At Penn State, the term system was recently attacked by a Student- Faculty Dialogue session, and the system was blamed for many of the University's ills. Constant, vigorous criticism of the system is a thing to be ad mired, since it keeps everyong from becoming complacent. Its opponents see in it a vic tory of crass, efficiency-minded Producers of Manpower for the State; its proponents like its flexibility in scheduling, its quick dispatch of distasteful courses, its placid Christmas vacation. It is open to argument. The Daily Collegian feels that the term system's faults far out weigh its virtues, but that the system should not be blamed for everything that is odious in Uni versity life. Penn State is accused by the Collegian of being infested with a sort of "dry rot" which leaves faculty at one nole, and students at the other, so that there is very little rapport. The term system does repre sent a move for efficiency, a move to get more manpower trained faster. Perhaps the term system, by keeping everything moving so swift ly, gives its opponents little time to even look at the problem realis tically. It serves as a sort of "pressure cooker." EDITORIAL It is often felt by faculty that ten week terms give too few weeks in which to adequately cover a subject. The system accompanied by longer lec ture periods also works a hardship on faculty which must come prepared with extra material. Upperclassmen also tend to dislike the fast-moving system, for time slips away too fast to grapple adequately with some deep subjects. Underclassmen often find it a boon, however, because distasteful classes are so rapidly ended. The term system is not necessarily here to stay. This topic is certain to pop up in bull sessions all over the commonwealth, for the term system's merits are certainly debatable. CUB EDITOR: RUTH BROWN ASSISTANT: CAROL DE ARMENT New talent is needed to improve the Cub this term. Do you think you can help? Come on all you smart critical readers. give us some of your time instead of just suggestions, and work on the Nittany Cub this winter.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers