Letters to the Editor
Campus Times
October 17, 1997
General Education
Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to the Rob Strauss column in last week's Campus
Times ["Restructuring of requirements
needed," Oct. 10]. Rob challenges the appropriateness of Fitness
for Life being a general education requirement. Most institutions of higher
learning including Pomona College and Caltech have a physical education
requirement that must be fulfilled for graduation. Educated people know
the benefits of physical fitness and the necessity for it. If everyone in
our society were physically fit and practiced good health habits we probably
would not need such a class as Fitness for Life. The reality is that we
have more obese people with poor health habits than any developed nation.
It does not matter what your area of expertise is, if you are not physically
fit nor have a healthy life style you will not be as productive in your
work. I know of no job that doesn't require energy. Statistics are evident
in many publications proving that people perform their jobs at a higher
rate of efficiency, are more energetic, sick less, live longer, and if those
aren't compelling enough reasons, have a better and more active sex life
if they are physically fit. In a society that appears to becoming more pressurized,
it is important that all people learn the benefits of a healthful existence.
Our challenge in Fitness for Life is to educate our students about their
bodies and the benefits of a proper exercise and recreation program.
I know this goes against what many students think, but the truth is
most students do not know what is best for them. If it were up to the students
to decide, we probably would not have College Algebra or other specific
courses as general education requirements. I have heard many students ask
why they have to have this or that course. They do not see a need for it
in their chosen profession. Many benefits of general education courses are
realized well after graduation. You will be amazed how often you will draw
from the knowledge acquired in courses outside your major. I encourage students
to acknowledge the wisdom of those who have researched general education
and trust in their judgement.
Rex Huigens
Chair, Department of Movement and Sports Science
Dear Editor,
We could not agree more with what Rob Strauss said in his article "Restructuring of requirements needed"
on Oct. 10. He wrote about the, in his opinion, frivolous requirements,
such as PE 001 and U 100.
U100 classes are mostly pointless and discuss topics that we are already
familiar with. Papers that are given are just busy work and very low on
the priority scale; students would rather write papers for more important
classes. Also, many students choose not to attend the useless sessions.
To top it all, it is a CRD/NO CRD class and will have to be retaken if NO
CRD is given. It really should be optional for students.
PE 001, Fitness for Life, is another requirement that should be reevaluated.
Going to class twice a week for fifty minutes each time is not going to
make you healthy. Most students, if not all, know what is healthy and what
is not, and have chosen to follow these ideals or not. Many people would
not mind being physically fit, but what they do mind is the time and effort
that has to be invested.
In conclusion, these classes should not be part of our graduate requirements.
Administrators should take the time to observe these classes. Maybe
the they will understand and revoke these classes' requirements status.
Mike Auklin
Freshman
Kyle Young
Freshman
Maria Jimenez
Freshman
School Spirit
Dear Editor,
In regard to the opinions article written by Andrea Gardner on Oct.
10, 1997, "ULV should bleed orange,
green," we agree with the concept to organize a spirit club in
order to increase unity in a school that lacks spirit. We also feel that
there are many other ways to raise school morale and participation; for
example, better publicity. Many students and faculty are not aware of scheduled
games. No flyers are made, no posters are posted, not even word of mouth
in order to inform our students and faculty to get out and get involved.
To most instructors, fall convocation is an event they include in their
lesson plan giving extra credit to those who attend, making convocation
one of the most attended gatherings, next to graduation. If only the same
emphasis was placed on sports maybe our school would become more spirited.
Although these are only a few examples, there are many more that can contribute
to a united spirited campus.
Eliza Amanat
Junior
Jason Flick
Senior
Nathan Swift
Freshman
Vladimira Chavez
Sophomore
Melissa Mijares
Freshman
Commuter Involvement
Dear Editor,
As a commuter student, I wish to comment on Scott Harvey's column "Campus life leads to separatism,"
from your Oct. 3 issue. I feel that Scott has raised several important issues
which must be faced by both commuter and on-campus students. College life
is not just about the classes one takes, it's about the friendships you
make and organizations you become involved in. Both sides need to make an
effort to come together and build on the resources that each brings to our
community.
Commuter students should not blame only the on-campus students for this
situation; we are also part of the problem. We tend to come to school only
for our classes. We leave as soon as we can so that we can go about our
own lives, off-campus. How many of us check our mail-boxes when we come
to campus? There is important information that comes into those boxes. Do
we take the time to find out about clubs, organizations or sports events
that we can make? Ask yourself these questions, and think about your answers.
I, for one, refuse to let the organizations be for only on-campus students.
I want to be a part of this community. So, I got involved in the Associated
Students Federation, Circle K, the Honors Society and much more. I make
the effort, how about you?
Michael Morrow
Junior
La Verne Gangs
Dear Editor,
In response to the article "Graffiti
marks LV gangs' territory," by Araceli Esparza [Oct. 10], we found
this article to be very informative. Not too many students are aware of
gang problems here in la Verne. The article was very intriguing and interesting;
we immediately liked your article.
The article seemed to be very valid because of the research put into
it. It's nice to know that your facts about gangs were validated by Sergeant
Rick Aragon. What was also interesting was the history of these gangs. We
were surprised that one gang has been around for thirty years.
This article has made it apparent to many students to be cautious at
night on and off campus. The article may save someone from harm because
no longer can ignorance be an excuse from gang violence, now we know. Gang
violence and graffiti are increasing very fast and its good to see people
help to try to reduce it.
Juan Gonzalez
Junior
Kevin Gustafson
Freshman
Stephanie Coleman
Freshman
Sergio Alfaro
Senior
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Dear Editor,
This letter is not in response to the false allegations brought forth
toward Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). Instead, this letter is to express our
concern for our former fraternity brother Dale Schroeder ["Allegations
against fraternity under investigation," Oct. 10], and possible
others like him.
On Sept. 7, 1997, Schroeder was brought up on the charge of "unbecoming
of a gentleman." The specific charges which he was alleged of consisted
of the following: substance abuse and distribution, along with sexual harassment
and misconduct. These allegations were brought to our attention by concerned
La Verne students. Our investigation and trial found these allegations to
be valid.
According to SAE International Fraternity laws (Title IX, Article 49,
section 165), anyone found guilty of violating our national code of conduct
shall and must be expelled. Therefore, we expelled Schroeder on Sept. 28,
1997.
We apologize to the numerous individuals who were affected by his misconduct.
Our concern is that there are many others who display the same behavior
throughout campus. The abuse of drugs, sexual harassment and misconduct
are behaviors that have unfortunately become widespread throughout college
society.
We encourage organizations, individuals, faculty and the public to try
to tackle these issues. We feel that we have taken a step to alleviate these
inappropriate behaviors; as in the case with Schroeder. These behaviors
are by no means acceptable to SAE, nor are they conducive to today's society
or college community.
In conclusion, we would like to thank those individuals who tried to
provide help and guidance for our then-brother in need. As a chapter, we
offer our continued support and concern for the well-being of Dale Schroeder.
The Brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Rush
Dear Editor,
It has occurred to us that in your Oct. 10, 1997 copy of the Campus
Times; the article entitled "Rush comes
up short," was confusing in the point the writer was trying to
get across. Was the writer trying to convey that students should "go
Greek" or they should choose not to be a part of the Greek system?
She writes that the low turnout of students rushing is a disappointment
and that more undergraduates should rush, but then she goes on to give many
negative examples of why one shouldn't join. This is what really seemed
to confuse us; if she is trying to convince people to rush, why would she
write all of these negative comments without writing what the Greeks have
to offer?
Perhaps the writer could have used interviews to back up her opinion.
Why didn't she interview people who didn't choose to rush, and find out
why? She could have also done a complementary interview of a Greek member
stating why one should rush. For instance she states, "It may not be
right to judge all Greek organizations on a few instances, but regardless,
a negative image of Greeks has sparked from previous years." First
of all, she writes about this negative image, and the way people judge the
Greek organization, but never shows any proof, such as an interview, to
show this. Many people do not feel that the Greeks have a bad image. Secondly,
each year should be a new start; she should forget the past and encourage
a positive future.
Amy Morrison
Freshman
Dereck Dedeaux
Junior
Maria Branca
Freshman
Amber Powell
Freshman
Adrian Bean
Sophomore
Dear Editor,
Many campuses across the nation have a well established Greek system
in place. On many large campuses, it becomes one of the few ways to feel
you belong and to stand out amongst the massive student body. On such campuses
the Greek system, aids in the development of school spirit. Those who are
participants become more involved and there is a sense of pride which comes
with their achievements. The members then, in turn, put on activities which
promote school pride for the rest of the student body.
On smaller campuses, however, the idea of a Greek system becomes almost
senseless. At La Verne, for instance, we don't really have a large enough
student body to support a Greek system. We have only two fraternities and
only one of these has a house. Many of the reasons to join a fraternity
or sorority do not apply at the University of La Verne. For instance, on
such a small campus it is much easier to enforce limitation placed on these
organizations. We believe that this campus is just too small to support
a solid Greek system.
Shannon Johnson
Freshman
Michael Campopiano
Freshman
J.T. Hawthorne
Freshman
Laura Duckworth
Freshman
Zandy Chinte
Freshman
