Search Results
Below are your search results. You can also try a Basic Search.
(01/16/95 10:00am)
Although the wind and rain extinguished the flames of their candles, the participants' voices rang clear in yesterday's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Candlelight Vigil. In an effort to continue King's legacy and to call the University to action, approximately 50 students of many races participated in activities across the University. More than 30 University and Drexel University students marched from the W.E.B. DuBois College House to the Christian Association singing "We Shall Overcome." "[King] was a fraternity brother of ours and we take a lot of pride in being able to host this vigil," said Kristofer Love, a College senior and president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. "We want to show the University that someone is remembering him and his achievements." Drexel students shared similar feelings. "If it weren't for people like Martin Luther King, I wouldn't be in college right now," Drexel sophomore Monica Wheeler said. "We should pay a little respect." The procession was led into the auditorium of the Christian Association where speakers expressed their sentiments about King and his ideas. Their speeches illustrated the theme of the series of activities, "In a word?NOW!" In his speech, Bicultural Inter-Greek Council President and Wharton senior Wayne Wilson urged participants to attack apathy and take a stand. Black Student League President and College senior Robyn Kent echoed Wilson's sentiments. "It's time to stop dreaming, it's time to stop complaining," she said. "It's time to act." Earlier yesterday, students kicked off the Martin Luther King Day celebration by making banners that will be displayed on Locust Walk this week to form "King's Walk" -- a tradition created to remember and commemorate King's ideas, according to Christian Association Director Rev. Beverly Dale. "King's Walk is a visible presence of some of [King's] powerful messages that we dare not forget," she said. About 20 students of different ethnicities from more than 13 different campus organizations participated in banner-making. "This [activity] is a means of bringing together student organizations who don't normally come together," said David Grossman, director of the Program for Student-Community Involvement. Sponsors also said they hoped the activity would raise awareness about the festivities held for the holiday. "We hope more students will be aware of it next year and participate," said Michelle Davis, Americorps Intern at PSCI, one of the sponsors of King's Walk. "We want this to be a student-run activity and we want the banners to reflect how the students feel."
(01/16/95 10:00am)
For the second time in three years, Penn's Way did not meet its goal. When kicking off the charity campaign in late October, Penn's Way coordinators said they hoped to raise $400,000. According to Comptroller Barbara Murray, the campaign only produced a total of $390,800. But coordinators of the project say they are still pleased with the results, noting an increase over last year's $370,000 total. Last year, they did not set a goal for themselves. "It is slightly short of the goal but it is well ahead of last year," Co-Coordinator Steven Murray said. Steven Murray, the University's vice president for business services, said the campaign differed from past years, with more personal contact between the facilitators and coordinators. "We purposely did a relatively low-key campaign this year," he said. "We made the campaign a little more personal and less mass media [oriented] and that proved to be successful." Co-Coordinator Helen Davies said the campaign attempted to lessen the pressure placed on employees to donate. "Things are not great financially for many people," said Davies, who is also the associate dean of student affairs for the Medical School. "We think it's?friendlier?to not run a pressured program." And despite Penn's Way's failure to meet its goal, coordinators said they thought the lack of pressure worked successfully. "It's a real testament to the people at Penn that that much money was able to be raised for worthwhile causes," Steven Murray said. Sixteen umbrella organizations will receive the money raised during this year's Penn's Way -- although it has not yet been determined how much money will be given to each group.
(01/16/95 10:00am)
The Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia has filed a petition seeking permission to appeal the Mayor's Scholarship case to the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court, according to PILCOP attorney Michael Churchill. PILCOP first sued the University in 1991, claiming that the University was not fulfilling a 1977 agreement with the city to provide 125 scholarships annually. But in December 1994, the University's policy of providing a total of 125 scholarships at a given time, as opposed to 125 for each entering class, was upheld by a 4-3 vote in Commonwealth Court. A previous appeal filed by PILCOP was rejected in 1993 when a judge ruled that the group did not have proper legal standing in the case. According to Churchill, the recent petition was filed to challenge both the decision of the Commonwealth Court and the 1993 ruling regarding PILCOP's lack of legal standing. "We believe that the dissent in the previous case is right," Churchill said. "This is the last avenue of appeal." University General Counsel Shelley Green disagreed. "Their position is that the Commonwealth is incorrect," she said. "We think that the Supreme Court should not permit the appeal." Both attorneys refused to speculate about whether the Court will allow an appeal. Throughout the case's history, several city politicians stressed the importance of the scholarships to many local students. Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Harold James of Philadelphia said he supports the appeal. "I am encouraging the plaintiffs and their attorneys to continue this fight for our young people," he said in a statement. "It is a shame that we must struggle so hard to provide an opportunity for city students to attend a world class institution that is in their own backyard." The Mayor's Scholarship controversy stems from a 110-year old agreement between the city of Philadelphia and the University in which the city provides rent-free land to the University in exchange for a set number of scholarships to be awarded to Philadelphia high school students. An amended agreement signed in 1977 called for the University to provide 125 "annual" scholarships. scholarships to area students. Although the Common Pleas Court of Philadelphia ruled in favor of the University in 1993, it admonished the administration for failing to provide full support to scholarship recipients. Under a separate 1992 agreement between the University and the city, the University "substantially enhanced" its commitment to the Mayor's Scholarship program. The average Mayor Scholarship package includes $18,806 in grants from the University.
(01/16/95 10:00am)
The English Department is leaping into the future -- and taking its 2,200 students along for the ride. According to Undergraduate Chairperson Alan Filreis, the department will automatically create course listservers for every English course, including freshman writing classes and the undergraduate, graduate and College of General Studies programs. "When a student enrolls in a class today, the least we can give them is the ability to communicate with other students," he said. "Since among majors, 90 percent have [electronic mail] accounts, it would be silly not to offer them this service." For the last several months, the department has worked in cooperation with the University's computing facilities and the School of Engineering and Applied Science to establish the new service -- which gives all English students the ability to send messages to their entire class and professor. "I'm not really part of this generation which has grown up sitting in front of the console," English Professor Robert Regan said. "But today, I had a student who couldn't come to my class to take the last quiz. So she sent it to me over e-mail and I graded it. "I still haven't figured out how to download," he said. "But that's my next project." English Professor Bob Perelman said that "at their best, [listservers] can be a very good adjunct to the classroom." "Some students who are shy about talking in class, in fact, will write very thoughtful things," he added. "I've seen very intense discussion sparked on the listserv which I used for the first time this semester." Many students agree that the new system will offer a unique forum outside of the classroom. "I think its going to do wonderful things in terms of extending class dialogue outside of the classroom," said College senior Liz Fekete. "It can bring more students closer to the professor. "You don't have to worry about office hours," the English major added. "You can actually be in class at two in the morning." But Filreis said that not all professors will be receptive to using the available listservers. "We're not dictating that all classes use them," he said. "It's simply an option." Filreis added that the applications for the new system are nearly limitless. "If I want to communicate with all students taking freshman English courses, now I can do it," Filreis said. "We can send them information about options for following up freshman English courses and urge those interested in declaring the major to do so early." The department hopes to create the fall 1995 listservers before the summer begins, he said. "In this way, you can handle?pre-semester business very conveniently," Filreis said. "I can only imagine that this will aid students' preparation for our courses as well as, possibly, cut down on the traffic of late droppers and adders." Regan said he is excited by the prospects for the program. "It's wonderful to be in a department which is leading the way," he said. "It looks to me like a wonderful, cutting-edge development."
(01/15/95 10:00am)
The Graduate Student Association Committee distributed flyers urging students to "cut for King." And at the conclusion of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Candlelight Vigil, Black Student League President and College senior Robyn Kent urged participants to skip classes in order to celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Martin Luther King Day is a national holiday, for which all public institutions must close. But to the dismay of many students and faculty members, the University, a private institution, remains open. University policy dictates that although classes are not canceled, instructors must allow students to celebrate this holiday and certain others, including the Jewish holidays Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah and the Christian holiday Good Friday. "In consideration of their significance for many students, no examinations may be given and no assigned work may be required on these days," the University's Policies and Procedures Handbook states. "If an examination is given on the first class day after one of these holidays, it must not cover material introduced in class on that holiday." Although most classes will be held, some instructors will cancel their classes today in order to celebrate the holiday. "I was surprised and shocked that [the holiday] would not be celebrated," Assistant Professor of Political Science Kerry Haynie said. "I won't be holding class on Monday. It's a holiday and I plan to attend some of the events." Assistant Professor of Political Science Marissa Martino Golden shares similar sentiments. "I don't understand it," she said. "People fought very hard and very courageously so that the holiday would be created, and it sends a message when the holiday is not observed." This year especially, protesters felt that it would have been a relatively simple calendar change for the University to recognize the holiday. "It seems like such an easy change to start the semester on Tuesday instead of Monday," Haynie added. Former Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson wrote in the May 3, 1994 issue of the Almanac that the Martin Luther King holiday is enriched by programs and activities and in-class discussions on pertinent issues, "not by absenting itself through closing." University President Judith Rodin declined to comment on the University's position on the holiday.
(01/15/95 10:00am)
Renovations to the Hutchinson Gymnasium are currently underway, Recreation Department administrators said this week. Repairs are expected to be completed by April 1. Until then, students will have to wait for floors to harden and the ventilation system to be put in place. The renovations are expected to cost the University $220,000, Vice President for Facilities and Management Arthur Gravina said yesterday. And over the semester break, non-varsity athletes had no place to work out because Gimbel Gym was closed. The varsity weight room was also closed to those who do not participate in varsity sports. Last semester, equipment was moved into the hallway adjacent to the weight room because insurance could not cover costs of damage to the old floor. Over break, the area was closed while renovations began. But today, the hallway weight area will open and it will remain open until the repairs are completed. According to Recreation Assistant Director John Hamrick, the repairs will take a long time primarily because the newly poured concrete floor will take about 60 days to dry. Once the curing process is completed, rubber flooring specifically designed for weight rooms will be put down, Gravina said. Hamrick added that contractors have begun demolishing the old ventilation system, and will replace it as soon as possible. Director of Support Services for the Athletic Department Larry Lauchle gave April 1 as a tentative target date for opening the new weight room. "You won't see the final product until then," he said. "Hopefully students will understand and everything will work out. It will be an improvement." College junior and Undergraduate Assembly member Eric Tienou said he was willing to wait. "As long as they get it fixed, I don't have a problem with the timetable," he said. "If it's done before I leave for the summer, I have no problem with it." Because Physical Plant is knocking down a wall between two smaller rooms in the basement, the square footage of the weight room will increase by almost 1000 square feet. "It's going to be as large as the varsity weight room," Hamrick said. He added, though, that there are no plans to add new equipment to the weight room in the near future. "As our budget dictates, we'd like to add more equipment but it depends on how much money we have," Hamrick said. He added that currently, no money has been directed at that purpose. Although Tienou said he thinks the weight room needs new equipment, he said he does not plan to deal with the issue until the actual facility is repaired. The repairs follow months of student complaints about the equipment, air circulation and overall environment in Hutch's basement. In October, students developed and signed a petition requesting better facilities, equipment and environment. Although officials originally had no definite plans to repair the weight room, Athletic Director Steve Bilsky later said he and his department would work to assess and improve the situation. At the time, Vice President for Government and Community Affairs Carol Scheman became involved as a representative from the president's office. Scheman said administrators debated whether to include the situation in immediate or long-term plans, finally deciding to make it an immediate project.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
Who can make the sun shine for students buried in their books at 2 a.m.? According to many students, the pizza man, the WaWa man -- or even the candy man can. Students said they eat whatever is convenient, as long as it prevents them from falling asleep. "My roommate and I eat anything in the room," College freshman Mandy London said. "The other night we were so hungry we went searching in our room and we found two loaves of bread that we bought parent's weekend. "Yes, one was green, but the other one was fine. So we ate it with peanut butter and jelly," she said. "We ate it just to keep us up." College freshmen Adam Falkowitz and Timothy Wexler said they will eat almost anything late at night -- including stale food from fall break and leftover Halloween candy. They added that occasionally, they like to indulge in delicacies such as Korean specialties and pastrami sandwiches. Other students said they go to even greater lengths to satiate the "studying munchies." Wharton freshman Jason Pike said he creates food that alleviates his hunger and also keeps him awake. "Vivarin burritos," he said. "I put the Vivarin in the burritos." But while some students said they will go as far as cooking macaroni and cheese and cupcakes at one or two in the morning, most agreed that convenience determines their snacks. "[I eat] the same thing every night," College sophomore Josh Klein said. "Wings, Powelton's. There are four of us [and] we order 12 to 24 for each of us every night. And a lot of coffee." College freshman Nicole Kornitzer found a practical solution for her late night hunger. "I have chocolate cravings that I can't [satisfy]," she said. "So I eat Hot Tamales. Hot Tamales pep you up because they're so spicy. "Peppermint stimulates your brain -- it's chemically proven," she added. "But I prefer Hot Tamales over peppermint. They give you a little more click."
(12/15/94 10:00am)
The alternative band Phish will not come to campus next semester. That was the only thing the Social Planning and Events Committee and the Junior Class Board could agree on at a meeting this week. According to SPEC and College senior Lissette Monge, the Junior Class did not even attempt to contact the band to see if it was available for a concert this spring until after the Office of Student Life prohibited them from planning a concert without SPEC's approval. "This was unrealistic –– the biggest thing is that Phish will not be coming," Monge said. "They are not going to be in America –– they're touring somewhere in Europe." She added that the reason for Phish not coming to campus has no bearing on SPEC's intentions or actions, despite what Junior Class Board members may say. "We were not even consulted about it," Monge said. Junior Class member Jon Slotkin, a College student, said that although he is the Class Boards' contact for the band, he is unable to confirm that the band is touring in Europe. Monge said the Junior Class's method of trying to plan a concert was flawed. She said the Board should have obtained all the necessary information before publically disclosing the name of the band. "There was a lot of misinformation on behalf of the Class Boards," Monge said. "They should have done that before they got students all excited. "That's not the way we do things ––not SPEC Concerts [Committee]," she added. "We won't release the name of the bands for that reason." Slotkin said he hopes the Junior Class will still pursue the plan to bring Phish to campus in the future if not next semester. But because OSL recognizes SPEC as the body responsible for concert planning, it will not assist the Class Boards in this endeavor. Therefore, a co-sponsorship would be necessary for the Junior Class to be officially involved in bringing bands to campus. "The Class Boards put effort into this band and we want to pursue the possibility," Slotkin said."We want to continue to work with SPEC, but they think co-sponsorship is irrelevant at this point [and are] prematurely shutting down the operation." But Monge said SPEC is not ruling out the possibility of a future co-sponsorship. It plans to wait until next semester to discuss the issue further. Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson and Wharton junior Dan Debicella said the problem is a lack of communication between the two groups. He said both SPEC and the class boards will meet with the UA in the spring to work out "theoretical" differences and clarify both groups' roles at the University.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
Only half of the available seats were filled at The Red & Blue Society's political symposium in Houston Hall yesterday. But this did not dampen the convictions of the four attending panelists. U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, Mayor Edward Rendell, Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Fumo and City Councilman Joseph Vignola -- all former University graduates -- each outlined their personal visions of the afternoon's key question:"Why Go into Government?" Associate Professor of Regional Science Stephen Gale moderated the discussion, which drew an audience of about 150 students. "Today we have one of the most remarkable occasions at the University," he said. "And considering finals, [we have] a turnout which is second to none." Gale then reiterated the discussion's central focus -- namely why each of the panelists chose to make public life their profession. Fumo said the most important attribute of a government official is a willingness to get things done, citing his own office's motto, "WGST -- We Get Shit Done." "It takes a lot of guts to stand up and do the right thing," he said. "Fewer and fewer people are willing to take those courageous positions." Rendell agreed that politicians must be willing to protect themselves from the media and take a strong stand on the issues, urging interested students to vote and strengthen their communication skills. "The best thing a politician can do to try to control their own destiny is to do their jobs and try to make decisions that are goal-oriented," he said. "And they need to do what's best for the people -- and then try to fight back." Specter, who recently announced he is considering running for president in 1996, said he wanted students to understand that every one of them could make an impact. "My participation in government originated in a number of different ways," he said. "One was, while an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania, I attended a forum one day at Houston Hall on the topic of 'Why Go into Government' -- and I've [done] that. "The basic point is that there's a tremendous impact on the lives of everyone in this country if you're in governments," Specter added. Vignola, the self-proclaimed "cleanup batter," echoed the points of his fellow panelists, stating his belief that one person can make a significant difference. "In government, you have to be able to make a difference and you have to want to make a difference," he said. "So we've all learned that the way to have people respect you?is to discuss the issues." The speeches were followed by a period of questions and answers from the audience.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
Finals time has once again arrived, and as usual, students are rushing to study for that ideal or, in some cases, barely passing grade. At this important moment in every student's life, only one question arises -- what is the best place to study? Students said they have different reasons for choosing a study place. Some choose their site based on its quiet environment or sociability. And others say staying awake is their most important consideration. The study area most favored by students are the Ashurst Lounge, Furness Library and Steinberg-Dietrich Hall. Wharton junior and Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Dan Debicella said he prefers Furness Library because of its comfortable atmosphere. "There's a lot of room there and you spread out, kick back and study," he said. College freshman Lesley Silverio said she enjoys studying at Ashurst because of its lack of distractions. "[I like] Ashurst because it's at a convenient location and it's quiet," she said. Danielle Knopf said she prefers Ashurst and Steinberg-Dietrich because both places keep her awake. "[Both are] usually quiet, I'm not the only one there, so I won't fall asleep," the College freshman said. "If I'm there, I'm motivated by watching other people." College junior Tina Chinakarn said she likes studying at Houston Hall because of its flexible hours. "I like to study for finals there," she said. "They have free coffee and they're open during finals." But some students said they were most productive in the comfort of their own rooms. "I'd study at Furness but I end up admiring the architecture and not doing any work," Engineering and Wharton senior Craig Tyler said. "I prefer to study in my room -- study with music anyway." Wharton senior David Eline said he adds a romantic element to his pursuit of academic excellence. "I study in my room but I love [to go to] the Nursing Education Building," he said. "There is one person I know who studies there -- my girlfriend." Most students agree, though, that excessive sociability prevents productive studying. In addition to those who frequent the same study areas, there are some students who choose a variety of different spots. Other possible places for study are Rosengarten Reserve and Van Pelt Library. Rosengarten is regularly open from 8 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. Van Pelt Library's usual hours are 9 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. On Fridays, Rosengarten and Van Pelt close at 11 p.m. and 9 p.m. respectively.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
From spending long hours in the library to pulling all-nighters, the stress of finals week is sometimes overwhelming. Everyone has the "perfect" formula for dealing with and venting this stress. "I am the worst stress manager ever. I totally bug out [and] cry," College senior Katie Simons said. "I try to get away from distracting places. I go to the library [and] hole myself up in a little carrel in Van Pelt. "A much better way to deal with stress is to sit around and tell everybody on your hall how stressed you are," added Simons, a Residential Advisor in the Quadrangle. "And then everybody feels better because they know everybody is stressed." College freshman Danielle Silverman offered her own strategy for coping with stress. "I watch TV, I talk on the phone and I like to go to sleep early and then just get up early in the morning and do everything," she said. But some students' methods for dealing with stress are a bit unusual. One Wharton senior, who asked to remain anonymous, said he relaxes by shooting squirrels with a BB gun. College sophomore Austin Lieb described his own unusual stress-relieving tactic. "Usually I wrestle with my friends in the frat house, and every once in a while we put each other's heads through the wall," he said. "I'm kind of nervous about my finals because I usually don't go to class, so I have to review everything."
(12/15/94 10:00am)
The murder of a graduate student filled September with an air of loss and tragedy. Fifth-year Mathematics graduate student Al-Moez Alimohamed's murder shocked the University. City and University administrators joined hundreds of students, faculty, University employees and West Philadelphia residents in a candlelight vigil. They marched from the Peace Symbol on College Green to the the site of Alimohamed's slaying at 47th and Pine streets to protest the murder and mourn his loss. An October trial date was set for the five suspects in the murder, but it has been delayed. All five suspects are being tried as adults. Later in the month, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the School of Arts and Sciences Donald Fitts announced that he would step down at the end of the semester. He had held the position for 16 years. SAS Dean Rosemary Stevens praised Fitts, adding that he would be missed. But Fitts said he would stay at the University, concentrating on teaching and research in the Chemistry Department. In a definitely less bittersweet goodbye, the University tied for 12th place with Rice University in the U.S. News and World Report College Guide, shedding its 16th place ranking in 1993. The University leapfrogged over Cornell University to get out of the Ivy League cellar. Residents of the Quadrangle lost a little privacy and security when two nude men were found in the Class of '28 and Speakman sections of the dorm on consecutive days. And the football team was forced to part with their white away uniforms when a flash fire broke out in an equipment room at Franklin Field on September 22. Instead, the Quakers had to wear blue home jerseys and blue pants for the remainder of the football season.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
It was "PENNdemonium" all over again. Screaming and jumping about in a confetti-littered Superblock reminiscent of a ticker-tape parade, many students said the Penn men's basketball team's defeat of the Michigan Wolverines was the best thing that ever happened to them at college. Or at least the best thing that has happened to them since the Quakers beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament last year. "This is better than sex," said College junior Eden Jacobowitz. "It doesn't get any better than this," College junior Nick Benz agreed, adding, though, that he would not mind seeing the Quakers "go a little farther in the second round of the NCAA tournament this year." As "Rock and Roll Part Two" blared out of an open window in High Rise North, students hugged and kissed one another, crying out "Jerome Allen!" in voices hoarse from cheering. "Jerome was like Christ rising on the third day," said Wharton junior Eric Leathers. "It was an amazing game," College senior Brandon Fogel added. "We never did anything like that before -- we came through in a clutch. Allen made an amazing play." In celebration of a victory that took many by surprise, some fans partying in the Quadrangle raced to Franklin Field, aiming to hurl the football goal posts into the Schuylkill River. But because the Quaker football season is over, the goal posts had been removed from the stadium. This did not put an end to these fans' PENNdemonium, however, as several students pushed a soccer goal into the bleachers instead. "This is mob mentality at its best," said College sophomore Brett Lovins. Within minutes, though, University Police forced the students to leave Franklin Field. Although some students were annoyed because the hubbub on campus was disturbing their studies, others said the game actually "inspired" them to study for finals. "Even though I didn't do any of the reading all semester, I, too, can make a game-winning shot in the last second," College senior Rajan George said. "I never felt more prepared than after Jerome took it to the hole." But College senior Craig Weiss said after the game, finals were the last thing on his mind. "The Penn game is much more important than any final," he said. "I've got to go celebrate this."
(12/15/94 10:00am)
On July 1, 1995, University President Judith Rodin will mark the end of her first year as a leader in the Ivy League. But the transition period will be just the beginning for current University of Iowa President Hunter Rawlings, who is slated to assume the top job at Cornell University on that date. Rawlings, a classics professor who has also taught and served in various administrative capacities at the University of Colorado at Boulder, was appointed Cornell's 10th president at a special meeting of the school's Board of Trustees last weekend. Rawlings will replace Frank Rhodes, who has been president of Cornell since 1977. According to a statement provided by Cornell, Rhodes is "the longest-serving president of an Ivy League institution." Rhodes described Rawlings, who attended Haverford College and received his doctorate from Princeton University, as "the perfect match for Cornell." Rodin, who said she has gotten to know Rawlings "only briefly," characterized him as "a wonderful appointment." She advised Rawlings to take advantage of the transition period by continually asking hard questions, getting "below the surface" and consulting widely with faculty, staff and students before arriving on campus. "There are so many things to learn, and unless you probe deeply it's hard to find them out before you come," she said. "Be ready to work very, very hard." The University of Iowa is the country's oldest public institution of higher learning. As its president, Rawlings initiated a comprehensive strategic planning process, made undergraduate education a priority, boosted externally funded research grants to record levels and worked to improve the physical appearance of the campus. While some of these goals and activities seem to mesh especially well with Rodin's plans for the University, she said it would be premature to speculate on the possibility of increased cooperation between the University and Cornell.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
The University's Division of Public Safety is continuing its residential "special check" surveillance program to stem off the increase in crime that typically coincides with holiday breaks. The program was started after a rash of of burglaries in High Rise North, the Quadrangle and several off-campus apartments during winter break two years ago. Last year, after the inception of the program, University Police reported burglaries in two Quad rooms and one off-campus apartment -- representing a significant decrease from the previous year. University Police Lieutenant Susan Holmes said the program had a perfect record for the 30 registered residences marked for special checks over last Thanksgiving break. "Nobody reported a theft within the properties that were registered with [Public Safety]," Holmes said. As part of the program, University Police officers will make exterior checks of the registered properties from December 23 to January 16, to observe any security breaches, she said. Students, faculty and staff living off campus between the Schuylkill River and 43rd Street and from Market Street to Baltimore Avenue are eligible for the program, Holmes added. "Be proactive and take five minutes to walk over to Victim Support or the Police station to register," Victim Support and Special Services Director Maureen Rush stressed. "It will add to the pleasure of your vacation and give you piece of mind." For students remaining on campus during the break, Rush said she recommends contacting University Police when working in low-occupancy buildings. She said officers will check on their location to make sure they are safe. In addition, Public Safety recommends that students leaving for break do the following: · Secure or remove all valuables, such as jewelry, computers and stereos. Valuables can be engraved for identification at the Victim Support office at 3927 Walnut Street. · Lock all windows and doors. Close shades, drapes and blinds. · To create the appearance that the residence is occupied, put timers on lights or a television. · Check exterior lighting and also place it on a timer. For students remaining on campus, Victim Support recommends the following: · Use only the 10 automated teller machines located inside University buildings. · Do not display money in public. · Travel in groups and in well-lighted areas. · Do not resist or panic if accosted by an assailant. Try to get a description of the person and report it immediately to the police. · Know the locations of blue-light emergency telephones. · Report suspicious actions or activities to the police. In addition, Escort Service will provide normal service through December 23, and limited service from December 24 to January 2. Transit stops and Walking Escort will not be in operation from December 24 to January 3. No service will be provided on Christmas night and New Year's Eve. Rush said during the times Escort Service is not in operation, students can contact University Police at 898-7297 for transportation.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
Despite President Judith Rodin's spirit-boosting inauguration, October was a month filled with sorrow. Tragedy struck the University when University graduates Mary McGuire and Andrew Sawyer died in unrelated incidents. McGuire was killed when her car was struck by a drunk driver in San Antonio, Tex. Sawyer, one of McGuire's closest friends, was found unconscious on the bathroom floor of the Delta Delta Delta sorority house on Locust Walk. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Sawyer had come to campus to mourn McGuire's death. Memorial services were held for friends and family later in the month. October was also the month that many students, with hearts set on seeing a Revlon Center before graduation, had their hopes and dreams shattered. University President Judith Rodin and Provost Stanley Chodorow announced that all capital projects would be reviewed. Two weeks after that announcement, Chodorow upset students by making statements minimizing the importance of student contributions to undergraduate education committees. Former Wharton student and convicted cocaine trafficker Alex Moskovits was found guilty on all counts in his retrial in federal court. Moskovits had acted as his own lawyer for the retrial. Alvin Shoemaker stepped down from his position as chairperson of the University Board of Trustees during this month. Shoemaker's resignation came several months before his term was scheduled to end. Merck Chief Executive Officer Roy Vagelos, a fellow Trustee, was voted in as his replacement. Less than one week later, Graduate School of Fine Arts Dean Patricia Conway announced her resignation, citing divisiveness within the school's faculty. Professor of Art History Malcolm Campbell was named interim dean. Several residents of Graduate Tower A discovered swastikas carved into doors in their stairwells on separate occasions this month. The persons involved in this ethnic intimidation have still not been caught. On a lighter note, Rodin was officially inaugurated on October 21 after two days of festivities. There were several public symposiums, as well as an inaugural reception the night before. The new president lead a procession down Locust Walk to Irvine Auditorium, where the official ceremony was held. The inauguration cost the University $180,000.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
During an an unusually warm November, both victories and losses forced the University to search for new solutions to already existing problems. The month opened up on a hopeful note when different student organizations banded together to bring back two movie theaters near campus, both of which had closed earlier this semester. The Undergraduate Assembly, Performing Arts Council and the Social Planning and Events Committee joined together to form a Theater Committee. The committee's goal is to replace the former Eric 3 Campus and AMC Walnut Mall movie theaters with a performing arts space and a new movie theater. While safety remained a great concern within and around the University community, the streets continued to be hazardous to student pedestrians. In November alone, three students were hit by oncoming traffic while walking near campus. Petty robberies, burglaries and assaults occurred as well. In response to growing safety needs surrounding the University, Penn Watch, a new student-based community policing effort, and University Police bike patrols were funded by the UA in an effort to increase crime prevention. And the University was in the national spotlight again when University President Judith Rodin was named to the White House safety panel following several safety breaches that occurred at the White House over the past several months. Despite the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education's efforts to increase the number of reading days from three to four, students learned this month that they still have only three reading days to prepare for finals. Provost Stanley Chodorow nixed the proposal because many faculty members were opposed to the idea. Contributions to the five-year Campaign for Penn fund-raising drive topped $1.36 billion. And the football team held on to a 21-game winning streak and won the Ivy League title once again. Finishing off a perfect season, the victorious Quakers clinched the title by beating Harvard University.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
The winds of change were blowing hard during the month of March at the University, and all aspects of student life were caught in the maelstrom. Soon-to-be-seniors chose a new class board, the United Minorities Council selected its next chairperson and vice-chairperson, and the Undergraduate Assembly named its chairperson in hotly-contested races. McGinn Security Services guards were found sleeping on the job in campus residences for the second time in as many years, leading to a re-evaluation of the security responsibilities allocated to the Department of Residential Living. Over the summer, the University replaced McGinn guards with Allied Security guards. The University Board of Trustees approved a tuition and fees increase of 5.7 percent for the current academic year. Administration officials explained the hike as needed to cover the University's growing operating expenses. But former Interim President Claire Fagin pledged to continue need-blind admissions. Sigma Delta Tau sorority sisters said they were happy to see work on their chapter's new Walnut Street house begin, while the University denied provisional recognition to the Psi Upsilon fraternity, better known as the Castle. Although much of the controversy that marked March was contained to campus, the University was also making news on the national and international fronts in March. University alumnus Luis Donaldo Colosio, who was favored by many to become the next president of Mexico, was assassinated at a campaign stop in Tiajuana. Former College of Arts and Sciences Dean Matthew Santirocco announced plans to leave the University to become dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at New York University, provoking an outpouring of praise for his commitment to undergraduate education from faculty members and administrators. "PENNdemonium" reigned when the Quakers pulled off a first-round upset of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. But the University of Florida Gators snapped the Red and Blue winning streak in the second round of the Big Dance.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
The University certainly looks great to those outside of it. But within the University, the new administration has actually accomplished little. Throughout the semester, the administration has discussed and presented many plans and reports that have yet to be resolved. Some, such as Coopers & Lybrand's administrative restructuring report, had set deadlines for completion that have not been met. University President Judith Rodin hired the professional services firm in September to study cost containment and administrative overhaul. At the time, she said the report would be prepared by November 1. But the firm did not release its preliminary report until last week. Its final report will not come out until mid-January, Interim Executive Vice President Jack Freeman said. Rodin also made security a top priority. At the end of October, Freeman said a master plan on security would be ready in mid-November. No plan was released and Rodin recently refused to comment on its status. "I am frustrated that we have not yet put before the community a master security plan," she said. Days before the inauguration, the administration released the 21st Century Undergraduate Education Initiative, which is aimed at combining academics with the residences and University life. But this project, too, was delayed because choosing committee members and scheduling meetings took much longer than expected. Originally, Rodin said students and faculty would be chosen quickly so the expanded committee could meet several times before the semester's end. But committee members were not selected until this week. The administration announced in October that it would be reviewing capital planning projects -- including the Revlon Center. No results from the review have been released yet. But Rodin said she was satisfied with the decision to take a step back from the capital projects. "I understand the frustration it engendered but it was the right decision institutionally," she said. Despite the lack of concrete action, administrators said they are moving toward completion of many of their goals. And others say they did not expect any complete accomplishments this semester in the first place. "We're starting from ground zero," University spokeswoman Barbara Beck said. "I think it's particularly difficult to be able to make an analysis of what new leadership can do in six months." Top administrators also complained of the lack of time they had to deal with the University community. "There are so many competing demands and constituencies," Rodin said. "It is so exhausting and so demanding. "But I am so committed to this University, it makes it worthwhile for me," she added. At last week's University Council meeting, University Secretary Barbara Stevens stressed the media's positive portrayal of the University. And Beck said Rodin "had a lot to do with this." National print and broadcast media have focused on the University this semester. The coverage ranged from The New York Times's profile on Rodin to Good Morning America's portrayal of a fall day on Locust Walk. And Chodorow said his "open and forthright" discussions with the Student Committee on Judicial Reform marked a positive aspect of his first term. "I hope to reach a broader array of students and student opinion [next semester]," he said. Despite slow progress and lack of concrete results, the semester's positive aspects led Rodin and Chodorow to label their first term in office a success. But the two promised even greater accomplishments in the months ahead.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
While students spend the last few weeks of December thinking about reuniting with high school friends and eating home-cooked meals, University administrators and faculty members are hoping for something a little bit different. University President Judith Rodin said she has two wishes for the coming year. "I hope it's a year of success for the University and for everyone in it, and a year in which the community feels satisfied and safe," she said. College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robert Rescorla said he is looking for a little change of scenery. "I'd like them to move the College office onto the center of campus where it should properly symbolize the centrality of undergraduate education," he said. Provost Stanley Chodorow said he is hoping to spend time focusing on his research. "I would like three to four hours a week in the library to do work on my field," he said. School of Engineering and Applied Science Dean Gregory Farrington also had a list of wishes for 1995. "Next fall, I want all freshmen not to walk in clusters so I won't know who they are," Farrington said. "Liberate the University from the clusters of freshmen!" Farrington also hopes to have a more open forum with the faculty in his school. "I wish the faculty members to all be very, very reasonable and to come in to me and say, one after another, 'Hey, I've got a great idea, and I've got all the money I need to make it happen,' " he said. "If they do that, I will need a personal brass band in my office." Athletic Director Steve Bilsky said he has high hopes for his department next year. "My wish would be for a lot of victories, no injuries and everybody [to be] on the dean's list," he said. Institute of Contemporary Art Director Patrick Murphy said he is looking forward to the holiday break. "[I wish for] a restful and replenishing time for everyone," he added. "For myself -- to get down to read a few novels." Farrington ended his wish list with a plea that echoes many students' sentiments. "May I go through the entire year without anyone thinking I really work at Penn State," he said.
