Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

The Faculty Salary Committee is deeply concerned by the latest developments regarding faculty salaries. The entire process has circumvented the shared governance structure, which is a hallmark and a strength of the University of La Verne. We feel that there has been a long-term and systematic attempt to undermine faculty solidarity at the University, and the work of the Faculty Salary Committee.

This has apparently succeeded, given the contentious interaction and deep divisions among faculty that were in evidence at the final meeting of Faculty Assembly.

The Faculty Salary Committee again states its opposition to differential pay and urges that the administration and faculty leaders work together over the summer to reaffirm the shared governance model and to address the issues and inequities that have occurred as the result of recent action.

By ignoring the proposals of the Faculty Salary Committee and the vote of the arts and sciences faculty, both the administration and the Board of Trustees has done a great disservice to the culture of the University of La Verne. The 112-year tradition of this University has been based on the Brethren values of equality, cooperation and consensus building. We appear to have jettisoned these ideals in the name of a market-based philosophy.

The Faculty Salary Committee

Dear Editor,

I was in La Fetra when the meeting was held on Monday, May 12, with faculty and administrators. I had heard rumors that the big issue was the differential pay for faculty. This was obviously on many people's minds because the turnout was big. Strangely enough, the item of salary was last on the agenda.

Of course, many had to leave before the issue came on the table because they had to teach classes. I heard that the vote about the salaries was not even needed because the Board of Trustees had already decided on this issue.

I am amazed how this meeting was run and how the Board of Trustees can approve a 16 percent raise for the business school faculty and a three percent raise for the Arts and Sciences. That seems very unethical. I am wondering if I even want a degree from this University that treats its work force like this. I thought when someone is successful in business, it means one can take another's money, so is this school built by thieves who take pride in the thieves they create? They obviously forget that in order to do business one uses all the tools invented by scientists, designed by artists. It all feels unjust and ethically wrong and I will most certainly reconsider if I want to use my money on tuition to this school. I am a business major but feel ashamed to get it from this University knowing about this.

Elsie Quintana

Dear Editor,

In response to the article last week regarding the campus' apathy toward the ASF elections ["Apathy evident in ASF elections," May 9], first, I would like to voice my appreciation in bringing this topic to the attention of the entire federation.

The low voter turn out is attributable, in part, to a combination of factors. The student government has lacked in its ability to inform the federation of the importance of their voice, through voting, and the capabilities of bringing about change.

The federation also continuously demonstrates a lack of interest in what their government is trying to do. This is evident not only in voting, but also in other events on campus throughout the year.

Now, the question at hand, how do all of us, ASF and the student constituents, work together to increase voter turn out during elections and participation in more campus events, ASF sponsored or not.

The thing I appreciated most about this article was that it challenges me as the new ASF President to strive to hit this issue head on. Over the summer, I will be working with the other members of the ASF Executive Board, in hopes of creating a new election system that both informs the student body, and encourages students to run for forum positions. What I would like to see happen is that we start elections earlier in the year. It is very challenging at such a difficult time in the semester: finals. In the coming years, I would really like to see elections conducted online.

I would like to remind the federation that ASF meetings are open to everyone. The purpose of the meetings is not only to delegate money, but also serves as an opportunity to bring up issues that are important to each individual.

Leo Pride!

Travis Berry
ASF President

Dear Editor,

Re: "What you see is not what you get," May 9.

Since I was around the age 16 or 17, I adopted the life of a victim. Because I was always so sensitive and weak, I gave up when I got one blow after another. At one point, I weighed a good 96 pounds and then, suddenly, I dropped to 80 pounds. Now I am at least 90 pounds, which is a lot better than my previous weight.

In being a woman, I like other chicas, tend to over think about everything, and everyone close to me.

My life has changed so much over these past years, and being responsible for someone besides your self is not easy when one is so young and unsettled. I'm so tired now that I am left confused and frustrated. I've been so busy taking care of someone else that I got lost in the process, and now, I don't even know who I am or want anymore. I look at students who live in the dorms and I get so jealous and angry. I figure, if one is living in a dorm, then that probably means that you are free and unattached. What I always wanted to do with my life, I am not even close to accomplishing and seeing other students so together just drives me crazy.

Ever since I could remember, I have danced. When everything went wrong in my life, dancing was the one thing that was always there.

Nothing makes me happier that to move and so it is my way of relieving stress. Not only has dancing relieved some of my stress, it has also better educated me about other cultures and traditions.

This year, I decided to take charge of my life. And as I was seeking for something unknown to myself, I found yoga.

Simply put, it is wonderful! Yoga has not only increased my flexibility but it has also been the best stress relieving activity I have ever encountered. I have some sessions when I just start to ball, but that gush of emotion feels sensational.For me, yoga is a way to pray to God. It feels like it is the only time God and me are consciously together. In some way, it is as if we are conversing. Last Monday night, I was in a yoga session, and near the end, I started weeping.

That session was very crucial and worthwhile in my life, as it allowed me to forgive someone who I was cross with for some time. That anger I had towards him just vanished and that feeling was just so warm and beautiful. Since that night, I feel 100 pounds lighter.

For all you seekers, find a way to keep connected to yourself, and with God. For me, its dancing and yoga but there are other ways to not get lost and stay relaxed and in touch with oneself, such as the following: listening to music, taking a long walk or drive, cleaning your house, etc. Just remember that who you are is what is most important.

Saira Qureshi
Senior