September 12, 1997: Volume 41, Number 1

International Study, Community Service, Undergraduate Research Cited As Strengths

President Roger Hull opened the first faculty meeting of the year on Tuesday by stressing the importance of undergraduate research, international study and community service. In addition, he stated the need to develop social alternatives.

He congratulated the faculty on their commitment to undergraduate research, citing the 46 students who attended the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, "one of the largest contingents for any college, regardless of size." He also praised the Steinmetz Symposium, which last year had presentations from some 250 students, calling it "the best day of the year on this campus."

Of Terms Abroad offerings, he urged the development of more exchange programs. They are less expensive to the College than study abroad programs, he said, and they allow students to rejoin the campus without "double culture shock."

He reiterated the College's commitment to community service beginning with the annual community service day by freshmen. "Turning students loose on this city is good for the city and good for the students," he said. "This city is starting to change and will change dramatically in the next three years."

Hull applauded the success of Theme Houses and social alternatives like last year's fashion show and garden party for providing a range of social alternatives to an increasingly diverse student body.

He also announced that the campus community will have a celebration on Oct. 24 for the successful completion of the $150 million Bicentennial Campaign.

Dean of Faculty Linda Cool announced that Andrew Curran of modern languages, and Dianne McMullen of music were named MacArthur Assistant Professors. Funded by the John T. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the distinction honors junior faculty who show great promise.

Cool, who on Monday presented the Stillman Prize for Excellence in Teaching to Ashraf Ghaly, cited five other finalists for the award: Bonney MacDonald, English; Eshragh Motahar, economics; Seyfollah Maleki, physics; Karl Zimmermann, mathematics; and Bradley Jordan, modern languages.

She also announced that 31 honors scholars had entered with the Class of 2001 in a program to be taught by Joyce Madancy, Hugh Jenkins and Scott Scullion. Three multimedia classrooms – two in Humanities and a third under development in Steinmetz 106 – will be used by students and faculty this year.

The College is about to embark on accreditation studies by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology for engineering, the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business for the Graduate Management Institute, and Middle States Association of Colleges.

Cool also announced new administrative appointments: Virginia Solomon as coordinator of instructional technology; Rachel Seligman, director of Mandeville Gallery; David Hannay, acting dean of engineering; Rebecca Fisher, language laboratory coordinator; Thomas McFadden, director of Schaffer Library; and Joseph Zolner '76, director of GMI.

The faculty discussed a proposal from the Academic Affairs Council for a revision in class schedule that would create a lunch period for all days but Friday. Faculty will continue to discuss details of the proposal with the intention of implementing a change in the upcoming winter term.

The faculty welcomed 16 new colleagues on Tuesday. They will be profiled in the next issue of the Chronicle.

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