Pennsylvania State University at Capitol Campus INC 111 Ire CI Volume 16, N 0.4 New SGA President Calls For More Involvement By Phil Intrieri Walk in the student government suite, knock on the first door on the right, and you are greeted with a smile by an athletic, red-haired guy of 24. "Hi, c'mon in," he says, as he extends his hand. "I'm Tom Halley, the new S.G.A, president." But to call Tom new as S.G.A. presi dent does not mean he is new to student government -- he gained experience last year as a senator. It was during his term as senator that he decided he'd like to be at the helm. At the time, he was unsure of specific priorities. "I wanted to get things done," he says with a firm conviction. "I wanted to see how well student government could work for the students." Being by trade a student journalist and by nature a cynic, I've always had the same perception of one who runs for elec tive office: they are self-righteous, with an intense desire to have their ego en dorsed by the votes of their peers. And here was another politician, talking about "a really good year." Spend five minutes with Tom, however, and he quickly erases such doubts. This is a man of action. His ability to lead is apparent. Halley was a former sergeant and work crew leader for the Air Force. One cannot help but be impressed with his sincerity. When asked to sum up in general terms what he expects to ac complish, Tom leans forward eagerly in Accounting Options Becoming Limited students in the Accminting Option will be finding that many courses they hoped to take are not and will not be offered in the near future (through Summer Term 1983). This fact is evident by just looking at the proposed courses posted in the hall outside room E-355. Students in the Accounting Option must take Introduction to Accounting I and II (as must all Business majors), In termediate Accounting I, 11, and 111, and Cost Accounting. Accounting majors must also take at least two other accoun ting courses from the following list: Income Tax Accounting Accounting Internship Advanced Accounting Advanced Tax Accounting Auditing Auditing II Government Accounting Seminar in Accounting ' Advanced Cost Accounting Herein lies the problem. Of the above list, Accounting Internship is offered once a year in the Winter Term although special arrangements can be made for other terms. The only other courses pro posed for the next year are Income Tax "All the news that fits we print" his chair ana says nrmly, "I want to see activities go like gang-busters on this campus. I want to bring Penn State good entertainment and interesting cultural events. I want to get people involved." Getting people involved seems to be the name of the game at C. C., where students are notoriously absent from some excellent productions and cultural events. Some may think the main reason for student apathy is the large number of commuting students. Students who, when their classes are over, simply hop in their cars and go home. The problem is not that simple, though, as Tom points out. "Quite a large number of our students work full or part-time. They just don't have the time or energy to participate fully in campus activities. It's the same for returning women," he says understandably. "Many have husbands and small children who demand their at tention. It's hard. to attend classes, do homework, care for a family, and also have the time and resources for extra curricular campus activities." There is no easy answer to the pro blem. "It's a shame," Tom laments. "The purpose of going to school is to learn. But learning is more than just tests and term papers. It is also interac ting with people -- especially people dif ferent from ourselves. One way to ex perience this interaction is to participate in social functions." IOM is cuiument, however, that stu- Accounting (which will be offered 3 times), Advanced Tax Accounting (which will be offered Summer Term 1983), and Auditing (which will be of fered 4 times). Students are concerned about this lack of advanced course offerings. Jeffrey R. Updegraff, a 9th term accounting major says that he is "paying to take upper division courses (and that) they are not being offered (with the exception of Ad vanced Tax)." He goes on to say that he "could have taken the same courses...at HACC for much (less money)." He fur ther states that he spoke with Dr. Bleau, the Division Coordinator, who explained the lack of advanced courses as being due to lack of qualified instructors. Jef frey feels that the budget for accounting should be increased "so that they can hire the qualified personnel." In the meantime he is applying for prior ap proval to take courses and transfer the credits from the University Center in Harrisburg. Susan Marshall, an Bth term accounting major has similar concerns. She points out that "according to the PSU Capitol Campus catalog, three of (the See Pa _e2 dent indifference can be overcome. "Student leaders have to get involved. There are many clubs here on campus. They cover a wide range of interests. And each has its own president, organization and budget. There are also faculty organization committees of which students are members. In my opi nion, the potential for student involve ment is enormous." How does Tom see his role as head stu dent leader? "I like to think of myself as a direct liason between the students and the ad ministration." In that capacity, he stresses accessibility. "If anyone has a gripe, he is welcome to bring it to student government. If the problem is legitimate, there's a good chance they'll get a positive response." What other responsibilities does the President have? "One thing I do is coordinate proposals generated by the student government for campus improvement. I 'work closely with the Director of Student Affairs, Dr. South." One project in the planning stages to day is the proposal to revitalize the Stu dent Center. Mention this, and Tom im mediately pulls a sheaf of papers from the top drawer of his desk. The blueprints show an ambitious plan. Imagine yourself strolling into the Stu dent Center. On your left are five video games lining the wall. (Tom is unsure whether one will be Pac-Man). Turning Diane Buhay clowns at C right, you bump into two new ping-4=g tables. Skirting those obstacles, you walk to the juke box and play a tune. Turn right again, and a dartboard springs up. In the middle is a spanking new pool table. And you are walking on fresh carpet. It certainly sounds inviting. "There is also a plan to annex the storage room next to the Student Center and create a study area," says Tom. "There will be new furniture, tables and two typewriters for the students to use." Regrettably, it is by no means certain that money will be available for the renovation. Because of this problem, the student government has conceived an in genious plan to share the costs with University Park. In short, if State Col lege will pay for remodeling of the building, the Capitol Campus student government will pay for the games in side. In ToM's opinion, tight money is one of the most critical issues facing students today. "With budget cuts, more students have to work to put themselves through school. This not only hinders their schoolwork, but also hinders their par ticipation in activities. It's unfortunate. If students could relax, whether at a guest lecture or a beer party, they would learn better." Is there any message he'd like to give to the students of Capitol Campus? Tom thinks only for a moment, and then speaks, tapping his index finger on the'desk for emphasis. "Get involved." pitol Campus Health Fair 22 May 1982
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