Page Two .....:.''...,.,:.':'.,....:.:': . '::.... , .'...'.....0p; , .N1.'0.': . :,N..':,..'...: , ..:..p'A0.g:.._.... : .' . .'':.:....''i.'.''''' : ..:' Letters Student Attacks Tenure Policy Dear Editor: For those of you who haven't heard, Dr. Phillip lobst, a philosophy teacher at Behrend, was recently denied tenure. If you have never heard of tenure, it is simply this: tenure is awarded according to certain university guidelines after a teacher has served here for seven years. It's a process by which the university decides who it wishes to retain on a permanent basis. Ideally, this enables the elimination of unqualified per sonnel, and the protection of qualified instructors. . Because of the university's policy of giving a teacher one year's notice before termination, the evaluation is done by the end of the sixth year. The evaluation is divided into four categories: 1. Teaching Ability. 2. Research competence. 3. Scholarship and Mastery of Subject Matter. 4. College and Community Service. From my impression of the four categories it seems the first and third should be the most important. Let me reflect for a moment on why Dr. lobst was denied tenure. He was evaluated at two levels, committees at Behrend, and committees at University Park. The committees at Behrend only pass on recommendations, all of which were favorable in this case. His denial came from University Park. As for his teaching ability, the men at State College have never seen him in class. Specifically, he was denied tenure according to points two and three. On point three, the committee and I differ on in terpretation. Research Competence: Dr. lobst has done a small number of research papers. They were sent away to professional in his field for critical evaluation. The reply was "good work," i.e. competent. The problem with number two, according to the committee, is that he hasn't done enough. Scholarship and Mastery of Subject Matter: To me this sounds like "does he know philosophy?" Let me give you Webster's definition: Scholar, a learned person, one Dear Editor: "Four Presidents Four?" Editor's note: This new column is devoted to viewpoints of the supposedly lunatic fringe. However, the author of each letter, in order to protect a certain staffwriter, will remain anonymous. Dear Editor: It seems to me that the current leaders in the bid for the Democratic Presidential Nomination: President Carter, Ted Kennedy, and Gerry Brown, could easily solve their political problems. All we have to do is divide the Executive Branch into four governing categories: one president for the Northern, Southern, Midwestern and Western regions of 'Mainland ' trained in a special branch of learning, as literature, arts, etc. Dr. lobst has a Ph.D. in Philosphy. Scholarly, having or showing much knowledge, accuracy, and critical ability. Professionals in his field can't fault him on quality. Scholarship, the systemized knowledge of a learned man, exhibiting accuracy, critical ability, and thoroughness; erudition. The committee at Penn State interprets number three to mean publications! There are a couple of things I'd like to say about how publications might affect the teacher's relation with his students. If you could find good teachers who also publish con sistently, that would be fine. However, this strikes me as being utopian. Secondly, we've all been forced to write papers. The key to any good work is inspiration! Dr. lobst is capable of publishing, and he'd say something worth hearing. But instead, he says something worth hearing everyday in class. What is the ultimate benefit of having teachers who publish and a system like tenture to get rid of them if they don't? In the first place, it adds stature to the university to have publications signed Dr. of Philosophy, Penn State University. Secondly, if they get rid of him, there are plenty of young Ph.D's looking for work people who will work for less because they have seven year's less ex perience. This has a double ef fect; the college saves money and the students lose a man with valuable experience as a teacher and advisor. Here is a man who devotes himself to his purpose, the education of students. He doesn't act as if "I'm the teacher, you're the student, therefore I'm always right and you're wrong." He knows that learning isn't cut and dried; it goes both ways. He is a dedicated and devoted man and teacher exactly the kind of professor a place like Behrend ought to keep. Not only does Phil lobst lose his job, students lose tOOO. because after this year Behrend students will not have the benefit of such U.S.A., (Alaska and Hawaii can become resort states if they want to). Ted Kennedy can have the North, President Carter the South, Gerry Brown the West, and any of the many Republican Presidential Candidates can take care of the Midwest. Lets call him "Whatshisname." This new system would allow each region of the country a president to their liking. However, they shouldn't be allowed to occupy the same capital building. Jimmy Carter should have the White House (he earned that at least). In Boston, any of the Kennedy mansions will do for Teddy. In Los Angeles, a very.MOdest.shack could be built : for Gerry. 'to accomModate his Behrend Collegian an exceptional professor. The students are losing a great motivational device, because that's what he does, motivates people. He motivates not only on an academic level, but on a personal level as well. He teaches you "how to think" as opposed to "what to think." I recall the first time I had him. I went in there not knowing what philosophy was and convinced I was going to be bored to death. After the first two weeks I was ready to declare Philosophy as a minor, if they had such a thing. To date I've earned 15 credits in philosophy, all because of Phil lobst. A good teacher makes any course relevant to the student, and that's what Phil lobst does best. After not receiving tenure at Penn State, he can almost forget another teaching job. He'll probably change fields, but whatever he does, he will be missed by those who've known him at Behrend. When this kind of thing hap pens, it's time for the students to get involved. There is a petition on campus; sign it and maybe we can keep this unique personality on Behrend soil. Jim Greenman Bth Term Political Science A Word Or Thanks Dear Editor Friday, September 28, 1979 is a day that will not be quickly forgotten by the second and third floor Lawrence residents. The rain began during the night and by 5 A.M. the first early risers were greeted by an un believable sight. Water, pouring down the walls and out of the ceiling tiles, was quickly turning the halls into rivers. Students began grabbing cans and buckets to catch the deluge and stuffing towels underneath doorsills in a vain attempt to prevent seepage into their rooms. Throughout the long morning the residents never quit working in order to help control the amount of water on the floors, some even cutting classes or giving up valuable study hours, to assist the Housing and Food Service staff. Housing and Food Service wishes to acknowledge the assistance of this cheerful crew and to thank them for lending a hand to our staff. The damage would have been far worese if not for their diligence. Sincerely, Marjorie Taylor Bill McGee Susan Hansen Carl Miller Spartan leanings. And as for Whatshisname, the Republican Midwesterner, we should let him fend for himself. Each member of the "Four Presidents Four", arrangement could serve for at most eight years. At the termination of their terms they could shift positions - and start all over again. That way we could have a continuous supply of presidents and not worry about elections. The major responsibilities of the four presidents would be to make speeches .at college graduation ceremonies, prove they are Physically fit by jogging in scuba gear, and pose sideways often to see which president would look best on a coin. Of course this is just my own view, but I think history will prove me right. Thank you and God :Bless. . Arionymous , , ..., t,—• - ' Leaders Conference continued from page 1 Collegian was represented by Laura Seman-Editor-in-Chief, Melvin Andreson-President of the American Black Collegians, and Wilbur Walls-President of the Power Volleyball Club. At this conference, student leaders were allowed a unique opportunity to question Behrend administrators: During one of the sessions Dean Fox revealed many impending changes for Behrend. Tuition will increase next year by at least 5 per cent, the Commuter Cafeteria will undergo a major renovations, all campus buildings (with a few exceptions) will be kept at a maxium of 65 degrees F. during the, winter, and at present the renovating of Erie Hall is a distinct possibility. He indicated that Behrend's Advisory Board could be motivated into action if Behrend students are willing to act with them. In regard to Penn State's controversial tenure policy, Dean Accounting Club News Sunday was a perfect Autumn day and the Accounting Club made good use of it by holding a "getting-acquainted" picnic. There was plenty of food, and good company to go with it. Football, frisbee, a campfire and free food on a great Fall day added up to one thing: fun! Earlier in the week the club presented its first speaker for the term, Terry Kestle. Terry, the assistant controller at Union Bank, discussed accounting job opportunities and functions in a modern banking system. Terry also talked about the controller's vital influence for the bank's future success. Bank accounting seems more interesting and important after hearing Terry's talk. Now that first exams have been given in Accounting 101 and 201, more students are interested in the tutor program. The hours are as follows: Monday, sth period, Behrend 143, M, T, TH, 7-8:30 p.m. Turn ball 205. . If you need help come on down and give us a try. That's what we're there for. Sehrtuti t ellt4iau glis Press Asserhatint Russ Miller Photography Editor Mary Miseta Daie Clingerman Kris Karmazon' Ann Karmazon Michael Callaghar Lonnie Gilbert Tom Tyne Mailing Address-Behrend College, Station Road, Erie, Pa. 16563 Office-Student Offices, Reed Union Building Office Hours: 9'oo a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri. Phone 898-1511 Ext. 238 Opinions expressed. by the editors and staff of the Behrend Collegian are not necessarily those of the University Ad ministration, faculty, or the student body. Fox mentioned that a committee had been set up to review this policy. However, any findings of this committee will not be con sidered for at least eight years. A main concern of the student leaders, was the lack of com munication between students, organizations and the ad ministration. They hoped to bridge that gap by frequent contact with the various student media. (i.e. the Behrend Collegian, the 5.1.5., the Radio Station, WBCR, and the SUB) , but more importantly, person to person communication. They view this as the key in getting students involved and thus moving. their organizations forward. The comment of Christopher Warren, a member of the Joint Resident Council, sums up what most of the participants at the conference felt, "I found it to be an informative experience in the sense that the process of leading a group was into a much clearer focus." Unquestionably continued from page 1 numbers, and innermost thoughts of listeners. He uses hypnotism to unleash his sub ject's inhibitions—within the bounds of good taste and while showing respect for the privacy and dignity of his audience. Gil Eagles was born and raised in Tanganyika, East Africa, then later educated in London. It was while living in Africa that Eagles is said to have discovered, at age - 13, his sensitivity with clair voyance. Fluent in Swahili, Eagles was able to practice his mental abilities with the natives of East Africa before moving to the United States in 1960. For over twelve years Mr. Eagles has been an avid exponent of the use of Hypno-therapy in the medical and psychiatric professions. His Self Hypnosis and Mind Control seminar workshops also have been receiving wide attention. Lambda Sigma continued from page 1 Halloween, a 30 hr. Dance Marathon tentatively scheduled for November; and Valentine Singing in February. The society also prepares CARE packages, sponsors mug sales, and plans to offer a scholarship contest. Member of Laura Seman Editor-in-chief Pat Sedlak News Editor Ron Williams Karen Tyler Joy Savage Dena Spence Marc Woytowich Joe Holman Eugene Grygo September 4, 1979
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers