By Kaitie Smith staff reporter Two members were elected and two others reelected to serve as chairpersons of four committees making up the Executive Committee of the House of Student Representatives. Following House's last regular meeting of the semester Tuesday night, its Executive Committee is composed of five permanent committees and two temporary ones. John Billingsley, the new chairman of the Permanent Improvements Committee, said he will focus primarily on wheelchair accessibility. "I would like to work with the administration to make the campus more handicapped accessible," Billingsley said. Amy Render, the new chairwoman of the University Affairs Committee, said she wants the students to be a bigger part of House. "I want to make House positive for the representatives and, primarily, the student body," Render said. Current chairpersons Brian Casebolt of the Academic Affairs and Brian Becker of the Elections and Regulations committees were re-elected to serve another semester. The House also passed a motion to change the already-existing Commuter Concerns and Residential Concerns committees into temporary, or ad hoc, committees. "We turned them into temporary committees to assess if there is really a need for them," said Sara Donaldson, House vice president. "If there is little need for the committees, they will then be dissolved." After a lengthy debate, a motion made by Finance Committee member James Applebury to amend the bylaws was defeated. "The reason for the amendment is to take out the money given to Intercom for food and put it somewhere else we can use it," Applebury said. In the current budget, Intercom, a council made up of student leaders of TCU organizations, is allotted $500 for food per semester. Applebury said food is usually not covered in any bill brought before the House, and this should not be an exception. "I've been on the Finance Committee for two years now, and we always take out food from bills that come to us," Applebury said. "It is the very first thing we do, and we don't even have a second thought about it." Applebury proposed to take the $500 and add it to the House Sports Budget, which currently contains $16,000 to be split among 12 intramural teams, including racquetball and lacrosse. House also unanimously passed a bill to buy a $280 Spectrum Digital Clock. According to the bill written by Josh Hawkins, Dining Services chairman, and Jennifer Jost, Permanent Improvements chairwoman, the clock "will greatly increase the functionality of The Main, as well as the technological durability and aesthetics." A bill was slated to allot $6,895 from the Permanent Improvements fund to help purchase new equipment for the Rickel Building. The bill will be debated at 5 p.m. next week during the Plenary Session in Student Center, Room 222. During the Plenary Session, House members present awards to representatives.
Kaitie Smith
Skiff staff Jesus Christ is coming to campus this week. TCU Theatre will perform the Broadway hit "Jesus Christ Superstar" today through Sunday in the Hays Theatre. The tickets for the six shows sold out in 10 1/2 hours. "The fact that it sold out (so quickly) after the box office opened tells you something," said Desiree Fultz, a box office employee and cast member. Fultz, a junior theater major, said a popular play like "Jesus Christ Superstar" attracts a large audience because of its appeal to a variety of people. "No matter what belief you are, this play takes a lot of different people from different beliefs and puts them together," Fultz said. Tabatha Babcock, a junior musical theater major, said the spectrum of emotions and emphasis on the actors will draw a large audience. "There's humor and some tear-jerking scenes," Babcock said. "And the set is not too elaborate, so the actors' presence stands out." Jared Hooker, a junior broadcast journalism major and Peter the apostle in the play, said the size of the play is bigger than most productions the TCU theater department has put together in the past. "This is the biggest play that I have been in since I have been here," Hooker said. "It's definitely the biggest one that has happened since 'Romeo and Juliet' my freshman year. It's definitely the biggest musical." Hooker said because the performance is a musical, students became more interested. The actors involved have been working for almost two months on their voices for the play, he said. "It's so difficult to do musicals because you have to find people who sing and act," Hooker said. "We've been rehearsing since Feb. 28, and all of us have had plenty of time to strengthen our voices." John Patrick, a junior acting major who plays Jesus Christ in the play, said his character goes through situations in a more contemporary setting. "The concept of the play is what would happen if Jesus came today," Patrick said. "The play shows what the headlines would be like, what the TV coverage would be like and how the media would deal with him in this modern setting." Patrick said the TCU theater department is presenting "Jesus Christ Superstar" as part of a new trend to produce bigger plays once a semester. "We can put on a play like this because we have the talent to fill the roles," Patrick said. "We also knew it would be controversial and a high intensity show that would get people to think. That's another reason we chose the play." The play begins every night at 8 p.m. in the Hays Theatre. The Saturday and Sunday matinee shows begin at 2 p.m. There is no evening performance on Sunday. To try to get tickets, call the box office at 257-7626.
By Matt Jones and Jaime Walker Skiff staff Transfer student Wes Bearden not only tackles the responsibilities of being a full-time student and his job as operations manager at Bearden Investigative Agency Inc., but he is also running for the District 2 representative position on the Arlington City Council. Bearden, a 22-year-old Arlington native, said he spends 20 or more hours a week campaigning on a shoestring budget because he wants the residents of his hometown to know that they can have a voice at City Hall. "I feel I can bring a proactive attitude," he said. "The City Council has lost a lot of energy. A lot of people don't feel welcome at Council meetings and leave feeling they don't have their problems taken care of." Bearden's two opponents, Sheri Capehart and Dennis Wales, the perceived leaders in the race, seem to be paying little attention to Bearden's candidacy. According to an article in the Arlington Morning News, both candidates claim their community experience will give them the political edge over the inexperienced Bearden, who is not currently a member of any city committees or commissions.
"I am not a member of the traditional establishment here, but I do feel like I have some valuable things to contribute," he said. "Arlington is still a relatively young city, and I think our citizens are ready for some new blood and fresh ideas." Bearden said his age can play a critical role in his campaign. "Nobody my age has ever run for City Council," he said. "I feel this would be a great opportunity to give back to my hometown." Bearden described his campaign strategy as primarily grassroots. "There is a lot of putting up signs and going door-to-door," Bearden said. "I am also starting a phone bank." When it comes to campaign funding, the young candidate is taking a unique approach. Bearden said he has received some private donations, but he doesn't plan to spend more than $500 on the campaign. "The other candidates are spending an obscene amount of money, and I don't think that is necessary," he said. "The way I look at it, it is better to out-talk them than out-spend them. This election will be won based on who is real to people. I am not afraid to look people in the eye and tell them what I think." Bearden said he hopes Arlington citizens will be bold enough to vote for him based not only on the issues, but also on the energy he would bring to the office. "Two of the biggest issues in Arlington City Council currently are infrastructure and transportation," Bearden said. "It is time to get the roads in Arlington up to speed. We also signed a deal with the Rail Express that will actually improve transportation." The Rail Express is a train designed to link Fort Worth to Arlington. Bearden said he believes this election could have a huge impact on the college population nationwide. But there is a problem with voter turnout among college students, he said. "College students are either not registered or don't vote," he said. "That is also why younger people tend to not get what they want." Don Segreti, Bearden's campaign treasurer, said age should not be looked at as an obstacle. "Wes knows what it is like to stand at a podium and not get looked in the eye," Segreti said. "I think he will treat the constituents with dignity and respect." Segreti said there is a definite need for change in Arlington's City Council. "I feel the time has come for more of the older council members to step down," Segreti said. "Wes will definitely be a breath of fresh air." Early voting for the Arlington City Council elections will continue until Tuesday at five locations throughout the city. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. election day, May 6. For more information, registered voters can consult the City of Arlington Web site at (www.ci.arlington.tx.us).
Staff reporter Kaitie Smith contributed to this report.
Matt Jones Jaime Walker
By Reagan Duplisea staff reporter While those in the business school expect to hear words like "product" and "client" on a regular basis, some people are surprised to hear those terms applied to students. TCU strives to maintain a balance of educating and using business-like methods to fund the programs that enhance learning, faculty and administrators said. However, some people question if the business practices could go too far, making the university a business rather than an educational institution.
Business operations Some administrators and faculty said TCU differs from a business in its purpose, but it operates in many ways as a business would. "TCU is first and foremost an educational institution," said Carol Campbell, vice chancellor for finance and business. "But it does have to handle its resources responsibly, which requires planning and management similar to a business." Campbell said TCU has many business-like functions, including being a tenant for small businesses like the bookstore. Other roles the school plays are retailers, wholesalers, restaurateurs and utility providers. "All of these things are done in support of our educational mission," Campbell said. "If they're done right, they're done as invisibly as possible. If they're happening successfully, students and faculty shouldn't have to give them a second thought." Jim Riddlesperger, a professor of political science, said he does not consider the university a business because it does not always put finances first. "There are certainly things at the university that aren't cost-effective," Riddlesperger said. "Some faculty members don't teach very many students, but they add to the richness of the university. The library doesn't produce revenue, but it's important. Some things just have to do with the educational quality." Mark Thistlethwaite, the Kimbell chair of the art history department, said the university differs from a business in that it fund raises, while a business raises prices. However, members of the TCU Board of Trustees voted to increase tuition to $390 an hour for next year. Thistlethwaite said the American culture has become increasingly business-driven. A professor of humanities, who wishes not to be identified, said treating the university like a business has become a trend in higher education because university leaders are coming in from business fields rather than liberal arts. "Chancellors and presidents of universities have been hired for their expertise in raising money," the professor said. "Our chancellor was hired for his business acumen." According to the TCU Web site, Chancellor Michael Ferrari has a doctorate in business administration from Michigan State University.
The competition William Moncrief, interim dean of the M.J. Neeley School of Business, said trying to keep up with the competition keeps the university acting like a business and puts many resources into marketing. Competition has increased from online universities, industries doing their own training and international universities, he said. "You have to try to give a better product than your competitors," Moncrief said. Dee Dodson, director of development communication, said TCU has to compete with the many organizations, institutions and businesses that are sending out communications hoping to gain support from the public. "We're essentially competing with Nike in getting our message across," Dodson said.
Selling the university Kelli Horst, director of communications, said, "Marketing is a scary word in a university setting because that's what corporations do." But Dodson said it is important that the community understands the positive things TCU is doing, such as the education department's mentoring program. "I think we have to sell the university at all times, letting people know about the good things at TCU," Dodson said. "In development, we're constantly trying to interest people in our projects. So many people want to change the world, and they feel they can do that through education." Moncrief said marketers have to have a product they believe in. Thistlethwaite said when embracing a business mode, the university has to be careful not to go overboard. "Does that mean you have specials on classes?" Thistlethwaite said. "Or are students coming back and saying, 'I want my money back because it's not the product I thought it would be'? It changes the whole pursuit of knowledge. Fundamentally, it moves away from the liberal arts tradition of exploring knowledge and ideas." Thistlethwaite said a student looking at courses asks, "What good is this going to do me?" instead of pursuing other areas. Mike Sacken, a professor of education, said he depends on the administration to market so he does not have to. "I don't have to sell me," Sacken said. "The only way I can do that is if the administration does their job well. I'm glad if they can sell me. I'm proud of what I can do." Sacken said the increase in marketing will bring in better students, which will improve his teaching.
Students as clients and products Some administrators said students are the main "clients" TCU tries to serve. "Students are our primary customers," Horst said. "Our product is educated graduates who go out into the world." Dick Hoban, assistant treasurer, said he thinks TCU is sensitive to the main clients - students and their parents. "We've contracted with them to give them the best possible education and the highest possible resources available," Hoban said. Sacken said the faculty does not want to treat students as clients. "I depend on the administration to be a business, so I don't have to be a business," Sacken said. "My relationship with my students is not driven by a business norm." Thistlethwaite said treating students like customers changes the faculty/student relationships. "It's supposed to be based on explorations and helping students develop skills," Thistlethwaite said.
Customer service Sacken said trying to meet the desires of students often drives the university in business directions. A good example is seen in the recent formation of the TCUglobalcenter, he said. Ferrari said, "Every student here is responsible for investing $16,000 a year. They want to be sure they have a dividend, that they're getting their value's worth." Sacken said he does not want anyone to put a price tag on his teaching. He said he does not want to be put in the following situation: "There's an investment of $36,000 in me per class," Sacken said. "I need to put on a $36,000 show. I have to be worth $36,000." Moncrief said the university tries to recognize the needs and wants of students. Starting the e-business degree came about by student requests, he said.
A balancing act Moncrief said the university cannot ignore the business side, or it will not be able to educate effectively. Hoban said revenue and expenses are associated with academic programming at TCU. However, Riddlesperger said, TCU's purpose is not to make a profit. "We're about educating people - that's our bottom line," Riddlesperger said. Dodson said it's important that TCU maintains its endowment, garners the support of alumni and the community to run the university efficiently. "We've been fortunate that we have leaders who value the intellectual mission of the university while taking care of the practical aspects," Dodson said. "It's always a balance. We need money for the things we need and want to do." Others said they do not want to see business practices override education. "For me, I would hope that making the university more like a business is not going to distract from the university's fundamental mission of education," Thistlethwaite said. "To make that place exist, you have to run it in a business sense. Melding those two worlds without losing something of each is a real challenge."
Reagan Duplisea
By Matt Stiver Assistant Campus Editor Television news has devolved into a form of entertainment, veteran reporter Daniel Schorr told members of the Friends of the TCU Library Tuesday night at the group's annual banquet in the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center. "In the age we're living in today, and I say this mournfully, (television) journalism occupies a small corner of a large entertainment stage," Schorr said. "It has to learn to exist by the rules of entertainment, or it will not work. Therefore, all the networks try to get people to say outrageous things. It does not enlighten very much. "The only way it can improve itself is to give more attention to the content and less to the cosmetics," Schorr said.
Seal said the library used funds from the Friends this year to purchase a limited-edition book of poetry called, "Howls and Whispers," and to install a sound system in the reading room. Seal said the evening will produce positive results for the library. "An indirect effect will be that more people will join the Friends," Seal said. "More Friends mean more support for the library. It also brings recognition to the library." Mary Purnam, a member of the Friends, said Schorr was a good choice to address the crowd. "I thought he was very entertaining," Purnam said. "I hope this will help the library gain more support, which will help it improve." Schorr served as CBS News' primary Watergate correspondent after beginning his reporting career during World War II. During his stint as a newspaper reporter, he worked his way up to the New York Times before joining CBS in 1953. He received a personal invitation from veteran broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow to join CBS. As a broadcast journalist, he opened the Moscow bureau of CBS News, conducted the first interview by an American journalist of a Soviet premier when he interviewed Nikita Khrushchev in 1955 and served as the first Washington correspondent of CNN in 1979. Schorr said his coverage of the Watergate affair in the 1970s landed him on President Richard Nixon's "enemies list." Nixon had the FBI investigate Schorr in an attempt to discredit him, he said. His name was included in the second impeachment article drawn up against Nixon in the U.S. House of Representatives. That article charged Nixon with abuse of presidential power. Despite the fact that network anchors earn salaries in the millions today, Schorr said he would not trade his days as newspaper reporter. "All these people today play around with what they call journalism, and it isn't," Schorr said. "It's just a branch office of some entertainment show. All those people, they can have their fun. I've had mine."
Matt Stiver |
Bearden said his lack of political experience
can be a great asset, however.
About 150 people attended the banquet that
raises funds for the library to acquire new items and for internal improvements,
said Bob Seal, TCU librarian. | The TCU Daily Skiff © 1998, 1999 Credits |