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1920-1070 The Rotunda At The Half-Century
\7390 Longwood College, Farmville, Va.,
February 25, 1970
No. 9
3fr. Curley And Dr. Jackson Invited To Eclipse Conference Mr. James W. Curley and Dr. Elizabeth B. Jackson of Longwood's science department have been invited to participate in the Solar Eclipse Conference which will be held at East Carolina University on March 6 and 7. One hundred selected teachers of astronomy in the colleges and universities of the United States have been invited to attend the conference. On March 7, 1970, there will be a total eclipse of the sun. This eclipse is expected to be the best of this century, at least since the California eclipse of 1923. There will be only one more visible in the United States during this century. It will occur on February 26, 1979, in Washington state, and relatively few people will see it. Mr. Curley is very excited about going to East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He declares the opportunity to witness the spectacular celestial event a "one in a lifetime affair."
The campus of East Carolina is located within two miles of the central line of totality. Complete totality will last 177 seconds, much longer than most other eclipses. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves in front of the sun, thus blocking the sun from view. In other words, an eclipse occurs when the shadow of the moon falls on the earth. No matter where in the United States one may be, a partial eclipse of the sun may be seen. Mr. Curley cautions everyone in observing the event. One should never look directly at the sun. The brightness of the sun can cause permanent damage to the retina of the eye. It is important to note that sunglasses or smoked glass do not provide adequate portection. Observing condition probabilities for the solar eclipse are placed at 40% fair to excellent, 30% fair, and 30% unsatisfactory.
Freshmen undergo massive preparation for "Camp 73." Story on page 4.
Art Work Of John Sargent On
Dr. Willett relentlessly pursues Longwood's problems, as girls participate.
Plagiarism, Drinking, And Rumors Discussed At Press Conference For those of you who did not attend Dr. Willett's monthly press conference, it was held last Thursday, February 19, in the Gold Room at Lankford. Dr. Willett announced that the first half hour would be devoted to general questioning, and the second half hour would deal primarily with questions having to do with the new registration policies. Dr. Willett did have before the general questioning period, several points that he wished to make public to the students. These included an announcement about the Longwood Golf course. The golf course has a club house which is being renovated. This means that when it is completed, drink, food, and other comforts will be provided for those students who wish to take advantage of them. The president indicated that the 103-acre Longwood estate is open to all students and their friends. He requested, however, that if you plan to drive through the estate, you are to drive slowly, for his children or someone else's might be playing in the road area. Dr. Willett then spent a few minutes dispelling several rumors that seemed to have grown tremendously out of proportion. The first rumor . . . A rape had been committed in the Gold Room or in some other discreet place in Lankford. Dr. Willett pointed out with a slight grin on his face that this was, of course, nonsense. It is to be made clear that this type of rumor does nothing but scare parents unnecessarily. The next rumor that found its way to the president's office was that 32 freshmen were "kicked out" for plagiarism. This rumor also included the scorching news that four faculty members were put on probation because of their grading policies. To further this ridiculous rumor, some of the 32 former Longwood students were protesting
Display Includes Figure Studies Until March 1 in the Library Gallery is an exhibit of drawings by John Singer Sargent, an American artist born in Italy in 1856 and who lived until 1925. These preliminary sketches are on loan from the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D. C. Most ofthedrawings are for a mural in the Boston Public Library. One, "Study of Male Torso," even includes an address the artist wrote on his sketch paper. Some of the sketches are executed on brown wrapping paper rather than charcoal paper. Another sketch, the circular "Draped Figure Gazing at Stars" shows that the artist used a grid to develop the
placement in his composition. "Two Soldiers," not part of the mural study, is an interesting study of World War I doughboys, complete with gear. Although Sargent's drawings are interesting to look at, they are not displayed to their best advantage. It is too bad that there is not an introduction to the drawings which would help explain their purpose as preliminary sketches for a finished work. If a photograph of the finished mural could be displayed, it would help the effectiveness of the exhibit. Even with these display criticisms, the exhibit is one that should not be missed.
their punishment for plagiarism by having lawyers called in to review their cases. This is all false. Dr. Willett announced that three students had been dismissed for plagiarism, and that there was no policy for putting faculty members on probation. Dr. Willett said that there "is no perfect grading distribution." He did mention, however, that if there is some really serious problem with a teacher's grading policy, the administration can suggest to that particular teacher that reviewing the grades might be advisable. The dress code was again mentioned. Pant suits cannot be worn to artist's series. To further clarify a point in the overall dress code, plain Tshirts cannot be worn. These T-shirts look like man's underwear, and are extremely messy looking. Dean Blackwell was asked what the administration thought of the changing dress codes, and whether the Longwood lady has become sloppier. The response was that matters of student dress have nothing whatsoever to do with the faculty. It should be noted, however, that the administration does notice student dress and each student should try to avoid extreme sloppiness. Another point ofdiscussion revolved around the planned April 10 beer drinking night in the dining hall. It seems that Dr. Willett has received many letters concerning this decision to allow beer to be served on that night. Dr. Willett pointed out that much consideration has gone into the decision to take Longwood off the tee-totaler list for that night. The whole point of mentioning the drinking night was to emphasize the fact that it took much thought and concern on the part of the administration to allow the beer, and it is now up to the students to conduct themselves properly. The responsibility is definitely on the individual. When Dr. Willett opened the floor
Longwood Southern Belle Changes Concept Of Fashion
This drawing is one of the many figure studies bv John Singer Sargent on rxhihit in the l.ihrar\ cillerv until March I.
By ANNE DYER The "Longwood lady" isanexpression that has been associated with the Longwood College student for quite some time. With this title, a sense of pride and tradition is suggested. However, this concept of the Longwood student often reflects the "old-fashioned Southern belle" image. Longwood prides itself in its individuality and uniqueness, but also realizes the need to stay in step with ttie times. Since Longwood is rapidly growing and progressing, so too, Longwood's dress code needs revisions. Because of trends in the fashion world, the Residence Board has passed new rules concerning thedress code of the "Longwood lady." The following is a copy of thedress code regarding proper attire as suggested by the Residence Board: Neat sports attire (Bermuda shorts,
jeans, slacks, pant-suits, sweatshirts, and gym suits) is allowed on campus and downtown with the following exceptions: 1. Gym suits are not allowed downtown. 2. Cut-off jeans and cut-off sweatshirts are not allowed in the dining hall, classes or downtown. 3. Tee shirts are not allowed (with the exception of knits, polo shirts, wringers, and those that have official insignias) in the dining hall, classes, or downtown. 4. When leaving Farmville by public transportation a student may not wear a gym suit, jeans, a tee shirt or a sweatshirt. 5. Sunday attire is required for Sunday noon dinner and special dinners. 6. Skirts or dresses are required for all assemblies except student or(Continued on Page 4)
for general questioning, there was one extremely interesting point that was brought out. This had to do with the freshman plagiarism case. It seems that this particular student was asked to leave Longwood for a semester, and told that she wasn't to return even for visiting purposes. One of the students at the press conference felt that this punishment was a little strict. This is, of course, a question of opinion. Dean Blackwell made it evident that before the Judicial Board reviews any case, they do not have a fixed punishment for each offense. In other words, there is no absolute penalty already decided upon. Each case is reviewed separately, and whether the other students find their ruling a bit harsh, is of no consequence. The last half hour of the press conference dealt with the registration problem. It was noticed and commented upon that in each registration the sophomores will be at a disadvantage. For the sophomores are forced to salvage classes only after the juniors and seniors have chosen. Perhaps in the future a full year registration will take place. In this proposed system the students will designate what is required, and the advisors will be able (Continued on Page 3)
Longwood Professor Dr. Berkis, Doubles As History Writer By ETHEL REITER Dr. Berkis, history scholar and author, has recently finished his second book. The first work of Dr. Berkis was a historical volume originally written in Latvian, and since tliat time it has been translated into English. "The History of the Diechy of Courland, 1561-1795," published by Paul M. Harrod Company of Baltimore, Maryland, was officially completed in December, 1969. This date marks the culmination of several years of research. The summer and holiday vacations of Dr. Berkis were devoted to the gathering of research and the writing of the book. "The History of the Diechy of Courland" is a single historical volume which prfaMtl an intensive study of western Latvia, the homeland of Dr. Berkis. The book is based upon documentary sources, yet Dr. Berkis lends his own conclusions and interpretations to the history of his people. To this date Dr. Berkr. i ll W UN author Oi approximately 330 Ittti I printed in newspapers throughout Die United St.it«- . Mi, letters in nOM> what different than his book. They tend to be less scholarly and more political in nature, <■■ with various national Ud lOtamtlOOl] issues such as: foreign policy, i responsibility, civil law and ordMr, and communism. Dr. Berkis hi <<■•d HM COD I reedom Award for his letters, and Dl I director of •ion.