April 12, 2023

Budget Battles: Students Want More

By Shae-Lynn Henderson, Features Editor, and Evelyn Summers, Senior Copy Editor

Meredith College, as a private institution, is not required to share its budget publicly and has chosen not to, with the last record of the Meredith budget online being 2020. In the interest of transparency, The Herald further what goes on behind the scenes

the reasoning behind the decisions

foundation as to the basics of how

dent for Business and Finance, explained that the “budget process is very collaborative” and that the school is in the beginning cycle of

son went on to explain that tuition and fees are the “bread and butter” of Meredith and that any extension beyond that should still be supportive of the College’s vision and

explained that the plans recently approved by the Board of Trustees

Center as well as creating a larger lobby for a banquet area and an still needs to raise an additional The Herald is "donor driven and will be funded

April 10, she explained that the renovation would include “new carpet, seating, elevator/accessibil-

the entire building. Stella Bowrenovation, but hoped that funding would be allocated for the other theatre spaces. “The downstairs whole building better.”

towards renovations within resi-

to The Herald’s post, students were aware of these renovations, only 17% answered yes.

about ideas and proposals to cre-

the basis of "the drive of the students" and that she "doesn’t want who are not interested in [budget

is accepted, which is part of the school’s gift acceptance policy.

into restricted and unrestricted funds, where restricted funds are

the donor requested they be spent on and where unrestricted funds are spent “at the discretion of the

as well as other sources such as Health and Exercise Sport Science (CHESS) building was established through restricted funding. When when other buildings had not yet that students had concerns.

In response to how students could reach out to express

The Herald also reached poll to see what their thoughts were on this recent announceand questioned why other parts of not yet been addressed.before buildings are added on [to]! They're awful." Another student responded that they were confused

other buildings that are in dire need of renovation," they said.

being updated. Savannah StainThe Herald that the falling over, and that there was

Meredith College also hosts understood the concept behind 21% answered that they actually

In further exploration as to why the budget is not shared pub-schools do not share their budget publicly.

that are easily accessible online, that having the budget open leaves-

Meredith’s budget, all respondents

phasized that the budget process is "collaborative" to ensure all the voices are being heard through the -

of these events are hosted, "no students would show up" besides those who requested it.

"ins-and-outs" and therefore does not post for those reasons, "espe-

Overall, upon further budget and further investigation has allowed for greater understanding of the budget decisions -

Association (SGA), but then stated use.

The newest proposed

Student Scrutiny and Debate Over the Counseling Center and Disability Services

the legal obligations” they had to

After trying to get a no-

“Your hands aren't tied, they are unbound and regularly destructive,” the student said. “I have

control are out of their hands and are actually the student's fault. It

ute presentation “unhelpful.” The student said that the disability training provided “felt unorganized

apologizing for her generation's struggle with using people's preferred pronouns.”

ability Counselor, responded to student concerns about the training. “If a student reported these feelings to us, we would certainly review the session provided and try -

personal responsibility of disabled

change an error if we are aware of the error.”

The Counseling Center and The Herald found that there have at Meredith.

Services, Beth Meier, asserted that to “[provide] quality, evidenceresources to students.” The Counseling Center holds a Crisis Hour or support outside of a regularly

This is in addition to the said, “The purpose of all of our crisis services is to assess and regulation strategies and potentially set a student up for addition-

The Counseling Center also Hour on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as another resource for students to receive support

outside of that hour, or roughly Meier says that the CC hopes to sessions, which would allow the at once.

Herald to share their experiences

Though the student doesn’t students with disabilities, they believe that their actions still do. “They are aware of these issues because I have brought these and others to their attention, and I constudents that they continue to engage in behaviors that invalidate their disabilities,” they explained. The student has heard[students’] expense.” However, Meier and Carolyn Koning, Assis-vices, told The Herald that “all the positions in the Counseling Center -

student body have expressed their

Koning was “not aware” of the issues students had with the training and that she would future presentations.”

Meier also said that she “wish[es] there was a way to betso issues can be addressed and resolved.” She hopes that students will continue to reach out with expressed that they were not shared that they “generally feelsubstantial.”

Those interested in learning Meredith can visit @inaccessibil-

heard that students were criticizis happening, I hope it gets re-

and are invested in students.” However, current students have shared troubling stories

edith started posting stories of and inaccessibility at Meredith, One student detailed theirnot honored by professors, and

One student shared that professors had not honored their class recording

Meredith Autism Program

By Rebecca Simmons, Contributing Writer

aged autistic children that uses applied behavior analysis (ABA) “for children to reach their fullest

The Herald

website as recently as August of

change were posted

series of courses for [Meredith] students, but our then director was

explained. In response, the director received training and returned

dents to gain hands-on experience costs to the caregivers of enrolled

have been questionable, "it didlogical reinforcers is still regularly-

ate students and the opportunity Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

As a Meredith student,

two decades, she said that she has seen a cultural shift. Currently,student when we parted ways withof gay conversion therapy. About physical sense—they have hair, a not people in the psychological slaps and other physical aversives behavior in autistic research parpreviously cited on their website included the use of aversive rein-

desired behavior with praise, the preferred toys, and other treats.

reinforce the child’s behavior. the practice of adhering to neuro--

ley, an autistic Meredith student,dren don’t do that’ are seared into behaviors to self-regulate, which as neurodivergent. In ABA therahis clothes) because “it was quiet enough to not be noticed.” Tilley went on to say, “ABA therapy lefters.”

pedes the learning process. She unless they show an interest in noted on their website was inaccurate. -

sis, is that really what we should be doing?” She referenced “pureincludes planned ignoring, which used to involve “literally turning displayed an undesirable behav--ognizes that previous applications their approach the 2000s, “there

Meredith] in 2003, that people behavior analyst […] and actually

behavior analysts to be better equipped to help autistic clients and to follow an ethical code to

tered by the Behavior Analyst Cer-

tion in ABA as well as practical -

Registered Behavior Technicians a high school education, the sucA current Meredith student stated that her autistic brother and RBTs until 2007. She writes,tive to the point it was unnaturaltypically.” The student attended decided against participating in the personal connection to an indiwith the techniques they use to she said. The student added that [ABA].”

website stated, “Early, intensive,Read the

The Life of a DIII Athlete

Meredith College has tendents at Meredith are involved in even three), and because Meredith students participate purely for fun. experiences on Meredith’s sportsMeredith student-athletes. universities that choose not to student athletes.” These schoolsstudents to continue playing the sports exist to give students the opportunity to play sports without -

Every student The Heraldabout their experiences playing for

Many players also shared issues they’ve had playing on

athletic trainers, not because they don’t give us enough hours, she said. This presents probathlete reported that only hav-

of a class and have to go straight to practice since lunch is no longer being served” and that “during are later] dinner would be over already.”

Another student shared that “Eating disorders are so -

to properly fuel their bodies to -

education about how to best fuel our bodies,” arguing that success in sports and diet “go hand in

able to provide for the safety and well-being of the student athletes.” Many student athletes at Meredithtrainers oversee over 200 athletes.

Residence Life Employee Experience

of experiences for students—for students are required to live in the two years at Meredith, the Resi-

(CAs).

her in her role as an RA. Browning students face, such as facilitating conversations to resolve relational bug. However, RA’s cannot really had issues with the air condition-

the issue continues to sporadi-

responsibility of helping however they can.of her in her role, but there were other challenges she faced while that one challenge of being an RA was “establish[ing] boundaries with the residents.” She further said, “It can also be challenging to learn to distinguish between [when to be] friendly and stern.” Because Miller was very busy with her classes, dance and RA respon-ties, curating bulletin boards and doing rounds, she found it hard to -

it challenging to balance having other interests that required a lot priority over everything else,” she said. -

list this position, and the role of Meyers. The Herald reached out to Meyers to discuss this but has

Another one of the biggest concerns for student-athletes, regardless of the sport they play, -

by student-athletes, Meredith’s participants and allows students to continue playing the sports they

allows athletes to fully appreciate playing the sports they love.

-

able to fully experience Meredith recounted that she “gatheredMiller also helped facilitate conand she explained that the role ofally only involved reporting the present for conciliatory conversations between students if the RA is capable of facilitating.

-

ing her senior year and an RA her a CA, her typical duties included “doing rounds, holding the duty building socials, and handling any on the individual and how they wanted to advocate for students Meredith,” she explained. When

of other RAs and her residents, butto get [her] hopes up.” Carryl tried rights of RAs/CAs, but near theto ensure a positive experience for herself and others was draining.Barnhart left the position. Barnin a position that “served as an opportunity for [her] to progress in [her] career.” Regarding her experience and creating a positive Carryl said, "CAs/RAs are students before anything and should be valued as such." RAs

residents at the cost of their own the extracurriculars available to

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Department Spotlight: Meredith’s Dance Community

It’s no secret that theconducting artistic scholarship, developing technical, creative and

al expression.” The Herald reached

of size, student interest and relto be what Meredith needs in this can have a place in the industry and want to support any student -

The Herald reached out to

surrounded by other people who and connecting with each other

The Herald-

discuss concerns one-on-one, and [the faculty] bring a sense of understanding to the table.” Rehbein

a class is a great way to experienceYouTube to liturgical or praisedents but not required.”

tap in addition to lecture courses

In regards to the various clubs available to students, AnGroup, Fierce International

is so special. Michaela Rehbein, is an incredibly special place… because of the relationships that I have been able to build with each personal level [and] is wonder-ground and anything else that -

“being able to go to the faculty-

as I do dance educators—and that

A unique part of the Meris the opportunity to choreograph

to learn, choreograph and per-

of belonging here at Meredith and invites us students to share our culture and who we are. We are or dress code; we believe as long as learning and are having fun, that’s

dance pieces for the concert as they wish, as long as their schedules allow it.”

Finley told The Herald, in regard to students engaging with

pus, the organization has several

ciation (MSA) at Meredith College is consistently organizing philanthis year includes providing the -

The Herald about thesociation is doing, and how othereveryone at Meredith.” In addition,as a whole by providing services

wide” as well as advocating for

advocating for changes in the din-

plier for at least a day or two each

found on their website, as well. If you have questions about the pro-

dar says. Students of any religious

and suggestions for future consideration. Those interested in MSA

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Tumblr Diaries of the Meredith Dolls

Student Leaders at Meredith

At Meredith College, being Meredith tradition, Student Advising or holding a leadership position for a club, there are several opportunities for students to hold leadervarying experiences of what holding their leadership position has been-

istration and faculty in order for done while serving in their position. The Heralddents who have held and currentlypus to hear their honest opinions on what being a student leader at What Made You Decide to Become a Student Leader? -

the Class of 2023

with other students and being a do so. I have the opportunity to organizations and beyond and learn a resource for other individuals, I and lending a helping hand when direction.” -Mary Wesley Craft, Student Advisor

How much support do you feel administration and faculty has given you in your time being a student leader?

“As a student advisor, I feel incredibly supported by theing sure we have the resources help our advisees as best as pos-cation Club balance between being a student leader and your courses or work?thing was happening pertaining really able to establish boundposition is new and people aren’t entirely sure how to incorporate I also couldn’t establish boundstudent leaders would violate Belonging Board Chair of Student -

how oppositional they are to our success. The greatest reward I’ve Knowing what you know now about what it means to be a student leader, would you sign up for it again?

“Being a student leader can -

tunities I've had to get involved. Iperience and friendships through student leadership that wouldn't be possible without it! I would absolutely sign up again.” -Ashleigh Millinder

for this role, there were several -

When discussing student-

connect with peers who shared Co-Chairdent leader because I wanted to be-

SGA Senate because of the responsibility they have in ensuring that

was also interested in Queer Space because it was an opportunity for

-Elizabeth Sharpe, '22, Secretary &

I would say that the advisors for but the ones who did participate really tried their best to give us the when we needed advice.” -Elizabeth

Sharpe

personal issues they have with indi-

ed instances where she has snapped at students or criticized their desire

Do you feel that you are fairly rewarded or compensated for your duties as a student leader?

“I understand that withers, there are no rewards for your-

student leadership positions. If there were such opportunities available for student leaders, I pool of student leaders.” -Mary Wesley Craft -

nition. However, these awards that goes into the position or

slightest. They host annual training sessions for student leaders. In white student leader accidentally addressed,’ but the student leader

Student leaders on Mere-ences in their positions due to a-

tration who are involved in pro-

to listen to what the student’s concerns and needs truly are. This, willing to participate in student led organizations and not be as hesitant about the consequences of

Op-Ed: Is This Wonderland?

truth. The College gathers for a production every four years, andsage. For those who aren't fa-to create a nonsensical and surreal because of his word play, and thehave a wide variety of interests and personality traits that create light-hearted chaos. It isn’t until

Meredith is operating institutions do, and use it to perway to court favor with the student body. But the only people clapping donors.

Wonderland is the perfect way to describe Meredith College. Our “perfect” school is nothingto want to help, yet they repeatedly world’s.

cated to sharing the experiences

process.

But the ugly reality is thatinterested in protecting Meredith’s reputation over its students. Adtheir ugly in words and in deeds. -

ing our sudden departure. To truly hurting. We held our breath as we police brutality opened up a larger conversation about how pervastudents began sharing theirto showcase the relevance of these that the page would create real was a result of students’ stories to resolve and prevent negative

The page is/was a safe haven for the untold stories of exhausting having to carry the secrets of Meredith as well as our of ourselves to the cause that there long, we were convinced it was about the page.

Alice realizes that the rulers of Wonderland are not what that they saw her for who she trulyness to disrupt the illusion allowed of Wonderland. Most of the people you -

people are willing to do anything to

But the unexpected villain of the story is the King of Hearts. The role of the King is usuallyless the Queen is. He tries to please her by agreeing with everything wrong. It is often argued that the -

In reality, he is cowardly. appease the Queens because they spines. They’re too afraid to do the right thing because they’re

are not their priority. They want us to buy into this school, but this school refuses to buy into us. They

MereCo is not special or revolupaying attention. We are not individuals that you can pinpoint on entice every year during events are the students you put on your

You have shown everyone shown everyone your disrespect

won't they do better?

Meredith calls itself “Won-

“Alice in Wonderland” series. Many have chosen to believe this pristine reputation our school has.

As for the Queens, they all spend yourselves for who you really are.

So when you all retire andbecause you were unwilling to change. That is your legacy. That is that is no one else’s fault but your own.

Sincerely,

Editorial Board Statement

By The Meredith Herald Editorial Board

the publication. As writers for The Herald, people often share infor--

our goal is to accurately represent what is happening at Meredith

fully represented.-

those who do not feel heard. This

surrounding it. The intent is never to produce negative retort, but there is also no intent to encourage

Our decision to write this special issue was driven in part by the need for public discourse. The article topics have drawn interest-

roundings. Meredith has already -

pression Boards to student outcry people are interested in the context their role in it.

responsibility to create awareness and representation for all voices

the society.

When balance of the two is Herald greater insight into behind-the--

placing power in the hands of the The Herald continues

The Herald

discourse. We believe that by opening up the conversation and practicing transparency, we can createnity. As current students, we are Meredith College. This can only happen if everyone feels that they are heard and valued. We want voice their opinions and address

is everyone else at Meredith. It was then that we settled on the idea of creating a special issue.

process of creating this specialsion resulted in 12 article concepts. -

lessly to perfect the issue—all while The Herald

As a student publication,

organization. We are the eyes and ears of each student, and all of usence.

The Herald, as a Board and as a publication, has grown and developed leaps and bounds over the integral part of that growth. With purposes of this publication is to cultivate fair, honest and accurate conversation about relevant topics

edge if it’s believed to be for the wrong reasons.

that not everything happening at Meredith is cause for concern. There are organizations and events -

recognition. The ones that are to hear. However, it is essential to

There is power in conversation. A conversation between the 10 people on our board led to 12 topics. One conversation opened hope with this issue is to shed light

Meredith and our generation,

larger conversation about the future of Meredith and the responsibility that each of us has in shaping it.

The Herald

The Meredith Herald

The Herald Clary Taylor

Cady Stanley Haileigh West

Charlie Hatch

Abigail Ruehle

Melissa Taylor Sheridan Taylor

Grayson Morris Riley Heeb

The Meredith Herald 2022-23 Editorial Board