October 4, 2002: Volume 56, Number 4

Across Campus -- Food for thought, hockey with Motrin

Yes, there is a free lunch. And dinner.

A new program called "Food for Thought," which allows a student to treat a professor to a free lunch or dinner in Upperclass Dining or West College, is the brainchild of Carol Weiss, associate professor of psychology and director of the Health Profession Program.

The program has already drawn a good deal of interest, with about a half dozen students getting meal coupons during the first three days, according to Jim Holdren, director of dining services.

The idea came to Weisse a few years back when her schedule had her frequenting Upperclass Dining for dinner. "I really enjoyed it when students came over to join me at the table," she recalled. There were also enjoyable times when students would join Weiss and her family, she said.

"For years, I have been thinking, 'Wouldn't this be a good idea?'"

So with support from administrators including Christie Sorum, dean of faculty; Kimmo Rosenthal, associate dean for undergraduate education; and Fred Alford, dean of students; Weiss approached Holdren, who agreed to make 100 passes available this term to get the program started.

The faculty response has been nothing short of thrilling, Weiss said, and a number of colleagues have told her of the success of similar programs at other institutions.

"Of course, part of this is my own cheapness and always looking for a free meal," Weiss quipped. "But I think there's a nice interchange that takes place in the dining hall. You can talk about class and other things as well, and that's important. It's a nice experience to continue intellectual discussion in an informal session. This is what Union is about."

As for the next step, Weiss is encouraging her colleagues to help make students aware of the program. "We need to let the students know that we would be very willing and flattered by an invitation," she said. "But I'm still waiting for my free lunch."

Hockey with Motrin ...

This from Dean of Students Fred Alford in a campus memo soliciting players for a faculty/staff hockey league: "People of all skill levels are welcome -- the pace is slow and furious. Each player should have, at minimum: skates, shin pads, stick, helmet with face mask and gender-specific under-armor. Motrin is distributed at the door."

Games are Wednesdays from 9 to 10:30 p.m. in Achilles Rink.

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