Editorial

A disappearing act

When the trees come down, the wind blows stronger. As the wind blows stronger, the dirt flies harder. When the dirt flies harder, students seek refuge behind books, buildings and buddies.

UCO students would probably be the first to admit and fully understand that progress requires sacrifice. We drudge through red mud, hurdle construction blockades and even hike for what seems like a mile in order to get to a class in the next building.

So what are we supposed to do now that all of our quiet shady spots are being taken away? Well, they tell us our trees will be replaced. But everyone who has ever planted a tree as a kid knows that it's never ready to climb until you move away to college.

Now we're in college. All the big trees are at home. We're too big to climb trees, but would like to hide from the wind under one. Have you ever tried hiding from anything under a seedling? Good luck.

Now we're waiting for the UCO seedlings to grow. The sound of jackhammers and dump trucks make us want to rip our hair out. But there's a place we can go to escape.

It's paid for and maintained by the university and admission is free. It's a quiet little nook right here on campus. Don't get too excited just yet, there's a few things you may have to overlook in order to enjoy yourself.

Now all you've got to do is get there. Head straight for the center of campus, we can't offer any specific course as it will change by next week.

Walk around empty Thatcher Lake, you'll find norecourse there. Crossing the pay lot, dodge the fleeing cars. Straight ahead, you can catch a glimpse of it's branches. Restrain yourself from running into traffic.

You should see it - by now. A large shade tree smack dab in the middle of parking lot 5. It's like no other on campus; no mud, no barricades, no wind. Students, grab a blanket and take a load off. Exhaust fumes not withstanding, it's the perfect getaway. On

THEVISTA

Vol. 97, No. 4 (USPS 661-700) ISSN: 1084-9149

Editor in Chief Cynthia Chung Writer Associate Editor ... Anthony J. Tompkins Writer Managing Editor Leslie Wakulich Writer Copy Editor Farzana Razak Writer Copy Editor John Clanton Writer Sports Editor Mike Gustafson Photography Editor Sports Writer Richard Tortorelli Photographer Sports Writer Jeff Packham Graphic Artist Advertising Mgr. Jerry Yeoh Graphic Artist Writer Mary Reinauer Circulation/Morgue Adviser, Mark Hanebutt Paul Eddy Jessica Halliburton Judy Simpson Gayleen Langthorn Rob Gallavan Bill Wilkinson Laurette Graham Sean Ashby Pujan Roka Marcus Kok

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by the students in the department of journalism, semi-weekly during the academic year except exams and holiday periods, and on Thursdays only during the summer term, at the University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N University Dr, Edmond, OK 73034-5209. Telephone (405) 341 -2980, X5549. One-year subscription rate $12. Second-class postage paid at Edmond, Oklahoma 73034-9998.

"POSTMASTER": Send address changes to The Vista, 100 N University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034.

Letters

Letters to the editor are not only welcome, but encouraged. All letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters must also include author's address and phone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit for space limitations and to comply with libel laws. Every effort will be made to preserve the integrity of the letter. Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034-5209 or deliver in person to the editor, Communications Bldg, Rm 107.

W-/E- CAMPUS CoNSTRUcTioN HAS NECESSITATED CERN P RPTiONS 8Y li-IE SILIDENT5.

Sean Ashby /The Vista

LETTERS Senator refutes president's claims

In response to the recent article, SGA president reiterates old "6'by 96" promises, Jan. 23, I would like to remind students of UCO that President Gregory campaigned on the "6 by 96" promises when he was running for vice president and did not make them a priority until The Vista brought them to his attention. It seems to me he is trying to capitalize on the negative press and excuse himself from the blame for the mistakes of the previous semester. To further explain, President Gregory was nowhere to be found in his semester as vice president. In fact, he rarely gave his scheduled reports in the weekly SGA meetings. He made no headway on the six promises, yet is trying to take credit for the Housing Improvement Act and the 24-hour study area with snack bar which was passed under the leadership of President Jarboe and Speaker of the Senate Keith Weber. President Gregory is as much the reason for SGA's image problem as anyone is because of his inactivity!

President Gregory also stated that the Battle for the Bronze would be his main focus for the upcoming semester; let us hope he gets more done this semester than he did in the last.

One of the requirements to be SGA president and to receive the scholarship that accompanies this office is to serve 20 office hours every week. As vice president, Dustin Gregory did not serve his 10 weekly office hours and I will be surprised if he meets the requirement for president. Furthermore, student politicians who are touted as student leaders should set a god example for the UCO population. As president, Gregory should be resultsoriented, not remiss in his duties as he was as vice president. Only time will tell. However, in the past, this has not been the practice with Gregory, moreless his philosophy was symbolism over substance and in reading this article it seems to me that he is starting his presidency with the same ideals. I hope that Dustin's philosophy changes or it will be an unproductive semester for the UCO Student Government Association.

—Donna Whinery

SGA senator

CAMPUS TIDBITS

V Burpee Takes Off

Say goodbye to Vice President of Development/Community Relations and Interim Vice President of Administration Richard Burpee at the Heritage Room in the University Center at 3 p.m. Jan. 31. He will be joining the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. • Successful Studying

A free study skills workshop will be held 6 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Seminole Room at the University Center. The workshop is designed to teach students positive study habits. For more information, -call the Multicultural Student Services at 341-2980, Ext. 2580.

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