The capitolist. (Middletown, Pa.) 1969-1973, February 24, 1971, Image 1
the CAPITOLIST Vol. 3, No. 6 Interviewer Doug Megla Doug: “What was your reaction to the article in the CAPITOLIST regarding Pat Murphy?” Dean Grimm: “I felt the article was misleading and in many places totally inaccurate. It appeared to be an emotional response.” Doug: “Since Miss Murphy was informed her contract would not be renewed, what unexpected events have happened?” Dean Grimm: “I knew there would be concern but I did not feel it would be quite so volitile. I felt this was in large part, due to many of the statements made in the CAPITOLIST.” Doug: “What is your feeling about student reaction to Miss Murphy’s dismissal?” Dean Grimm: “I am quite heartened by the interest students have demonstrated in a matter which directly affects them. For four years this office has been encouraging students to be involved. I think it shows that Capitol students are becoming more aware and concerned. As is too often the case, many individuals have not taken the time to learn the facts. Their reaction has been an emotional one. I believe that we will have a better campus if the enthusiasm shown here can be continued and reinforced with rational and positive programs.” Doug: “What is the present situation with regard to Miss Murphy?” Dean Grimm: “As of today (February 19) the matter is still under review.” Doug: “Will Miss Murphy’s job be changed if her resignation is not accepted?” Dean Grimm: “As is the case every year, there will be some realignment if the responsibilities of all personnel in Student Affairs. Two of the problems which must be considered next year are a full-time undergraduate enrollment of almost 1600 and the fact that some staff members are requesting or planning to request leave for graduate study.” Doug: “What are the main reasons students have been uptight about Miss Murphy?” Dean Grimm: “Miss Murphy and I have talked together about this. I feel some students have come to see Miss Murphy as a friend while others have attached themselves to this cause mainly to achieve changes in the University.” Doug: “Do you think the students are sincere?” Dean Grimm: “For the most part, yes.” Doug: “Why wasn’t the Student Affairs Committee informed about office changes?” Dean Grimm: “In the past the Committee has not questioned changes in the internal operations of the office of Student Affairs. The relocation of the Financial Aid Counselor to the Academic Services Office and the initial phase of our plan to improve the services we provide the students by forming an office specifically designated as a center for Grimm Responds To "Nittany Screw” DR. JOHN GRIMM—Dean of Students gives his views on the Nittany Screw to CAPITOLIST reporter Doug Megla. student activities programs are two examples. Based on the interest the Committee has now demonstrated, I shall look to them for added input.” Doug: “What changes are actually going to take place in Student Affairs?” Dean Grimm: “Throughout this year we have been taking steps which would more effectively strengthen student life programs at Capitol. For instance, we have developed a monthly campus calendar of events in conjunction with the weekly Hot Lion. We have focused attention on the development of a student activities and organization center which includes organization offices, television viewing area, and a lounge to encourage interaction among students and between students and staff. As our campus has developed, we have perceived a need for more support in the two prime areas of student activities programs. Another individual has worked with other student service areas. We recognize a need for an additional staff member in the Student Activity Office because of the increase in the number of students and campus organizations. In the area of residence programs, we find the need for an individual with experience in the development of new and unique residence facilities and programs. Through a reassignment of responsibilities we can accomplish these changes without adding additional personnel.” Doug: “Why weren’t student ideas solicited regarding Student Affairs changes?” Dean Grimm: “Student ideas "All The News That Fits .... We Print" CAPITOL CAMPUS - MIDDLETOWN, PA are constantly being solicited. Student input does not necessarily have to be formal. Members of the Student Affairs staff are in contact with students on a daily basis attempting to discover areas requiring development. Recently a letter was sent to all organization presidents asking them to suggest services which could be provided by the Student Activities Office.” Doug: “Is there anything you want to tell students?” Dean Grimm: “In the five years I have been at Capitol I have sincerely attempted to develop a Student Affairs program which would enable every student to realize the most from his two years spent on campus. Some attempts have been successful; and some not. As I examine the present and look into the future, I see a need for new programs and individual staff members with different abilities and experiences. I also see a need for greater emphasis or student participation in all phases of student life. Recognizing student interest and concern, I propose that a committee of students be formed immediately to provide direct student input into the Office of Student Affairs. Composed of one student from each undergraduate academic program, this group would be involved in the operation of the Student Affairs Office. It would be concerned with programs, policies and staff development. The student body can utilize any method of selection it might desire if this idea is accepted. To speed the formation of this committee I suggest that the junior senator from each program appoint a representative. The intent of this committee is not to bypass the existing Faculty Student Affairs Committee but rather to compliment its efforts and provide for a more direct means of student involvement. “Together, students, faculty and staff comprise our college community. Together is how we learn and grow.” Murphy Decision Set For March 5 Interview Pat Murphy and Doug Megla Doug: “Could you tell me some of the events that have taken place since our last interview?” Pat: “I had a meeting with Dr. Grimm. I did hand in a resignation. There were reasons for that, mainly 1 got a little scared.” Doug: “Is there any information you’d like to relate to the students?” Pat: “I am convinced that the resignation of Sherry and Mrs. Long were the best things for them.” Doug: “Can you give me a date when you will know Grimm’s final decision?” Pat: “From what I’ve been told in the meeting today, Dr. Grimm said within two weeks from today, by March sth.” Doug: “Will you stay if the administration does not accept your resignation?” Pat: “Yes, I will stay.” Doug: “How would you define the job of Student Affairs in the University?” Pat: “Well, as part of the university family I think we can be a liason between the students and the faculty and to serve the out-of-class needs of students to serve an educational function, giving them directions in how to handle their out-of-class lives, channeling them into their special interest areas so they can learn and grow from them.” Students Attend Convention Lee Levan, Dave Stacks, and Barbara Brown, all Capitol Students attended the national convention of the College Young Democrats on February 12, 13, and 14th in Saint Louis, Missouri. The convention is the annual meeting of Young Democrats from college throughout the United States. Lee and Barbara are Social Science seniors, and David is a Social Science junior. Lee is also president of the SGA. David is the president of the Young Democrats Organization of Capitol Campus. All three students are looking forward to the State CYD meeting which will be held at University Park this weekend. February 24, 1971 Ten Outstanding College Girls Chosen Karen Johnson, a junior here at Capitol Campus, was selected to represent this campus in Glamour Magazine’s contest to find the Ten Outstanding College Girls of 1971. Karen, a very active and involved student is corresponding secretary of the Black Student Union, a judge on the Student Court and a member of the Cheerleading Squad. She is an Elementary Education major and plans to work in the field of counseling. She has worked with children in tutoring programs such as Operation Out Reach and in day care centers and camps. The Ten Outstanding College Girls of 1971 will be photographed by leading New York photographers and featured in Glamour’s August College Issue. During summer vacation the ten winners will be invited to New York to meet the Glamour staff. Last year the winners were the guests of the magazine for a nip io Spain anu Portugal. Semi-finalists will be chosen by the end of February and on March 15, the ten winners will be announced. Karen will be competing with winners from campuses all across the United States. We’d like to wish you the best of luck Karen, and let you know that all of us at Capitol are hoping for your success. PSU LONDON TRIP The UDG (Undergraduate Student Government) of Penn State is sponsoring a trip to London for $199. complete. The eight day vacation is available to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families, and coincides with this year’s Winter Term Break. The flight will leave New York City March 23 and return March 30, 1971. The price includes round trip airfare via SAS DC-8 jet, airport transfers, hotel with private bath, chartered sightseeing, and two theatre tickets of your choice. There are still plenty of seats available, but allow four weeks for obtaining your passport. For more information pick up a flyer at in the Student Activities Office, room W-105 building or call David Dallas at (814) 237-8653, between 3 and 12 p.m. HOT LINE 944-1033