Editorial opinion
It's about time doors stopped
slamming in students' faces.
University committees labeled
as "advisory" repeatedly use their
titles as shields against students
and the press, holding closed
meetings. •
The University Council, an ad
visory board for University Presi
dent John W. Oswald and provost
James B. Bartoo, holds its meet
ings behind closed doors. And
students continue to be kept in the
dark as to what really takes place
at the meetings.
The council holds a closed
meeting and afterwards sends out
a representative to explain to the
press discussions that took place'
at the meeting. Thus, students are
denied a first-hand report of the
council's activities.
The University Council mem
bers say that because their com
"mar •TrAIGHT7 mikte, 1. HONE •ek HaDACUE „.NN
Letters to the Editor
Nature's logic
TO THE EDITOR: Wayne Chandler's letter of Apr. 4 may have
been a valid complaint about his nutrition instructor, but his
sophomoric view of the world hunger crisis irked me enough to
attempt to correct him.
Worldwide redistribution of all forms of energy, including
food energy, is a necessary next step if man is to' avoid "the
inevitable," as Mr. Chandler put it. A system based on con
sumption, such as the American system you defended, can
ultimately only destroy itself by "overstepping the limits of the
environment's ability to carry and maintain such a biomass of
energy consumers."
Rather man should follow the logic of nature and recognize
the world as a single regenerative system, which requires the
use of the "technological systems that exist in the world" to
work. Locally this might translate Into an Immediate end of the
consumption-based economy, but whatever system would
take its place would have to be superior, saving as it would so
much of the energy you invest in perpetuation of the old,
system (planned obsolescence, unfair union demands).
D.W. Wessels, Jr.
13th-general arts and sciences
Creamed
TO THE EDITOR: I recently had a bad experience with
Ritenour Health Center that I think other people should know
about. Following a cut on my foot, I went to Ritenour for
medication and they gave me a steroid cream. Inside the
package was a notice about possible ineffectiveness of these
types of creams. Further research turned up more suspicions
about this cream.
Concerned by this, I confronted the doctor, Dr. Hricko. In
response, he said I had no right to Investigate this medication,
that he was a doctor and that I had to have complete trust in
him.
• Upset by all this, I consulted the Ritenour Advisory Board
who advised me to talk to Dr. Hargleroad. He said I should
worry about whether or not I had the right kind el medication
instead of complaining about this doctor's attitude. He also
said that I would not be informed of the outcome of his in-.
vestigations, because it's an "administrative" matter.
Why are doctors like this hired to practice at our Health
II
the
day Collegian
JEFFREY HAWKES
Editor
BOARD OF MANAGERS: Sales Coordinator, Alex Barenblitt ;
Office Coordinator, Judy Stimson ; National Ad Manager, Judi
Rodrick; Layout Coordinators, Hope Goldstein, John Zurcher
BOARD OF EDITORS: EDITORIAL EDITOR, Marty Smith;
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, Sally Heffentreyer; OP-ED EDITOR,
Joanne McLaughlin; NEWS EDITOR, Mike Mentrek;
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, Dave Skidmore; CAMPUS
EDITOR, John Martellaro; COMMUNITY EDITOR, Jay Book
man; COPY EDITORS, Carl Brown Jr., Tom Erdner, Ivy
Goldberg; WIRE EDITOR, Karen Egolf; FEATURES EDITOR,
Patty Rhule; SPORTS EDITOR, Pete Dougherty; ASSISTANT
SPORTS EDITORS, Tom McNichol, Jerry Lucci; PHOTO
EDITOR, Randy Woodbury; ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS,
Ken Kasper, Tim Woodbury; GRAPHICS EDITOR, Lynne
Maimed; OFFICE MANAGER, Anita McKelvey
Grand slam
mittee takes no action, but only
makes recommendations, they
have the right to seal out report
ers.
Who gives them the right to
keep students from hearing the ad
vide given to the University presi
dent and the provost which will af
fect the students directly or in
directly?
Bartoo, the interim provost, said
yesterday that the decision to
open future meetings rests with
his as yet unknown successor.
He said most of the matters under
discussion at recent council meet
ings do not warrant secrecy.
So why does the secrecy re
main? Students have every right
to know the matters in which Os
wald and the council are involved.
Slammed doors can only lead to
suspicions on the part of the press
and the student body.
r:::=1!=
SCOTT SESLER
Business Manager
C=.l
Center? I felt his outburst was childish, and I would question
whether a doctor with this little confidence in his ability and
this much arrogance could be trusted. I would further advise ,
students to be educated health consumers. Don't let people
like Dr. Hricko scare you into "doctor worship."
Liberated mind
TO THE EDITOR: Our society has become so complex that it
cannot function effectively without a supply of educated
talent. The fields of knowledge which are the treasury of man's
experience and the methods of teaching which liven and
liberate persons must be available to all students in American
_
higher education.
As a parent and educator I must examine the opportunities
available at this institution. As a tax payer I am not willing to
compromise my commitment to quality instruction.
Therefore, I question with many others the fact that Jo'Ann
H. Farr will not be returning to the Psychology Department in
the fall. Jo Ann Farr is an innovative person with a respect for
individuality. Her own vital growth and development is only
exceeded by her affirmation of the value of other people. Only
a few educators recognize the potentialities of the - liberated
mind. Jo Ann Farr is one of these rare educators.
Why must the students next year be denied the right to
choose this professor? Am I to believe that administrative
decisions are made with undue haste and without personal
knowledge or is this institution subject to the disintegrative
forces of many other universities?
True facts
TO SHE EDITOR: After a time of listening and reading, it
becomes clear that one is not likely to get the true facts
surrounding the termination of Jo Ann Farr's employment, at
this University. A number of reasons are given to justify the
loss of Dr. Farr. Most recently, a graduate student in
psychology cited money as the determining factor (Collegian,
Apr. 6)
I've seen much money wasted at PSU, and, frankly, I'd rather
have Jo Ann Farr remain here for a bit longer than to have those
six concrete dishes (planters?) recently installed in front of the
main gate on College Avenue. I was sadly amused to be
reminded of the University's own rule . . . "namely, that in
dividuals who are directly affected by decisions should have
the opportunity to participate appropriately in making these
decisions." (Student Handbook, 1976-77, p. 28). Perhaps the
University can justify their ignoring our concerns by pointing
out that the rules do say "should" as opposed to "will."
Perhaps they think that anxious letters, petitions and articles
are appropriate enough participation for us to have in their
decision-making process.
The lack of money is not an excuse for letting someone of
proven worth (as Dr. Farr is) go. One of the many reasons I've
heard, referring to this whole mess, was also monetary in
nature, i.e. graduate students could be hired in Dr. Farr's place
and so assure continued and increased research funding from
outside sources. The truth? Your guess is as good as mine.
But, it must be obvious that there are people in power who do
not want Dr. Farr to teach here.
. I am a full-time graduate student, and I feel that the quality
of the graduate education available to me, and the options
open to anyone, will be affected by the University decision not
to rehire Dr. Farr. •
I am annoyed that what I think and what others in similar
situations may think just does not seem to matter.
Students should not be satis
fied to chalk up another slap in the
face of bureaucracy. Every two
years the University Council has
the chance to change its closed
door policy. Because no one
speaks up, every two years the
members make the same deci
sion. Reporters remain locked out,
unable to give the students an ob
jective view of the proceedings.
Council policy is a far cry from
the First Amendment which guar
antees press freedom. How can
students obtain a true view of the
policy discussions involving them
selves when the only report they
receive comes through a council
representative, giving council the
chance to pick and choose what
the students will know?
A change in policy is long over
due. Students and the press are
sick and tired of getting the grand
slam. .
British union superior to USG
By Dave Hickton
former vice president
Undergraduate Student Government
During the time that I have been here
at Exeter I have been studying the
Student Guild Association, which is the
relative equivalent organization on this
Campus to the Undergraduate Student
Government at the University.
Based on the information I have
obtained through personal interviews
with Student Guild officials, - ad
ministrators and English students and
my own experiences and judgments after
two years in USG, I have come to the
inevitable conclusion that our system is
virtually ineffectual as a provider of
student services and representation,
compared to the Student Guild.
The Guild, specifically, is the local
governing ordanization for the students
at Exeter and is part of the larger
National Union of Students (NUS) which
was initiated in 1921.
The stated objectives of the Guild, as
outlined in the student handbook are: a)
to represent the students of the
university in relations with the
university authorities, the NUS and
other bodies; b) to develop the cultur'al,
Jean C. Guertler
graduate-solid state science
Name withheld
Lois H. Thayer
Lewistown resident
social and athletic life of the students;
and c) to foster the corporate spirit of the
student body.
All Exeter students are obliged to join
the Guild for a yearly fee of about $40.80.
As a result the Guild is the official
representative of the student body. It is
responsible for all the various clubs and
social organizations on campus and it
runs all of the university athletic teams
thru the Athletic Union. The Guild also
runs several coffee and alcohol bars in
the dining halls and union buildings and
they provide a travel agency, a print
shop, a book co-op plus a welfare
service which entails legal, financial and
living advice. • .
In addition, the Guild is responsible
for all of the concerts here at Exeter. It
provides a big name band almost once a
week. Last term, for example, the
Electric Light Orchestra, T Rex, Wish
bone Ash, David Essex and the Kinks
among others played to capacity
crowds, paying ticket prices comparable
to what we pay at Penn State.
Still further, the Guild runs and oc
cupies three buildings on Campus
loaned to them by the university and
operates on a $170,000 grant from the
local education authority. The annual
Clean up the act
TO THE EDITOR: In response to the letters concerning the Farr
case. Jo Ann Farr is not the issue, only an example of our
present educational system. As a student I am paying for an
education. I am paying every teacher's salary and I want
quality!
It is evident to everyone that Farr is quality. So then, I ask
the Psychology Dept. why they are letting such a person go?
I could understand your actions If the majority of educators
in your department held such student respect, but the fact is
they do not. So either your present tenure educators clean up
their teaching act or rehire Jo Ann Farr.
Gee whiz
TO THE EDITOR: Gee whiz, fellow Penn State boys and girls,
everyone is in such a hub-bub over losing Dr. Jo Ann Farr.
Well, you know, people should not make so much of a fuss.
Golly gee, after all, Merrill Noble and all those other Important
decision makers in their big oval offices, are just trying to do
what's best for us!
Gee whilikers, I mean, Dr. Farr doesn't have that much of a
credible reputation behind her! (She has said a very nasty four
letter word which I dare not repeat here!) She also teaches the
psychology of human sexuality and, well like Ma and Dad
back home always say that kind of stuff should be taught in
the home, preferably behind CLOSED doors.
I found everything I needed to know from my parents and we
s have three kids in our family! Everyone talks about how in
telligent a teacher and how dynamic a person Dr. Farr is, well,
there would seem to be 'more important things to be con
sidered, if ourwise administrators think that Dr. Farr should be
dismissed!
My God, isn't there enough of this sex "stuff" in the movies?
Don't any of you read the Bible? Gosh!! Thank you!
Vital opinions
TO THE EDITOR: In the period of time that has passed since
the announcement that Dr. Jo Ann Farr will not be rehired by
the University I've passed through several emotions. I was
initially angry that the University would even consider not
rehiring such an excellent instructor. My anger then turned to
disbelief that the administration could overlook Dr. Farr's
well-recognized successes and choose to attend to other
issues. ‘,
Next were feelings of hopelessness, thinking that the
opinions of large groups of students would mean little when
matched against a decision made by a few administrators.
At this point, the feeling that remains is one of sadness. I'm
sad for Dr. Farr, that she Is losing a position into which she
has put so much. I'm sad for us, the students, because if Jo
Ann Farr leaves, we lose. Finally, I'm sad that in an academic
community such as Penn State, innovation, creativity and
enthusiasm are not encouraged and praised, but punished and
criticized.
I don't know how the University administrators set their
criteria for determining an instructor's responsibilities and
evaluating to what degree they are met, but I urge that they
consider the extent to which - JoAnn Farr has met the high
standards that students set in the classroom. It seems to me
that this should be the primary consideration.
If there is any doubt as to how Dr. Farr's students feel, Just
observe a class. The rooms are full, often overflowing, even
though her lecture material is npt on'the exams. If her lecture
Prnt'Weastyrigo
The Daily-Collegian encourages comments on news coverage, editorial policy and campus
and off-campus affairs. Letters should be typewritten, double spaced, signed by no more than
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standards of good taste, or if they present an opinion which may be irresponsible or libelous.
Letters should be brought to the Collegian office, 126 Carnegie, in person so proper iden
tification of the writer can be made, although names will be withheld on request. If letters are
received by mail, the Collegian will contact the signer for verification before publication.
Letters cannot be returned.
cash flow through the Guild is said to be
in the neighborhood of $875,000.
There are four full-time executives
(president, deputy president, vice
president and treasurer) who are elected
for one-year terms during which they
take a sabbatical from the university and
are paid for their work.
Clearly then, the Guild has on paper,
far more power and resources to
represent the interests of the Exeter
students than USG does to work on
behalf of the Penn State students.
Beyond that, however, the Guild
provides the students with a single
organization which is legitimately
recognized as an integral element in the
running of this university.
The Guild has representatives on the
university senate (the policy-making
body) and on all of Its committees
dealing with specific issues. The Guild
is never simply informed of a particular
change in university policy or practice, it
is consulted all along the way. Every
possible change must be scrutinized by
a student-staff committee before it can
be adopted by the senate.
Both the Guild and the administration
seem to agree that in 90 per cent of
. the
cases, there is cooperation and fair
Carol-Child
12th-art education
Jeffrey Slott
12th-pre-medlclne
runs overtime there is no shuffling and slamming books as in
many other classes. These two points seem to be clear
statements of how the students feel. The respect she shows
each student and the respect they demonstrate for her is
difficult to find elsewhere on campus. Her classes have a
different type of atmosphere there's a warmth, vibrancy and'
sincerity that is lacking in so many others.
These observations about Dr. Farr's classes, the letters that
have been published in The Collegian, and the expressions of
concern made to Dr. Farr are just a beginning. Jo Ann Farr has
never hesitated to give all she could and share all she had.,
Maybe we can repay our debt for that. If every, concerned
student and faculty member would make their feelings clear,
either verbally or through copies of letters to everyone with any
influence in this situation, we would see that our opinions are
important, in fact vital and not to be overlooked any longer.
Margaret Roslni ,
9th-social welfare and psychology
Life, love, joy
TO THE EDITOR: I often thought that during the past 2,000, 1
years some black-robed promoters have made a pretty good'
business of distorting.the beauty of one man's struggle, while
making it into one of the biggest financial enterprises.
Nevertheless, after observing the black-robed, white-faced
freaks on campus during the past few days I realize that the
misrepresentation, the distortion, even the outright
destruction of the orginal beautiful man still goes on. Those'
sick Christian Frankensteins are really putting the icing on the
cake, while some promoter in California is laughing his way to
the bank and not to heaven.
One may tend to dismiss the freak show with a smile. But
after a little contemplation one realizes that they may do as
much damage as the drug peddler. Both of these extremist ,
groups damage real life.
There is a beautiful life going on all around us . Those who
are misled from it are simple 'naive children, but those who are
misleading are thinking adults.
Is anyone interested in promoting life, love and Joy, without i
any of the extremes?
One word
TO THE EDITOR: Just one word concerning the performance
of "If I Should Die," EXCELLENT!
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dealing on both sides and, that in the , ,
one out of 10 instances when a con
troversy arises, It is not needlessly the
result of poor or lack of communication
but simply an Impasse as far as
respective viewpoints. Neither side
regards the situation as being a
protagonist-antagonist one.
This may be due in large part to the
nature of the British people but I see
ample evidence that this system lends
itself to greater cooperation a co
operation that is fundamentally based on
the fact that the -Guild is the. only
legitimately recognized student
governing organization by both sides. I
find much merit in such specific ideas as
a student government run concert
committee and provisions for full time
USG executives, but I see a far greater
need to resolve the debate as to which
organization does legitimately represent
the Pen'n State students.
Be it USG or a new organization,
drawn up by students and ad
ministrators, the need seems very clear,
given this comparison. In my judgment it
would be the foundation for more co
operative and productive relations
between the HUB and Old Main.
Randy Spring
10th-industrial arts
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