The Telescope 28.13

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Economist say grads' future dreary Editor's note: This is the first of a series dealing with various aspects of today's college education. By Diane Slezak Once upon a time , as the story goes, a college diploma was a passport to instant success. No sooner had the graduate retired his mortarboard than job offers poured in from firms eagerly awaiting the fruit of four years of study. But like penny candy and a clear day in L:>s Angeles, the promise of a dream career following college graduation is becoming a thing of the past. The reason for this development can be stated in one word: Oversupply. According to an article in the November issue of Reader's Digest, "Tough Times for College Grads," by

Ronald Schiller, 1.3 million bachelor's degrees were awarded in 1973, an alltime high. Economist Neal Rosenthal of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, states "A million baccalaureates a year are more than the country can absorb even in boom times." Of those 1.3 million, one fourth readied themselves for teaching careers - 300,000 potentials for 147,000 jobs. Another 110,000 prepared to compete for 38,000 openings in law schools. Biology majors numbering 51,000 fought for 14,000 annual classroom seats in medical schools. Other areas, especially for majors in the liberal arts, appear equally bleak.

Most college students hope to achieve a two-fold purpose. First, they desire per-

sonal development and satisfaction through education. Second, they strive to establish a basis for a career. In this latter objective, many seem to be falling short. According to Schiller's findings, many blame the educational system for this shortcoming. The fact that 62 percent of all collegians opt to major in the humanities, social sciences and educa· tion seems to reflect a bias only toward "education · for education's sake," so prevalent iri today's high school and ear· ly college "career counseling." Although college grads face stiff competition for employment opportunities. stud1es show a degree does pay off eventually. For instance, last year the unemployment rate for graduates was five

percent, compared to 7.8 percent for Without degrees. The average lifetime incomes of grads tend to be higher. In a report published in the July 22,1974 issue of US News and World Report, those who had completed four years of college earned an estimated $710,000 for their life's wages, compared to $480,000 for those who had not furthered their education beyond high school. The report also showed that more people are obtaining more years of schooling nowadays. In March, 1973, the median number of years in school completed by males 25 years of age and older was 12.3, in contrast to the March, 1957 figure of 10.4. Also, in March, 1973, 12 percent of the 53.1 million males in that age category had completed one to three

Palomar College · Volume 28 Number 13 • A Publication of the Associated Students ·

Seminar features engineer careers Jobs in engineering will be discussed tomorrow at the weekly Palomar student career interest seminar. Jerry Harmon will draw upon his background as senior engineer for Pacific ·Telephone Company in San Diego for the prese!J.tation. Harmon has been with Pacific Telephone since 1966. Active in civic affairs, Harmon is a city councilman and mayor pro tempore for the city of Escondido. He is a member of the Escondido Citizens' Ecology Com· mittee and the Kearny Mesa Rotary Club. Harmon's talk is scheduled for 12 noon in room B-1. He will discuss job possibilities in engineering the nature of various kinds of work; qualifications, experience and persnnal characteristics most sought after for a career in engineering; and education, training and entry methods into the profession. The seminar series is coordinated by Palomar vocational counselor, 0. Byron Gibbs , and business instructor Robert Lent.

A "progress" report on various efforts that have been or are being carried out by the student government was given by ASG president Jerry Jones Thursday to members of the newly-elected Student Assembly. "When I ran for the office of ASG president last spring I had a list of eleven items that I promised to attempt to carry out. So far we have had a batting average of eight successes, one failure, with two issues still undecided."

MECHA students repair a donated bike, one of the many items being collected for needy North County

children for their annual Christmas party, December 21. (Photo by Larry Wandel)

covered that there was not sufficient enthusiasm for a Country-Western format, and that the majority of students would rather own a Volkswagen or Van, rather than an uneconomical Jaguar. In addition, there would h-ave · been no attempt to establish an Activity Hour. Howell further criticized the sudden cancellation of Jones' scheduled speech to the students in the Student Union on November 20 for which the faculty was requested to excuse class at 11 a.m. "There was no contingency plan for another speaker to take his place, since he was not able to make the speech." Finally Jones was accused of maintaing an ego trip with the publication of Aware, the ASG newletter, as well as fostering "A Watergate-like atmosphere by keeping the curtains to his office closed and locking the door or displaying a sign which says 'in conference'. This is not indicative of an open administra· tion." Howell said.

After the meeting Jones rebutted some of the accusations. "I shut the door and curtains to my office, so that when I am in conference with people I won't be constantly interrupted by friends and acquaintences who see me through the window or open doorway. My door is always open to students, but they have to wait in line." Jones commented that the purchase of a Jaguar and the Country-Western night were both appeals to gain support from the community at large. "We are trying to raise the money for Project Palomar from the people of this area, we're not trying to soak the students."

"The so-called American Negro is stupid, ignorant, and poor," charged Amos- X minister of the Nation of Islam (Black Muslim) recently, speaking before an Mro-American history class here. "White America plays 'politricks' and have miseducated the black man," said the Muslim minister. "The black man in America has lost his culture. He does not know who he is. When you have a name like McGillicuddie or Smith, you are enslaved. We (the Muslims) will always be free." The Muslims have dropped their given names and replaced them with the letter X, signifying their unknown real names. According to Amos-X, "The black man ·is the original man. He was here when the earth was separated from the moon more than 66 trillion years ago. Amos-X said that the white man has 6000 years to rule the world. ''The year 1974 is his year of decline." He indicated that the American Negro will start his rise and eventually rule the world.

Jones listed each of the items, and then talked about each one at length. The first goal was to create a staff to help carry out ASG duties. This was achieved last May when the outgoing Student Assembly accepted a proposal to create three staff positions: Coordinator of Public Relations, Coordinator of Community Relations and Coor· dinator of Internal Relations. Another successful effort which Jones listed was that ofincreasingthe sales of ASG cards, with resultant increases in revenues to the ASG. Card sales were in. creased from 300 to 1500 in one year and services such as dental care, check cashing services and coupon books enabling the owner to get substantial discounts on many local items were or are being implemented. Other campaign goals that met with success were those of instituting after game dances and opening the Dome for concerts, a privilege that previously had been denied to the students. "We helped to increase communication between the students and their campus government with the institution of the ASG newsletter, which I hope that this year's assembly will continue to fund," Jones said.

The one item that Jones and the ExIn answer to the criticism of a lack of research into student sentiments, he ecutive Board supported, but which was said, "I do a great deal of research into not carried out, was the controversial Acanything I do. I do not make arbitrary tivity HoO.r which received so much decisions or recommendations without ' wide-spread criticism at a public meeting several weeks ago that it was examining the issues closely." reconsidered and sacked.

Muslim says whites 'politricky' By George Hobbs

San Marcos , Calif.

92069

ASG announces progress on plans

Howell raps Jones' financial decisions A member of the Student Assembly rose during Thursday's meeting to offer what he termed "constructive criticism" of the administration of ASG president Jerry Jones. Archie Howell, recently elected to the school's legislative body, made his comments after Jones had finished delivering a "State of the ASG" speech to the Assembly . In his comments, Howell accused Jones of "ineffective and nonrepresen ta ti ve leadership" characterized by a number of actions during the last few months. Howell maintained that the president did not conduct sufficient research into three matters: The Country-Western Night, the purchase of a Jaguar automobile and the attempt to establish an Activity Hour. And that he proceeded to carry them out against the sentiments of the majority of students. If Jones had conducted more research, Howell claimed, he would have dis-

Nov. 26, 1974

years of college. Companies which formerly required only a high_,school education find they can now be more selective among their job applicants. Many police departments, for example, require recruits to have at least two and possibly four years of post-secondary study. It is also virtually impossible in this day and age to enter the ranks of highposition executives without a degree. Among middle and upper management positions, 80 percent and up are college graduates. Although baccalaureate bearers are in overabundance now, a reverse trend may be underway. The National Association of College Admissions Counselors reported in July, 1974 that (Continued on page 2)

Amos- X explained some of the begin- Muslims got their proof of history," ... nings of the Nation of Islam. In 1931 the seeing as how history only goes back to Muslim Elijah Muhammad the leader of the Egyptians and all rulers from then the Black Muslims met W. Fard .until now were white." Amos-X said, Muhammed, who taught Elijah the . ·"This is the twentieth century and you, a tenets of the Nation of Islam. The · college student will make a statement Muslims believe that W. Fard Muhamm· like that." ed was Allah (God). Asked "What would happen to whites It was he who said that the Bible had when blacks ruled the world?" Amos-X been tampered with by whites to make it pointed out that "Whites would take suit themselves. Elijah Muhammad was their rightful place as the minority race told that the white race was created by a in the world." scientist named Yakub. It took six hunOn the rule of women in the Nation of dred years to create the white race by Islam, Amos-X said that black women selective breeding. are to be respected and protected. Being During the question and answer involved with serious problems of period Amos-X had trouble giving a nation-building, a woman has no time defintive answer to some questions. A for makeup, short pants and short black woman asked how she could dresses. become a Muslim or get more informaAnother student while admitting that tion about it. Amos- X told her she could the power structure in the US is not learn anything with a cigarette in "corrupt," asked, "What would keep the her hand. She replied "I have a nervous Muslims from becoming corrupt condition," to which the minister said, themselves, since power corrupts?'' "All black people in America have a ner- Amos- X assured him that the black man vous condition. Come to our temple and is divine and" ... following the teaching listen to the teaching." of Muhammad and the Holy Qur-an this Another student asked where the would not be possible."

The two proposals that are still in limbo are: The opening of a box office where students could purchase tickets to current shows and other events that are held throughout the county at a discount (still in committee); the Child Care Center which has been approved in concept by the Governing Board of the college, and which, if it is built, will be constructed between next July and September. However, the project will not be paid for until a tax override is passed by the voters of North County. Jones stressed the neccessity of the ASG's continued support of Project Palomar, so that the Child Care Center could be built with its funds in the time specified since a tax override election can not be scheduled until next year. Jones also talked about other efforts that the student government is presently engaged in promoting. "Last year I supported the expansion of the bookstore. The present one is too small to be a selfsupporting unit, since there is only a five percent mark-up on the books, sold. Profits in such a venture are made from other sundry items that have higher mark-ups, but at present, there is no room." It was reported, however, that the Governing Board has also agreed to

build a new bookstore which will be an expansion of the old one and will begin operation in 1975-76. "The tenth item was the proposal to build a new student center. I renewed the efforts of the ASG to get a new student center put back on the Master-Plan, . which we succeeded in doing." The proposed center would be approximately 30,000 square feet in size. However, as in the case of a child care center, the student center would have to be funded from a tax override. An alternative which the student president mentioned was a building use fee that would be paid by each student attending the college, about $5 per semester. "Before the ASG would endorse such a plan, we would take a referendum of the students to determine their wishes." Another long range goal that the ASG has been striving to achieve has been the construction of a bike route extending from downtown Escondido, on Mission Road through San Marcos and into Vista. "In this case you're talking about a great deal of money," said Jones . "There is also a lack of land. However, we have succeeded in getting the bike route placed on the master plans of three cities involved.

all

"But the Acheson-Topeka-Santa Fe Railroad, whose land we wanted to build the route on, have so far refused." Negotiations with the railroad for the college will be carried out by a special representative hired by the ASG. Jones speculated that if the route were built it would probably be completed in 1980 at the cost of one and a half million dollars. In addition to the eleven items covered above Jones also talked about several other unrelated subjects. Mention was · made of the abolition by the Executive Counsel of the Emergency L:>an Fund which is $1800 in the red. This is because many of those who borrowed money from the fund failed to pay it· back. Among other subjects covered were reports to renovate the cafeteria which Jones described as ''looking like the cafeteria in my grammer school in East Texas." The ASG president recommended that the budget for the Telescope be increased. The budget has been reduced from $3000 to $900 last year because the student government felt that they were not being given enough news coverage. However Jones expressed gratification about recent Telescope coverage.

Recital tomorrow Students ofthe Music Department will present a recital at tomorrow's Concert Hour program at 11 a.m. in C-5. . Nancy Emery and Charles Jergensmeier, both vocalists, will perform as a duet and will be accompanied by Connie Venti. Jergensmeier will also sing as a soloist, accompanied by Catherine Scanlon. Another vocalist to perform will be L:>rene Heale, accompanied by Venti. Chris Hopkins, cellist, and John Reeside, pianist, will perform a duet. Also included in the program will be a string trio consisting of Jesse Rufner, violin, L:>is Miers, viola, and Betty Blaustein, cello.


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