Eastern Eastern Washington Washington University University
Est. 1916
Volume Volume Volume65, 64, 65, 65,Issue Issue Issue11 26 3 7
November January October May 8,8, 9, 9. 2013 6,2013 2014 2013
EasternerOnline.com EasternerOnline.com
Photo by Laura Jones
Jeff Holy, Representative of the 6th District in Washington, cuts the ribbon to unveil the new Patterson Hall during the dedication on Jan. 7.
Instructors move into new hall
Inside: Miller brother stories Page 2 Local brothers create cinema and 3-D games
Portraits of locals Page 3
Alumnus creates portraits of inspiring Spokane locals
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Y RECAP Opinion: Sensible
campus renovation Page 5 Elsa has some ideas for further renovations
Patterson implements new technology as part of renovation By Wilson Criscione
staff writer wilsoncriscione@gmail.com
After four years, the newly renovated Patterson Hall is now open for winter quarter, and while students will enjoy a smoother walk across campus and substantial amenities in the new building, few will be rewarded more than the EWU faculty members who were displaced during construction. Workers are still putting the final touches on the building, but faculty members from different departments including English, philosophy, history and government were able to set up their new offices just before the quarter started. Already, they are expressing their appreciation for the work done on the facility. “It’s a beautiful building,” said Logan Greene, English department chair. “The people who have been in charge of the project have been really dedicated to making things the way we wanted … providing for our comfort and making sure everything works.” She cited the problems with the old Patterson Hall, which included irregular heat-
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Women’s basketball dominates during holiday break
Upcoming Events: An open forum will take place on Jan. 9 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in PUB 204 to discuss 86-74 . the PUB's redesign. Students are encouraged to attend and
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According to Judith Logan, an English professor, movers came to haul books, computers and anything else away from their temporary offices and into Patterson on Dec. 17, while many instructors were finishing up their grading. The faculty had seen the new building in tours, but they did not have full access to the building until the week before the new quarter started. For most of winter break, many faculty members did not have an office. Logan said many instructors had to put the majority of their books in storage when they moved out of the old building four years ago. “I’ve had 28 boxes of books in a storeroom in Reid all this time,” she said. “So it will be like seeing old friends again when I open them in Patterson.” The new building has 44 classrooms, 165 faculty offices and two computer labs, according to http://www.nacarchitecture.com. Greene said the availability of Patterson makes scheduling classes much easier. The rooms are available for general use, and the extra computer classrooms could prove especially beneficial. “The computer classrooms are stellar,” Logan said. “It should be a building we’ll all be proud of and worth the wait.”
Quarters triumph over semesters By Caitlyn Armstrong staff writer caitlyn002@gmail.com
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ing, stained or crumbling walls, dim lighting and a poor building layout. The improvements to the new hall will make the building stand out on campus. There is a hydration station on every floor, available to all, with filtered water. Electronic computer screens outside each classroom let students know if their class has been cancelled or if the room has been reserved. And the bathrooms feature highspeed hand dryers that people must experience for themselves to fully appreciate. But faculty members are relieved to simply have an office to themselves. “It’s just nice to have a door,” said English professor Reagan Henderson. While the building was under construction, many instructors were temporarily placed in cubicles in the Reid Lab building or Cheney Hall. This made it easier for them to communicate with each other, but it often compromised their privacy. As Henderson pointed out, listening to music while grading papers was usually out of the question. More importantly, sensitive conversations with students wanting to speak privately could be heard by someone in the next cubicle.
On Dec. 3, 2013, the board of trustees announced that their final decision on the quarters-tosemesters debate is to continue using the quarterly academic calendar at EWU. The official motion presented by trustee Michael O’Donnell states that, after carefully reviewing all arguments presented by staff, students, administration and also the 35 individuals who spoke out on the topic at the
share their input in regards to what amenities they would like to see in the building. The EWU campus will be closed on Jan. 20 to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Faculty, staff and students can participate in the Unity Walk through downtown
Nov. 8, 2013 meeting, the board believes it is in the best interest for the university, at this time, to remain with quarters. The motion was unanimously approved by all trustees. “I’m happy we’re staying with quarters. They are so much less stressful than semesters and with less classes daily, students are able to get jobs, which for me was really important because I need to work so I can afford to go to school,” freshman Samantha Sarrett said. The statement also mentioned the board wishes administration
Spokane. EWU participants are meeting at the INB Performing Arts Center at 10 a.m. to carry the EWU flag. Wearing red is encouraged. Jan. 13 is the last day students are able to drop a class and still receive a 100 percent refund. Tuition and fees are
and staff and the ASEWU to consider if certain programs would benefit more from semesters and individually move to a semester system. An initial report is to be presented at the Jan. 24, 2014 board of trustees meeting. The board also requests the administration, ASEWU and staff determine whether any improvements could be made to the current system to improve student success and have a report prepared for the March 21, 2014 meeting. It was mentioned in the statement that the overall preference of the student body was, very clearly,
also due on this day. Classes can be dropped through Eaglenet until this date, and must be done in person after that at the Records and Registration office. If students have questions regarding winter weather conditions and
closures, they can contact the EWU Snow Line at 509-359-SNOW for up-todate information. Students can also sign up for EWU Alerts to receive a text message and email during an emergency situation or a school closure.
to remain on quarters, and those opinions directly affected the decision of the board. The enthusiasm and involvement of all those affected by this possible change in this decision making process was noticed and taken into account. Trustee Bob Whaley commented that he was impressed with the depth of thought of the students and everyone that spoke on the subject during the discussion.
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