitation and total reconstruction of the bridge based on the three-year environmental assessment. A final design for the bridge will be completed by 2001, which is when construction is scheduled to begin. The environmental study will review existing conditions and identify constraints and problem areas. The assessment will also review the impact of the construction on the community, natural resources, cultural resources and transportation. The federal and state governments will supply a large majority of the funds for the project, and the city will cover approximately 5 percent of costs. "Our goal is to minimize the impact on the community," Sheppard said. He added that bike lanes and an additional east-bound lane will be added to the eastern approach of the bridge. At Wednesday's meeting, residents asked that the dangerous southbound ramp entrance to the Schuylkill Expressway be switched to the west side of the expressway. But Streets Department official Lane Fike said that while the ramp is dangerous, moving the ramp is not within the scope of the project. "It would be cost-prohibitive to switch around the ramps," Fike said. He added that the issue of the reconstruction of the ramp is under the authority of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, not the Streets Department. Residents also voiced their concerns regarding the pedestrian lights on the bridge. They claimed the lights are dangerous because of poor timing on the lights' switches.
(04/15/96 9:00am)
Facing a $75 million deficit,Facing a $75 million deficit,its workforce may shrink by 12% The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, facing a $75 million deficit, last week announced a proposal to balance its budget for fiscal year 1997. The budget proposal seeks to eliminate the deficit through revenue-generating and cost-cutting initiatives, including reducing SEPTA's administrative and hourly payroll, service restructuring and fare increases by an average of six percent -- which would only mean about 10 cents. The budget proposal was submitted to SEPTA Board Chairperson Thomas Hayward but will not be formally presented to the Board for approval until the conclusion of public hearings. State law requires SEPTA to adopt a balanced budget by June 30. One proposed change would involve discontinuing and altering a number of routes. These would include transit and rail lines which have low-ridership and are more expensive to operate. This decision was based on the service's ability to recover at least 35 percent of its operating costs. The measure would save approximately $35 million. In addition, the proposal recommends reducing the number of management and administrative positions by 680, creating expense savings of an additional $30 million. And 650 hourly positions may be eliminated as well, reducing the total SEPTA work force by 12 percent. The budget plan also suggests raising $10 million through fare increases of approximately six percent. SEPTA General Manager Louis Gambaccini said that it would be impossible to balance the budget without creating hardship for employees, passengers and the community. "Our objective was to minimize inconvenience and financial hardship for our passengers while still being able to provide as safe, efficient and reliable a transit system as possible," he said. "Unfortunately, this balanced budget is yet another example of what 'living within your means' is all about when you are dealing with shrinking resources," Gambaccini added. "But our mandate today is to make do with what we have and that's what we are proposing." In his address to the Philadelphia City Council last month, Gambaccini said he has never witnessed a more threatening financial outlook for public transportation in 44 years. While federal operating subsidies for SEPTA were $24 million in fiscal year 1995, they were reduced to $13 million for fiscal year 1996 and $8 million for fiscal year 1997. According to Gambaccini, the federal government spent $1.91 on highways for every dollar spent on mass transit in 1981. In 1996, the federal government will spend $4.93 for highways for every dollar spent on mass transit. Hearings on the proposals are scheduled to be held in each of the five counties of southeastern Pennsylvania. The hearing in Philadelphia will take place on April 26 at 11:00 a.m., resuming at 5 p.m. after a break, in the SEPTA Board Room, Mezzanine Level, 1234 Market Street.
(04/10/96 9:00am)
Three out of 12 jurors have been selected to serve on the federal court panel that will hear lawsuits against the city and two former top officials for their role in the deadly 1985 MOVE bombing. Two women and one man were selected from a pool of 170 jurors Monday and Tuesday, according to Andre Dennis, attorney for Ramona Africa, who filed one of three suits. Africa was the only adult to survive the MOVE fire. A total of eight jurors and four alternates will be selected for the case. Thirty people already have been dismissed on the grounds that serving on a jury would be a hardship. MOVE, a group that advocated a return to natural surroundings, had allowed human excrement and trash to pile up in the front of its rowhouse in 1985. Several West Philadelphia residents complained that MOVE members disturbed neighborhood tranquility, assaulted neighbors and bombarded the area with profanity. The May 13, 1985, bombing of the MOVE house at 6221 Osage Avenue killed 11 people and destroyed 61 surrounding homes. "To allow what happened on May 13 to be sanctioned by a jury would be very disturbing to me, as an American and as someone who loves the Constitution dearly," Dennis said. Africa, who suffered third-degree burns while escaping the fire, is suing the city, former Police Commissioner Gregore Sambor and former Fire Commissioner William Richmond for the "unwarranted and unnecessary" use of deadly force while attempting to serve arrest warrants. Two of the three lawsuits were filed by Alfonso Leaphart and Louise James, relatives of two fire victims. Dennis said prospective jurors are required to fill out extensive questionnaires to be considered for jury selection. Attorneys also evaluate the jurors with follow-up interviews. "We hope that we'll be finished with jury selection by the end of the week," Dennis said. He explained that the case only now being heard 11 years after the bombing because of a number of legal decisions. "It has taken this long due to various opinions in the case addressing issues such as qualified immunity and viability of plaintiffs' Fourth Amendment rights," Dennis said. He added that U.S. District Judge Louis Pollak finally entered a bench opinion in January, which addressed the viability of state claims with respect to individual defendants. Dennis said the April 2 trial date was established at that time. The jury will not be sequestered during the trial.
(04/09/96 9:00am)
For the first time in years, University students and faculty registered to vote in the 27th Ward of Philadelphia will be able to cast ballots at a single polling location for the April 23 primary election. In the past, there have been up to four locations set up, causing confusion and low voter turnout. The 27th Ward Democratic Executive Committee, in attempt to increase election participation, proposed centralized voting on campus by allowing every registered voter to cast ballots at Irvine Auditorium. City commissioners are expected to approve the plan tomorrow, according to Kevin Fassett, the ward's Democratic leader. The committee attempted to gain approval for such a procedure for last November's general elections, but it applied too soon before the election date for the proposal to be considered. Committee members hope a centralized location will increase voter turnout across campus, according to committee member Jeff Pokras, a College junior. The consolidated voting location will accept voters from five of the ward's 23 divisions -- the five where most students reside. Formerly, students residing in different buildings were registered to vote in different locations -- such as High Rise East, High Rise South and Irvine Auditorium. Pokras said the different voting locations caused confusion among students, turning away close to half of the vote. For example, a high-rise resident who previously lived in the Quadrangle might have been registered in Irvine Auditorium. "The list might tell them to go to High Rise East and they would not vote out of confusion or frustration," Pokras said. "We're hoping to eliminate the problem altogether." The Admissions Office had already reserved Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge, the committee's first choice. Pokras worked with committee members, including Fassett, to reach an agreement. Fassett said he favors the new procedure, explaining that it will make voting easier for students. "Students need to get involved," he said. "Maybe they'll notice the change this year and want to get more involved." But he added that he fears long lines might discourage students from voting. He also foresees problems for the Democratic Party with the new consolidated voting location. The once-overwhelmingly Democratic student population is now made up of more Republicans than Democrats, he said. "Consolidating the polls might give the Republicans the edge," Fassett said.
(04/04/96 10:00am)
Applies $9.5 million in federal fundingApplies $9.5 million in federal fundingtwoard improving 'information technology' With the aid of a five-year, $9.5 million grant from the Department of Education, the University has been able to assist in local schools' transitions into the information age. The Challenge Grant for technology in education was given to 19 communities in 16 states last fall. The 19 school districts in these communities work in partnerships with 134 other school districts in 23 states. Philadelphia received the largest single grant among the cities that were awarded funds under the Technology Challenge Grant award. According to Dan Updegrove, executive director of Data Communications and Computing Services, the Center for Community Partnerships and Information Systems and Computing are seeking to improve the quality of education in local schools while offering undergraduates an opportunity to engage in community service. Updegrove said that applying information technology to school curricula can lead to improved instruction in neighborhood schools. "It's a win-win situation if we can make education more productive and engaging," Updegrove said. "It's a classic case of doing well by doing good." One facet of the project includes providing e-mail accounts for kindergarten through 12th grade teachers in West Philadelphia with the support of the Office of Information Systems and Computing. In addition, faculty and students involved in academically based community service courses and other volunteers will provide curriculum development to help students and teachers utilize technology in their schools. For instance, one undergraduate class mentors a high school English class using e-mail. The Center is organizing training and evaluation programs for teachers, students and their families. The Center for Community Partnerships is supporting 12 students to provide technology training and assistance for program participants. Schools, businesses, libraries, museums and community organizations are matching the grant with commitments for equipment, software development, technical support and other expenses. The total value of matching commitments for the five-year period is projected to be more than $300 million. The University already offers 50 Internet accounts through its own modem pool and via LibertyNet, an organization which promotes access to the Internet in the Philadelphia region. "Through LibertyNet we have created a rich multimedia source about Philadelphia," Updegrove said. "LibertyNet serves to disseminate information promoting various organizations in the city." The center and ISC meet almost weekly to brainstorm programs. "A whole range of projects focus on community outreach and provide opportunities for students to be engaged with the community using technical expertise," Updegrove said.
(04/03/96 10:00am)
Jury selection began yesterday for Ramona Africa's lawsuit against the city of Philadelphia, former Police Commissioner Gregore Sambor and former Fire Commissioner William Richmond for their role in the deadly 1985 bombing of the headquarters of her radical back-to-nature group, MOVE. The May 13, 1985 bombing of the MOVE house at 6221 Osage Avenue killed 11 people and destroyed 61 surrounding homes. The homes have since been rebuilt by the city. Africa, who suffered third-degree burns while escaping the MOVE fire, is suing the city and the two former top officials for the "unwarranted and unnecessary" use of deadly force while attempting to serve arrest warrants. The federal civil trial is being heard by U.S. District Judge Louis Pollak. MOVE, a group that advocated a return to natural surroundings, had allowed human excrement and trash to pile up in the front of its rowhouse. Several West Philadelphia residents complained that MOVE members disturbed neighborhood tranquility, assaulted neighbors, bombarded the area with profanity and generally caused a disturbance. The members' refusal to surrender to a search warrant for the house led to the bombing. Africa was convicted of inciting a riot and has since served five years in prison. Defense attorneys and plaintiffs plan to start individual interviews of prospective jurors, who could end up serving six to seven weeks, today. The court will then recess until Monday due to religious holidays. The jury will not be sequestered during the trial, which combines three civil lawsuits seeking unspecified damages. Two of the lawsuits were filed by Alfonso Leaphart and Louise James, relatives of two fire victims. Former Mayor Wilson Goode wrote in his autobiography, entitled In Goode Faith, that he believed the fire that ensued after the bomb fell was the real cause of death. He claimed the actual bombing did not directly kill any MOVE members. "The real cause for their deaths was the stupid decision to let the fire burn combined with the actions of renegade police officers in the alley, shooting to force MOVE members exiting the house back inside," Goode wrote. Jury selection is expected to last at least a week.
(04/01/96 10:00am)
When the West Philadelphia Improvement Corps began 10 years ago, some said it wouldn't last longer than a few months. But WEPIC celebrated its 10th anniversary Saturday night at the Sheraton Hotel at 36th and Chestnut streets. WEPIC is a University-assisted, school-based service learning program in coordination with nine Philadelphia public schools. The organization also sponsors community schools, summer youth employment, school-to-work initiatives and Construction Tech -- a program which employs carpentry students at West Philadelphia High School. Ira Harkavy, director of the Center for Community Partnerships, assisted in WEPIC's development in 1985 through seminars and research projects. Harkavy said he hopes that universities nationwide view WEPIC as a model for programs strengthening university-community relations. "The University has made great strides," Harkavy said. "I am hopeful that the University and community can continue to work together into the future." Saturday's event recognized University professors who created the idea for WEPIC, Philadelphia school teachers and administrators who helped develop the community-university partnership and community leaders who have supported WEPIC since its inception. Marie Bogle, a Philadelphia school teacher since 1971, said she did not expect WEPIC to survive more than a few months. "I didn't think that it would get this far," Bogle said. "But now [WEPIC] is an established institution within an institution." She also said that a community's foundation lies within its schools. "Education must be relevant to the needs of our youth," she said. "Our schools should share a common bond with the community." Currently, WEPIC is engaged in a variety of projects including school-to-work initiatives at University City and West Philadelphia high schools and Sayre, Shaw and Turner middle schools. For example, Penn-Presbyterian Hospital and the University Medical Center provide 15 paid apprenticeships to University City High School students. Some students in the program work 10 hours per week. WEPIC is also involved with curriculum initiatives at Turner and Shaw. Frank Mont, who was born and raised in West Philadelphia, provided funds to help create WEPIC in 1985. He said Saturday night that he was proud the University can respond to the needs of the community. "The University is not trying to be the leader," Mont said. "The community tells the University what they need and the University assists in the development of various programs." Mayor Ed Rendell, although not in attendance at the event, issued a proclamation honoring WEPIC's 10th anniversary. An awards ceremony preceding the dinner recognized people affiliated with the West Philadelphia Partnership and WEPIC who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and distinguished service to WEPIC. Harkavy, along with History Professor Emeritus Lee Benson, received the Founder's Award, acknowledging gratitude for the creation of WEPIC. Bogle received the Teacher's Award, recognizing outstanding teaching at several local public schools. Marvin Schuman received the Philadelphia Federation of Teacher's Award, recognizing leadership of the federation and active support of WEPIC. George DiPilato, principal of Lincoln High School, received the School District Administrator's Award. He has served as district superintendent and regional superintendent as well. George Brown, former executive director of the West Philadelphia Partnership, received the Community Service Award.
(03/29/96 10:00am)
In a speech at Iowa's Isaac Newton Christian Academy in Cedar Falls in November, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) criticized the Clinton administration's education policies. He said the problems of American education today can be attributed to the "dictates, meddling and politically correct dogma of federal bureaucrats." The speech fits into Dole's pattern of attempting to pare back federal control of the nation's school policies, on levels ranging from kindergarten to higher education. The Republican presidential nominee said President Clinton's proposed "government takeover" of the student loan program increases costs for students and families. For example, he voted against creating AmeriCorps, Clinton's national service program, in 1993. Dole strongly supports private-sector lending and opposes Clinton's efforts to continue the direct-lending program, which allows the Department of Education to administer loans directly to students. Republicans would like to cap or eliminate the direct-lending program. While Clinton claims that the program saves the federal government money, Republicans believe that the program is untested and too expensive. Dole voted against legislation creating the Education Department in 1979 and he continues to support its elimination. He says that while the department's funding has increased from $14 billion to $33 billion since 1979, the National Assessment of Educational Progress reports that 25 percent of high school seniors are functionally illiterate. Dole has said that if the department were eliminated, the student loan programs and Pell Grant programs could be administered by another federal agency. The senator has also proposed eliminating funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. "The Republican balanced budget plan increases funding for student loans by almost 50 percent, growing from $25 billion in 1995 to $36 billion in 2002," Dole said. "The plan also would enable taxpayers to deduct a portion of the interest paid on student loans for the first time since 1986." While President Clinton lifted a ban on fetal tissue research, Dole said that he would end federal financing for such programs. And he also introduced legislation last year that would prohibit the federal government from granting preferences to individuals on the basis of race, ethnic background and gender in three areas -- federal contracting, federal employment and programs fully administered by the federal government. The bill would effectively put an end to federal affirmative action programs. The legislation, however, would not affect the ability of colleges and universities to grant preferences in admissions or financial aid. Dole aided in preventing the passage of a bill that would have created a program to help black colleges renovate their facilities until a provision was added to include funds for a predominantly white institution in Kansas. Last year, Republicans said they would cut off funds for federal student aid programs for minority and disadvantaged medical students that have not yet received congressional authorization. The programs, part of the Public Health Service, are vulnerable because they were not reauthorized by lawmakers last year. Clinton also called for some cuts to their budgets. "Just as the federal government must cut spending, so too must colleges and universities find ways to trim excessive spending as a means to reduce tuition costs," Dole said. In his fiscal 1996 budget plan, Clinton proposed reorganizing the programs while keeping them intact. He also suggested dividing other aid programs for the health professions into clusters. Altogether he would provide $389 million for programs in the five clusters in 1996, a 7 percent cut from the amount budgeted in 1995. Dole called on the Education Department during former President Bush's administration to pressure colleges to end admissions preferences for the children of alumni. "One of the greatest strengths of American higher education is the high quality of our research universities, which attract students, researchers and faculty from around the world," Dole said.
(03/29/96 10:00am)
In a speech at Iowa's Isaac Newton Christian Academy in Cedar Falls in November, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) criticized the Clinton administration's education policies. He said the problems of American education today can be attributed to the "dictates, meddling and politically correct dogma of federal bureaucrats." The speech fits into Dole's pattern of attempting to pare back federal control of the nation's school policies, on levels ranging from kindergarten to higher education. The Republican presidential nominee said President Clinton's proposed "government takeover" of the student loan program increases costs for students and families. For example, he voted against creating AmeriCorps, Clinton's national service program, in 1993. Dole strongly supports private-sector lending and opposes Clinton's efforts to continue the direct-lending program, which allows the Department of Education to administer loans directly to students. Republicans would like to cap or eliminate the direct-lending program. While Clinton claims that the program saves the federal government money, Republicans believe that the program is untested and too expensive. Dole voted against legislation creating the Education Department in 1979 and he continues to support its elimination. He says that while the department's funding has increased from $14 billion to $33 billion since 1979, the National Assessment of Educational Progress reports that 25 percent of high school seniors are functionally illiterate. Dole has said that if the department were eliminated, the student loan programs and Pell Grant programs could be administered by another federal agency. The senator has also proposed eliminating funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. "The Republican balanced budget plan increases funding for student loans by almost 50 percent, growing from $25 billion in 1995 to $36 billion in 2002," Dole said. "The plan also would enable taxpayers to deduct a portion of the interest paid on student loans for the first time since 1986." While President Clinton lifted a ban on fetal tissue research, Dole said that he would end federal financing for such programs. And he also introduced legislation last year that would prohibit the federal government from granting preferences to individuals on the basis of race, ethnic background and gender in three areas -- federal contracting, federal employment and programs fully administered by the federal government. The bill would effectively put an end to federal affirmative action programs. The legislation, however, would not affect the ability of colleges and universities to grant preferences in admissions or financial aid. Dole aided in preventing the passage of a bill that would have created a program to help black colleges renovate their facilities until a provision was added to include funds for a predominantly white institution in Kansas. Last year, Republicans said they would cut off funds for federal student aid programs for minority and disadvantaged medical students that have not yet received congressional authorization. The programs, part of the Public Health Service, are vulnerable because they were not reauthorized by lawmakers last year. Clinton also called for some cuts to their budgets. "Just as the federal government must cut spending, so too must colleges and universities find ways to trim excessive spending as a means to reduce tuition costs," Dole said. In his fiscal 1996 budget plan, Clinton proposed reorganizing the programs while keeping them intact. He also suggested dividing other aid programs for the health professions into clusters. Altogether he would provide $389 million for programs in the five clusters in 1996, a 7 percent cut from the amount budgeted in 1995. Dole called on the Education Department during former President Bush's administration to pressure colleges to end admissions preferences for the children of alumni. "One of the greatest strengths of American higher education is the high quality of our research universities, which attract students, researchers and faculty from around the world," Dole said.
(03/29/96 10:00am)
In strong defiance of Republican attempts to reduce federal governmental control over educational policies, President Clinton has vowed to resist plans for reorganizing federal grant and loan programs for college students. "We must deal with rising education costs by creating solutions that provide greater access into college, not by decreasing available assistance," Clinton said last month. But as outlined in his 1997 budget plan released last week, Clinton decided to cut up to $10,000 for college tuition and other degree programs. According to Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman, the University provides $47 million for in-state University students. While Clinton has encouraged the federal government to play a major role in organizing student aid programs, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) proposes that the private sector should serve as the primary source for lending programs. Clinton claims that proposed Republican cuts in education and training would deny millions of students an education and the opportunity to compete for quality jobs. "We cannot sacrifice our nation's future by cutting the number of students able to attend college or narrowing eligibility to Pell Grants and student loans," Clinton said. Pell Grants are the major government loans provided to undergraduates. During his three years in office, Clinton has increased the size of the maximum Pell Grant by nearly $300, to $2,620. The presidential campaign will likely highlight several points of contention between congressional Republicans and Clinton. Clinton has proposed and won congressional approval of the direct-lending program. The program bypasses middlemen such as federally subsidized guarantee agencies and banks by giving federal loans directly to students. The Education Department oversees the loans. Clinton claims that the program, which accounts for 40 percent of loans to students, saves the government money. Clinton and Dole also disagree over allowing researchers to experiment on tissue from aborted fetuses. Although the National Institutes of Health have not yet financed fetal tissue research, Clinton lifted a 15-year ban on such research in 1993. But in order to pass temporary budget proposals and reopen the government in January, Clinton had to agree to sign a bill that barred fetal tissue research until March 15. Republicans are also leading efforts to abolish the Education Department. Clinton has expressed his full support of the department, which was established in 1979. "The department is smaller and less bureaucratic," Clinton said. "Cutting education in order to balance the budget is wrong." Affirmative action has also come under fire in Congress since the 1994 elections. Clinton has said that he feels affirmative action programs have succeeded and will continue to prove beneficial. "My administration's recent review of our affirmative action programs found that it remains a useful tool for widening economic and educational opportunity," Clinton said. "Women and racial and ethnic minorities now attend once overwhelmingly white and sometimes all-male schools." Several other programs have caused strife between Clinton and Congress. Although Clinton has backed the National Endowment for the Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts, his budgets have contained little new money for the programs. Clinton has promised to veto legislation that would eliminate interest subsidies on student loans while borrowers are in college. He has also called for increases in federal subsidies for biomedical research, especially about AIDS and women's health. In 1993, Clinton proposed and won congressional approval of AmeriCorps, a national service program that helps college students pay their tuition. AmeriCorps allows students to volunteer in schools, hospitals and parks, and earn money for college simultaneously. Clinton has said he plans to continue supporting the program if he is reelected. He has also advocated reductions in Medicare payments to hospitals, many of which are run by universities. Clinton's ideas for the future include giving $1,000 merit scholarships to the top 5 percent of graduating seniors at every high school. He also proposes to expand the federal work-study program from 700,000 students now to one million by the year 2000. Clinton wants to provide a tax deduction of up to $10,000 for college tuition and job training as well. He has also considered giving workers $2,600 vouchers for attending community or vocational colleges as well. "I am proud of the scholars and researchers who are responsible for important discoveries -- of the ability of our schools to educate and train professionals in every field," Clinton said. "I consider uncertain funding and inadequate resources to be the greatest weakness of American education," he added. "For many children from working and poor families, rising tuition costs are making a college education more difficult to obtain."
(03/22/96 10:00am)
College junior Abby Close and Wharton junior Jonathan Seeg traveled to Chicago last weekend to receive the national Howard R. Swearer Student Humanitarian Award. Four other undergraduates from Cornell, Michigan and Oberlin universities and Guildford College also received the award, which included a $1,500 cash prize to supplement each student's ongoing educational initiative. Campus Contact, the organization which sponsors "The Project for Public Service," recognizes five students annually for outstanding service to the community. The award ceremony took place Monday during the annual conference of the American Association for Higher Education at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. Close and Seeg said they plan to use the cash award to help with the construction and maintenance of a community garden at Shaw Middle School in West Philadelphia. The funds will also be used to purchase equipment and curricular material needed for the project. Close and Seeg began their project in September 1994, when they agreed to help two teachers at Shaw implement an environmental education program. University student volunteers started teaching two classes at Shaw that year. The environmental education program has expanded to eight classes in the past 18 months. Representatives from Campus Contact began the program by briefly describing each student's service project. Close and Seeg sat before an audience that included their families, Campus Contact representatives and university presidents and faculty. University President Judith Rodin was not present, however. The students answered questions about relations between universities and their surrounding communities. Issues raised included national service policies, President Clinton's service initiatives and universities' roles in their neighborhoods. Close said she felt honored to speak about her project to such esteemed members of the higher education world. A Campus Contact member asked if the students believed one individual could create change in a community. Seeg responded by saying that none of the students at the ceremony would have received an award if they did not think that was possible. "But change must come from within the community," he added. "Sometimes the individual can be the impetus for helping to create change within the community." Seeg also said the program helped him gain a broader perspective on academically-based community service nationwide. The award winners and their families also had the opportunity to share their project experiences over dinner. One student created an organization to rehabilitate houses free of charge. Another recipient initiated a music coalition that helped create understanding between college students and the local community through free music education.
(03/21/96 10:00am)
The Program in West Philadelphia Information Systems (PWEPIS) is organizing a database of the West Philadelphia area on the World Wide Web. Assistant Director of PWEPIS Elisa Forgey predicted that the database will be the largest of its kind in the nation. The primary goal of PWEPIS is to consolidate information about West Philadelphia in an easily accessible format useful to community organizations, researchers in Philadelphia and across the country, students of all levels, teachers, businesses and policy makers. "We want to participate in the revitalization of West Philadelphia in a comprehensive manner, working with the Internet on interrelated levels," Forgey said. Forgey added that PWEPIS seeks to "rejuvenate the region" by integrating the efforts of local schools, universities, governmental agencies, businesses, research institutes and community organizations. "We are aiming to develop a viable consortium that joins the community in one central organ such that information is easier to access," she said. The database project consists of three categories, including a comprehensive annotated bibliography of media dealing with West Philadelphia's history and demographic makeup. The bibliography will include published and unpublished documents, a complete listing of the locations of each entry and the full text of some important manuscripts. Forgey is also creating a quality-of-life index based on census and survey data to be used by policy makers and planners.The index will also include interviews primarily conducted by undergraduate students at Drexel University and Penn. The third component of the project is an interactive history page to be used by teachers and students. The page will include local history of the area's schools, historical photos, maps, reproductions of primary documents, excerpts from interviews and suggestions for further readings. It will also include short films and brief overviews of various historical periods and events. PWEPIS began as a consortial agreement between Penn's Center for Community Partnerships, academic departments and libraries and Drexel. "We are hoping to expand the consortium to encompass other institutions and libraries in the Philadelphia region," Forgey said. History Professor Emeritus and co-Director of PWEPIS Lee Benson conceived the idea, according to Forgey. "We are designing the database to be quite interactive and user friendly so students can use it," Forgey said. Undergraduates involved in academically-based community service courses are participating in the program as well.
(03/07/96 10:00am)
The Office of Community Relations, in conjunction with CoreStates Bank, has teamed up with the Athletic Department to pitch the importance of academic achievement and physical education to West Philadelphia youths. A program called "Score with Education" will offer sports clinics to students attending local elementary and middle schools. The clinics are scheduled to kick off March 23 at the University boathouse, which is located on the Schuylkill River. According to Fran Connors, assistant athletic director for Public Relations and Marketing, the clinics seek to expose West Philadelphia youth to academic and athletic opportunities. Athletic coaches, athletes, faculty and staff will provide athletic, recreational and educational instruction to the students. A soccer clinic is planned for March 30, a baseball clinic for April 13 and gymnastics clinics are scheduled for April 6 and 20. The baseball clinic, for example, is designed to provide approximately 75 local students with knowledge of the fundamentals of baseball as well as drills which will help them achieve a higher skill level. Guest speakers are scheduled to discuss the importance of preventing and caring for injuries and to emphasize the importance of education. "Physical education goes well beyond sports that the students are familiar with, like football and basketball," Connors said. "We want to expose them to sports like squash and gymnastics as well." Experts in sports medicine will highlight health and nutrition, and students will receive hands-on instruction in order to apply the principles taught at the clinics. "The academic segment of the program has not been finalized," Connors said, adding that the group may tour a chemistry laboratory. The gymnastics team organized a series of clinics in the fall which attracted an average of 25 students at each clinic. In order to maintain the relationship with the participants, a "Score with Education" club may be established for local youths as well. Each member of the club would receive a T-shirt, a membership card and information about future academic and athletic activities at the University. "The members would also be invited back to the University to attend athletic events," Connors said. Facilities to be utilized for the program include Franklin Field, the Palestra, the soccer field and Bower Field. Connors predicted that an average of 100 students will attend the clinics weekly.
(03/07/96 10:00am)
Due to a $75 million deficit for the next fiscal year, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority may have to resort to raising its base fare from $1.60 to $2.25, according to SEPTA General Manager Louis Gambaccini. Gambaccini announced to the Philadelphia City Council last Wednesday that SEPTA is facing financial problems due to cuts in state and federal aid, the rising cost of unfunded mandates and revenue shortfalls. "In my 44 years of public service, I have never witnessed a more threatening financial outlook for public transportation," he said in his address to Council members. Gambaccini presented three methods of combatting the deficit. If SEPTA were to close the gap through fare increases, it would have to increase the cash fare by more than 40 percent, from $1.60 to $2.25. In order to cover the deficit by eliminating jobs, SEPTA would have to lay off 15 percent of its total work force. If SEPTA opts to raise $75 million by service cuts alone, it would have to abolish 32 bus routes and five rail lines. SEPTA spokesperson Barbara Siegel said it is too early to predict specific solutions to the budget deficit. "Raising fares is a last resort," she said. SEPTA raised the base fare from $1.50 to $1.60 last year to compensate for a $27 million deficit. Gambaccini urged City Council to continue its support of public transportation, including backing a transit funding package in Harrisburg that would provide short-term financing relief and a move to secure increased long-term state transit funding. "We cannot assume that a $75 million deficit can be eliminated without further internal cuts, and -- as an absolute last resort -- service reductions or fare increases," Gambaccini told City Council members. Gambaccini traveled to Washington, D.C., last Thursday to brief members of the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation about his City Council appearance and asked for a halt to federal transit budget cuts. He told members of the subcommittee that closing the budget gap could mean fare increases, service reductions and significant layoffs. He also requested increased funding to restore operating subsidies. While federal operating subsidies for SEPTA were $24 million in fiscal year 1995, they were reduced to $13 million for fiscal year 1996 and $8 million for fiscal year 1997. "If current policy continues, our problems have just begun and the crisis of the present will pale in comparison to the crisis we will face in the future," Gambaccini said in his address to the congressional subcommittee. According to Gambaccini, $1.91 was spent on highways by the federal government for every dollar spent on mass transit in 1981. In 1996, the federal government will spend $4.93 for highways for every dollar spent on mass transit. "The last 12 months have been challenging ones at all levels of government and for regional public authorities, such as SEPTA, that are largely dependent on government support," Gambaccini told City Council.
(02/29/96 10:00am)
Approximately 165 members of the community gathered in Houston Hall this past Sunday to witness oratorical and essay contests organized by TeenShop. Every two weeks, TeenShop participants engage in workshops, field trips and community projects. Founded in 1986 by KYW-TV reporter Eleanor Jean Hendley, the award-winning organization seeks to prepare today's teenagers for future leadership. The group consists entirely of young African American women between the ages of 13 and 19. TeenShop board member Priscilla Pearson organized the contests with the support of Director of the Office of Community Relations Glenn Bryan. Bryan, along with Assistant Director of City and Commonwealth Relations Sid Holmes, helped judge the contests. Four young women were chosen as finalists in the oratorical contest, and three winners were announced in the essay contest. The contest winners were awarded scholarship money and trophies. Although all of the group's members are African American, and most reside in Philadelphia, the organization is open to all young women who do not have children. "TeenShop creates positive peer pressure," Pearson said. She added that the group encourages continued education and discourages drug and alcohol use. Twenty-five people volunteer for TeenShop on a regular basis for the three chapters in the Philadelphia area. Pearson said TeenShop publicizes through local schools, churches and community centers. Five volunteers work for an additional chapter in Los Angeles. "We expose them to college and career opportunities," Pearson said. She added that every TeenShop advisor has attended college. Group participants have visited college campuses this year, and members of the medical and legal professions have spoken to TeenShop members as well. "Workshops have included exposing the young women to the dangers of drugs and the current problem of teenage pregnancy," Pearson said. Comcast CableVision, one organization sponsoring Sunday's event, donated $5,000 toward the scholarships awarded at the contest.
(02/28/96 10:00am)
Could make area safer University officials met last week with Center City District leaders to discuss implementing a program of special community services for University City. The meeting, organized by Executive Vice President John Fry, focused on what the CCD is doing to make Center City cleaner, safer and more attractive. Paul Levy, head of the CCD, explained that the district was created by a Pennsylvania law that allows for the taxation of businesses within the region. In return, the district is provided with an extra level of service. "The University has demonstrated a strong interest in looking into tools that improve the area surrounding the University," Levy said. Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman said the program might be applicable to the University and its surrounding community. "The CCD is doing something very useful," she said. "We want to know which programs might apply to our area." More than 2,000 property owners, commercial tenants and employers in Center City created the district, which is a private sector organization, in 1990. The organization aims to maintain its district's competitive edge as a regional employment center and a primary tourist destination. Property owners agreed to fund the CCD through assessments, equal to five percent of a property's real estate tax bill, paid directly to the CCD. The district serves an 80-block area, extending from the Liberty Bell to 30th Street Station. Levy said the organization has helped to remove graffiti from the downtown area completely and reduce crime by 23 percent. Services offered by the CCD include a police sub-station, special trash pick ups, sidewalk cleanings, street paving and additional lighting. At first, some were reluctant to pay for services that many considered to be responsibilities of the city, Scheman said. "They have learned that the services improve street life, safety and night life," she said. "We're interested in how they have been successful. "Some graduate students might choose to live in Center City because of the services," Scheman added. "But the University is a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour community. I would like them to live here." In addition, distinctly uniformed Community Service Representatives patrol downtown on foot as additional watchdogs for the police and as ambassadors to welcome visitors, workers and residents to the city. The CSRs also are trained to deter panhandling and provide daytime outreach services to homeless persons. "When they began the district, they did not intend to deal with homelessness," Scheman said. "They quickly discovered that they needed to. Our people have talked with their people to see what has worked." The organization began a campaign discouraging hand-outs of money. Instead, they encouraged people to donate money to organizations that gives food to the homeless. The South Street District, created three years ago, also provides services between Front and 9th streets. Levy said that most other American cities have districts similar to those in Philadelphia. More than 1,000 business improvement districts exist in the United States and Canada, Levy said. "It is a growing international phenomenon," she said.
(02/26/96 10:00am)
Twenty students from local high schools and middle schools visited the University Friday to take part in Communiversity Days, a bimonthly program. The students are members of a program of gifted students called Access to Excellence. Communiversity Days is a program aimed at integrating community members with Penn students, faculty and administrators. Friday's event was sponsored by the Science and Technology Wing of Kings Court/English House, which was the second University group to host a Communiversity Day this year. The idea, which University President Judith Rodin developed last year, has been made possible by the Center for Community Partnerships. The 20 students strolled through the campus in the afternoon, visiting College Hall, Irvine Auditorium, Furness Library and Van Pelt Library. Following the tour, residents of STWing helped the students navigate the computers in English House, College senior Gillian Silver said. The students also dined in English House before attending the Penn-Harvard men's basketball game Friday evening. College freshman Melina Begun is the event coordinator for the Center for Community Partnerships. "We're not here to sell Penn," she explained. "We want to orient the students to higher education. "I want the students to feel that Penn is not an isolated entity in West Philadelphia," Begun added.
(02/22/96 10:00am)
In an effort to direct West Philadelphia toward future growth and development, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission has issued a comprehensive plan to be used by decision-makers involved in neighborhood revitalization and economic development. The Plan for West Philadelphia is a "non-binding guide for growth, development and change," according to Richard Redding, a West Philadelphia planner at the City Planning Commission. "Our staff is constantly engaged in planning projects and neighborhood studies," Redding said. "We are working with neighborhood groups to provide planning services." The plan, which was published in 1994, includes specific recommendations made by the commission toward strengthening the residential and business sectors of West Philadelphia. "Only some of the recommendations will be implemented," Redding said. The plan's recommendations for the University City area include eastward expansion of the University toward the Schuylkill River and commercial revitalization on South 40th Street. It also calls for redevelopment of the Market Street corridor between 40th and 46th streets and development of an area-wide street vendor policy. Redding declined to comment on updates of some specific recommendations in the University City neighborhood. But he pointed out that improvement is ongoing for the 40th Street border of the University campus. "For example, the 40th Street edge could be revitalized and better utilized," Redding said. "Current improvements are consistent with our recommendations. "Development is also ongoing at 46th and Market streets," Redding said. "This happened more quickly because of our plan." Redding said the plan was not designed to be updated. "The district plan is a statement of goals for the area," Redding said. "Gradually, projects in the neighborhood should form as a result of the plan." Redding said ultimate realization of the plan's goals depend on the persuasiveness of the recommendations and fiscal constraints. "West Philadelphia is a vital, richly textured community," the plan reads. "Residents share many experiences -- shopping at 52nd Street, driving between the support columns of the Market-Frankford El, participating in community meetings or school functions. "Some West Philadelphia neighborhoods suffer the same ills that affect other older urban areas," the plan continues. "Over the last several decades there has been a substantial loss of middle class population, widespread poverty and deteriorating infrastructure." The plan also stimulated residential construction projects in the Mantua and Belmont neighborhoods. The commission's recommendations helped initiate a residential project which receives substantial funding from both the private and public sector. Philanthropist James Brown has helped finance the project -- which restores residential mansions on Parkside Avenue -- with the support of public subsidies. Redding called the plan a step in the right direction. "I feel that more will get done in improving West Philadelphia with this plan than without it," he said. The first plan for West Philadelphia was published in 1964. Two preliminary plans for the most recent plan were issued for revision between 1990 and 1994.
