CAPITOL CAMPUS READER Vol. 7 No. 14 Capitol Campus Penn State University `Growing Pains' Cited Basketball By Ed McKeown Recently, the Capitol Campus varsity basketball team was awestruck by the suspension of two players from further varsity competition. The reason for their suspension was that their grade point averages had dropped below 2.0. The two players, Virgil Jules and Rick Klotz, were both starters for the team and were immediately declared ineligible for the remainder of the season. Both players found it hard to believe, and both thought that the timing of the enforcement of the edict was unfortunate. When asked his opinion of the matter, Virgil Jules stated that "it was cheap, they should have informed me earlier in the term." Rick Klotz concurred with Virgil's Monday Surprise Capitol Campus received a surprise Monday when a bomb threat was phoned in to the Public Information Office at 12:01 p.m. According to Sue Olmsted of the Public Information Office, the caller simply stated that there was a bomb in the school and hung up. The fire alarm in the main (Olmstead) building was activated at 12:20 p.m. and everybody was evacuated. Shortly thereafter, notices were posted at all entrances of the building that stated that a bomb threat had been received and that it was the option of each individual to return to the building, and that the building was not to be closed. Officer Paul, head of security for Capitol, stated that the call v. as probably a hoax, although a search of the building was being conducted. He said that if the decision was made by the Administration Officials, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team would be called in from Indiantown Gap Army Reservation. Many students, faculty, and staff members elected to return to the building and continue operations, while others decided to take advantage of the sunny day and go home. Also, some staff offices were closed for part of the day. A search of the building, which continued until 11 p.m. Monday evening, did not yield any suspicious objects. As a result of the bomb threat, several weaknesses in the contingency plan for this type of threat have been identified. A comprehensive review of the plan is now ongoing, and any suggestions or comments for improve ments, preferably written, will be accepted by the Office of Student Affairs, according to James D. South, director. opinion of the timing of the decision. He exclaimed that he was "pissed off!" Rick wanted answers to some questions that he had about the situation. They were primarily concerned with the reasoning behind the dismissal. In the cases of both players, anger at the suspension was expressed not about the decision itself but about its handling and timing. When they were informed of the termination of their collegiate basket ball careers only 18 days remained in the season. Both players failed to see any reason behind the enforcement of regulations at that particular time. As for Rick Klotz, he had an additional reason to be extremely upset. This term is his last term at Capitol Campus. Rick was asked to sit Traffic Code Enforced; Stiff Fines Possible Questionable traffic codes which include right-of-way to pedestrians and handicapped parking have been clarified by Security Chief James Paul. The Campus Security Police have started enforcing a Pennsylvania law that says drivers must yield the right of way to• pedestrians who are crossing streets at marked crosswalks or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. A pedestrian could also be fined if he should suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute a hazard. The law, which has been in effect Players Suspended out the summer and fall terms so that he could participate during the winter term when the bulk of the schedule is played. Thus, he could have opted to continue attending school, graduated, and be out working for a living already. As far as he is concerned, it was his assumption that he would be able to play basketball the entire year. However, an abrupt halt was put on that assumption. The person directly involved in starting the wheels turning was Mary Gundel, Director of Admissions. In an interview with a C.C. Reader staff member, Ms. Gundel indicated that the issue was brought about as a result of inquiry by some students. She indicated that they wanted to know how players with G.P.A.'s below 2.0 could continue to compete for the since July 1, 1977 was being enforced by warning notices but Commonwealth traffic citations are now being issued to violators. Persons found guilty of the violation will be paying $35 and will be assessed two points. Chief Paul said, "As long as the vehicle operator and the pedestrian are considerate and remember common courtesy to each other there will be no problem". He said pedestrians should show courtesy by standing away from a curb if they have no intention to cross or a pedestrian could wave a motorist on. He emphasized that the violations are especially frequent at the crosswalks behind the main building 4.0": EnaMl!nMi=zi naMitIUM Consequently, Ms. Gundel decided that she would attempt to ascertain that knowledge and find out the truth of the matter. So, in reviewing the issue, Ms. Gundel became concerned with some university rules and regulations contained in the Student Handbook of Rules and Regulations concerning the eligibility of varsity competitors. There it was indicated that in order for an individual to be eligible to participate in a varsity sport, he or she must be a full-time, undergraduate degree candi date and have a grade point average above 2.0. Hence, an investigation of the basketball team's academic standings was brought about. (Continued on page 7) Dim M:=l=l which lead to or from the parking lot. There was also a prevision made on July 1, 1977 that gives lower Swatara ibwnship Police and Pennsylvania State Police jurisdiction on all roads on campus. Although this provision is in effect, Paul said, "To my knowledge there have been no traffic or parking citations issued on campus by township or state police". The township and state police can issue citations for all driving regulations except those regarding campus parking. Parking in the handicapped spaces in front of the main building constitutes a Com monwealth offense and will result i,r a $25 fine. Feb. 23, 1978 =MEM
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