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