SA Meeting Minutes
(02/05/14 12:00am)
The following were noted at the meeting of the Student Association on Feb. 3.
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The following were noted at the meeting of the Student Association on Feb. 3.
Troy Van Voorhis, a chemistry professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, discussed what it is like to be both a Christian and a scientist in his talk, "Walking Through the Lab Door," on Jan. 29. The Veritas Forum, a multi-campus organization which, according to their website, aims at creating dialogue among students and faculty about life's difficult questions and Christ's relevance to life, hosted the talk.
The Thresher would like to see more participation from students in the upcoming General Elections. We were disappointed to see that only one race is contested - Student Association president - and that one race does not even have any candidates - SA internal vice president. Many people like to complain about issues on campus, yet often fail to step up and take on leadership positions where they could affect change.
Trent Navran
The Thresher supports the referendum on the SA general election ballot to remove Article XII, Section 1 from the Constitution of the Honor System, (see story, p. 1). As it currently stands, this article serves as a get-out-of-jail-free card, allowing students to withdraw from Rice for two semesters after being accused of an Honor Code violation while avoiding further investigation and potentially stricter punishment. If a student commits a violation warranting a punishment stricter than a two-semester suspension, he or she should receive that sentence.
The professional Spanish courses cancelled for this semester will be available again in the fall, according to Dean of Humanities Nicolas Shumway and Director of the Center for the Study of Languages Rafael Salaberry. At the Jan. 27 Student Senate meeting, Lovett College President Christian Neal and Will Rice College Senator Cynthia Bau reported that Shumway and Salaberry thought the core of the cancelled courses did not meet Rice standards and are currently being revised to include an emphasis in linguistics and correct usage rather than vocabulary memorization. Interest has been expressed in connecting students with internships and other opportunities through these professional classes. For more information, visit sa.rice.edu/petitions.
The Thresher supports the Catalyst's request for $1 in blanket tax funds (see story, p. 1). As Rice's only undergraduate scientific research journal, the Catalyst publishes unique content and emphasizes Rice's commitment to giving undergraduates research opportunities. We understand the costs that go into producing a publication and think their request is reasonable.
Jose Onuchic is the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor in Physics and Astronomy, the Co-Director of the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics and a professor of chemistry
The Thresher is pleased to see the administration's effort to include a more diverse group of students from around the world, namely through new exchange programs in France, South Korea and Denmark, as well as the Brasil@Rice on-campus program (see story, p. 1). They provide a different perspective to the undergraduate experience and enrich cultural life.
NO NEW SID MASTER YET
Despite Rice Program Council's past mistakes in planning and organizing Rondelet, the Thresher applauds RPC's foresight in planning this year's Rondelet, (see story, p. 1). RPC has taken time to poll student opinion, and after finding that many students care about Rondelet, RPC has taken the initiative to revive the event and has made it a priority.
Paul Brace is a professor of political science who teaches American government. He is also Clarence L. Carter Chair of Legal Studies.
The Thresher would like to congratulate the football team on its successful season, in which it finished as the Conference USA champions and earned the opportunity to play in the Liberty Bowl. Although the team did not win the bowl game against Mississippi State, the players put in a great effort, and it was an accomplishment just to be invited to the game. We hope to see continued success next year.
Who are you most excited for at the 2014 Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show?
President David Leebron and Dean of Undergraduates John Hutchinson have appointed Jose and Mayra Onuchic as the next Lovett College masters, according to an email sent out Jan. 13 to Lovett students by the Lovett Masters Search Committee.
The Thresher supports the changes to the commencement ceremonies for this upcoming year. As the student body has grown, the ceremony has lasted longer, extending into the hotter hours of the morning. The Houston sun can be brutal in May, so for students required to sit in a polyester gown for three hours and for students' elderly relatives and friends who have a more difficult time withstanding the heat, a shortened Saturday morning ceremony is ideal.
The following were noted at the meeting of the Student Association on Jan. 13.
Rice University has stopped offering professional Spanish classes, which previously included Commercial Spanish, Spanish for Engineers and Medical Spanish, according to a petition on the Student Association website.
Article I: Name and Purpose
The following were noted at the meeting of the Student Association on Dec. 2.