PAGE FOUR Editorial Opinion Analysis of Party; . Today. we are presenting our views on the platforms for all-University office. We propose to change our present obsolete grading systein to a more realistic and fair one, under ; Which the student will receive a grade equivalent to that which he has actually earned. Under the present system" an average between 80 and 89 is assigned a 3.00. Under' our plan an 80 would equal a 3.00, an 87 a 3.70, and sciforlh. 'Although University party candidates claim that this plan can be implemented, it would' take a considerable amount of research to determine whether professors can actually_differentiate between a grade of!say 86 and 87. No doubt many professors who give objective tests will find it difficult to assign grades to the nearest iSer ,centage point, but in the case of subjective or essay exams it would be virtually impossible to deterininel a student's grade precisely. i i i I Even if all professors could assess a student's grade to the nearest percentage point, this plan wo ldn't be feasible for students already attending the Univ ity because the present system and the proposed syst ,rn aren't math ematically compatible. 1 If the pr6posed plan were adopted iti would be neces sary to have two grading systems operatibg sitilultaneous ly, since the new system couldn't be used! for old students. This would require most instructors to employ two systeMs of grading. • . , • j More important than ,the technic 41 difficulties jof implementing this proposed change in t4'gracling system, we strongly believe that this plan would undermine the basic duty and purpose of a University by increasing the emphasis on grades. 1 University is a place to learn, not a place to earn gra3es. We feel that a good way to boost Penn S t ate spirit is to,give recognition to alumni who have been outstanding. We propose to do this in, the following way: •Placing a portrait with a synopsis of the lindividuars Pena State and later accomplishments on the walls of campus buildings. • Although we agree that student spirit could use a shot in the arm, we do not feel the proposed "alim gallery" will accomplish this feat. • •Producing ainovie featuring our allimni which would be shown to all incoming freshmen. We're rather skeptical about this. 'What would the movie show? What would the alumni be doinglin theifilm? It seems that this movie could turn intOl a "hammy" production that would promote more ridicule than sincere school spirit. •Promote a periodic feature in the Collegian devoted to our outstanding alumni. A good idea and we'd be glad to cooperate. We propose to establish a Student ; Opinion Bureau. which would contact students at random by phone to determine students' feelings on pertinent subjects concern ing the USG Congress. The present system of representation in "USG Congress was painstakingly developed in an attempt ti) make each Congressman truly represent the 500 sttidens in his con stituency. 1 ' It is the job of each Congressman and not a proposed • superstructure to determine and evaluate the opinions of his constituency.. I J - •' The USG shall sponsor a regular cclumia devoted to USG activity in the Collegian. I 1 We will support anything that will further interest and foster support for USG, so we will be happy to accept • such a column in the form of an advertiserhent. - Prompting the installation of phones io make free off-campus calls from centrally located areas. and the installation of additional residence hail lObby phones where needed. Good idea. , . We propose to publicize the procedures of our student Judicial and tribunal systems. This would include ifform ing the students of their rights and of the prs;cedure to be used before, during, and after the hearing. This is good, but much more is needed n this, area. We are very sorry that University party doesn't have any "thing to say about rectifying the present judicial system, which is often undemocratic and poorly administered., We propose that women 21 years I old and over be permitted 'to visit apartments in town.. We strongly endorse this proposal. A change in the Senate regulations has been proposed several times in the past, but the out-dated rule still stands. We feel dvery effort to modernize the apartment ruling should be ade. We would like to sponsor an all-University Work day at Stone, Valley. 1 _ _ • Although this would entail a huge organizational job, it might be feasible if the project were Spread out over a longer period ortime. ) _. ... _ 1 We propose to sponsor transportation i to and from Stone Valley, We endorse this idea. 1 ! We propose to take a survey to dternxlne area,: of recreation in which students desire initruction. We feel enough' outlets are already iavagable for; stu . (Continued on cogs eight) j Univeisity THE DAILY COLLEGIAN, UNIVERSITY PARK. PENNSYLVANIA Platforms • Campus-Liberal We propose the' establishment of a more cloiely knit men and women's cou ncil in ; order to further facilitate social and onier activities. This broad, n(i)ulous proposal, if adopted, would overlap the present efforts of other organizations such as thZ locM. AWS councils and the men's area councils. We believe the:HUB offers many opportunities for a social and recreational activity board. Are favor a stlident-run HUB board which would coordinate present social and recreational activities, and sponsor others:such as dances.- We propose the t establishment of a doctor in residence at Ritenour Health'benter and the establishment of full dental<care. . . We agree. But,' we also realize that the health center operated in The "red" last year. Therefore, we strongly urge that the University allocate more money for. the health center, so Utley can maintain a doctor on duty at night and expand: their dental' facilities. Because this requires administrative and not student government action, we feel the USG should strongly urge action in this area, - We propbse establishment of a policy wherein , women over 21 'liars of age will be allowed in men's apartments under the stipulation that they have had no previous offense iu this area. slates We propose to. establish Penn State's participation In NSA (National Student Association) in order to make full use of its adiantaves such as a textbook Afscount of 10-20 per cent and partipation in the national student move ment. Many of the stervices offered member schools by NSA such as a low-cost trip to Europe,' surveys on college organizations and identification cards for student rates in Europe can be had, through other channels open to non members. The , NSA claims to be the voice of the students of America. Howeve'r, due to its representative organization, The opinions and policies it endorses represent the opinion of the majority of, its members only., NSA offers member schools a 10 to 20 per cent discount on textbooks ordered through its mail-order book service. We approve of the possible discount but question the efficiency of a mail-order system with the frequent text purchase required - by the four-term plan. We recommend that the exclusive benefits of member ship in NSA be carefully weighed against the expenses involved and a.careful study of the pros and cons of mem bership made by USG before any action is taken. We propose the establishtnent of due process in die= ciplinary action. - As explained by candidates running on this platforM, this plank proposes that students be informed of their rights and privileges prior to appearing before judicial board. We believe the plank completely misses the point in the discussion of the student disciplinary system. We strongly believe a complete revision of the system, as is now being studied by both a USG committee and the Senate Committee on Student Affairs, should be made to give students a snore democratic disciplinary system. We - propose the continuation and expansion of the transportation faCilities for the students of Penn State. We endorsed; this plan when it was presented to USG for consideration and believe that it is basically a good idea.. The instigalion of direct bus service to several of the largest cities of he state is being planned for the end of this term. We criticize this plank, however, for it seeks to take credit for things that have already been planned with out defining an eXtension to these achievements. listeners. Again, this is a plan that has already been considered by USG. We continue to support this idea, the feasibility of which is now being studied by a USG committee. We believe This plank is useless as it stands. It gives no indication. • his to how such a proposal could be implemented. ng 1962 Spri presented by both slates of candidates running We support this plank which is endorsed by both We propose to expand WDFM's facilities to AM WEDNESDAY. APRIL 25. '1962 ' I , Letters Baker Car4idacy Supported • TO THE EDITOR: Since it is election time again in the Nit tany Valley, we students are being ;subjected .. to another • harrage of propaganda con cerning; candidates and plat-• forms. I would like to ask my fellow students to consider two criteriai in comparing the USG vice Presidential candidates. These !criteria are initiative and experience. ' . . Because your time is limited, and yoU are probably hurrying to clasies I will. discuss only Morris Baker. Besides, if there is any point in favor of George Gordon, he has yet to show it to us. The University party vice presidehtial candidate, Morris Baker,has experience ' all •of i which s too vast to mention. Therefore I will only men- lion al small part of his ex- ; ecutive training. Baker is cur rently president of the Liberal Arts Student Council, was vice president of this Council, and was chairman of the most sue eessfull Frosh-more Duo that was ever held. Mr. Baker has' shown la great deal of initiative in these positions. He has also shown his fel low stndents that he is inter-.' ested in their benefit by 'visit ing the Pennsylvania Budget :1 Department in -Harrisburg—to I i find out hoW Penn State can': get the funds that it needs' and is; entitled to as a state i; university. - This is something!! that toot his time and personal Baker has also written - to more, than seventy-five other: schools in order to compare;; grading systems. He has taken;! special precautions to irisurel, the feasibility Of his proposal beforelhe presented it to those.. whom Ihe wishes to represent.]: Baker can lead the students, at Penn State and he has. Vote' for him so that he can continue to do so. —Jack Talmer '64 THE , DAILY COLLEGIAN Successor ;ta THE FREE LANCE. sat. Int Published Pasadar through Saturday miming' Industrie during the University year by the staff et The Daily Conceals of The Pennsylvania State University - Entered as &dead-chase matter July 1. 1911. at the State College. Pa.. Pod Offies under thelaet of &larch 1. 1879 ih/kE STIU.. • P1TC1411 , 16 RI6fIT, CHARLIE Yo RE sTILLTNRCONG THE BALL SO THAT WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HIT 6 IT, IT 5R465 OUR HANDS THAT CAN BECOME VERY , AWNING! •" • r". 4 o ;' I. ...a. 4•-•-•••• of • g ti A I WO LiV/1 Erl52:J
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers