March 15, 1988 Vol. 86, No. 42
VISTA
Tuesday Edition
Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma
Foster pleads guilty to lesser charge By J. Money and Mary Butler
"It doesn't seem like the punishments and crimes fit together any more," said Central State University Professor Virginia Peters Friday.
Peters made that comment after finding out a former Central State University student accused of attempting to shoot her pleaded guilty to assault charges Wednesday in Oklahoma county district court.
Gary Bartholomew Foster, 41, has received a 10-year sentence for one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to injure. Foster was originally charged with two counts of assault with a
Vice President George Bush, winner of Oklahoma's Republican primary, was warmly received at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame during a campaign stop before the primary was held. Albert Gore Jr. won the Democratic primary held the same day. (Photo by Michael Keen)
Audit underway at CSU By Mary Martin
Student Writer A routine investigative audit is being conducted at Central State University by the Oklahoma State Auditor Inspector's Office, according to Steve Shutton, internal auditor at CSU.
"The primary objective of the audit (held once every four years) is the examination of procedure and control rather than a presentation of financial information", said Shutton. Phil Devanney, spokesman for the Oklahoma State Auditor In-
English course started By Mike Chin
Student Writer Students who have not met state high school English requirements will have to take a special English class before enrolling at Central State University beginning the Fall 1988 semester. According to Darrell Gilliland, CSU registrar, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Educa-
Senate forum planned By J. Money
Editor Central State University's Student Association Senate will hold a forum in the Liberal Arts Auditorium tomorrow at 12:40 p.m. to discuss parking problems related to high school festivals on campus. According to Sen. Tim Kalman, senators decided to hold the forum after Monica Malakar's letter was published in the March 3 issue of The Vista. "Senators decided they need to go to the students for input," said Kalman. "We also want to show the students that the senate is doing something for them."
tion decided to have the course as part of its continuing efforts to upgrade the higher education system. The course, English 0123, is a non-credit course designed to make sure students are sufficiently prepared for standard college freshman English composition courses. English Professor Don Duffy said the first seven weeks of the course will consist of lectures, textbook exercises, in-class writing and grammar quizzes. "When the student has completed all the requirements listed in the syllabus to the instructor's satisfaction," Duffy said, "the student may be considered qualified to take regular freshman English courses and may opt not to continue coming to the class." After the seventh week, Duffy said, the instructor will tailor the activities of the class to the remaining students. The English 0123 program will only affect high school graduates with insufficient English background, according to CSU Registrar Darrell Gilliland. But, he added, it is still unclear if the program will affect international students. Gilliland said a decision on that is expected later this year by the The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
spector's Office, said the office will investigate special accounts, foundation monies, employee and part-time student payrolls, student waivers, athletic and student scholarships, the bookstore and anything else that generates revenue. The authority to conduct special audits is in accordance with House Bill 1099 Sec. 22B. which states "audits are required every four years for all public higher educational institutions," said Devanney. Devanney added the audit will also identify any inconsistencies with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education policy and procedural manual. According to Devanney, the special audit should be finished by March 31, and the report should be filed within one month to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
deadly weapon with intent to kill after being arrested on CSU's campus Oct. 9. Police said Foster burst into Peters' office, aimed a gun at her head and pulled the trigger. But, the gun did not fire because the bullet was old. A second count of assault using a deadly weapon with intent to kill was filed against Foster after a gun discharged during a struggle with CSU students and police officers. But the first count of the assault using a deadly weapon with intent to kill was reduced by District Judge Joe Cannon Feb. 26. District Attorney Ray Elliot said he is not happy with the outcome of the case. "Judge Cannon ruled since no shot was fired at Peters, Foster could not be tried on the first count of assault using a deadly weapon with intent to kill. "Instead," he continued, "Cannon ordered the charge changed to assault using a dangerous weapon with intent to injure." Elliot said there was no question that the second count of assault using a deadly weapon was weak. "So," Elliot said, "after the charge reduction was made, we entered into plea negotiations
with Foster's lawyer." Under the plea agreement, the second count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill was dropped in exchange for Foster's guilty plea to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to injure. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. "It's not enough," said Elliot. "He should be locked up for the rest of his life." Virginia Peters said she had mixed emotions about the case's disposition. "I'm frustrated because I don't understand why Judge Cannon changed the charge and I'm concerned he'll (Foster) be out in two years. When he gets out, then what?" CSU Police Chief Bob Roberts said he believed the sentence of 10 years was without parole. But Peters said she didn't know what would happen. "If I retired or moved away, I'd be letting him (Foster) control my life. I won't let that happen. I could change my mind about retiring if he gets out, but I have no plans to retire early. "It doesn't seem like the punishments and crimes fit together anymore," Peters said. "Nobody serves what they are sentenced to any more."
CSU faculty senate approves 'N' grade By Cindy Brorsen
Student Writer The faculty senate approved a measure allowing for an "N" grade Thursday. An "N" grade, if approved by Centeral State University President Bill Lillard, would be assigned by the registrar when an instructor fails to submit a mid-term grade for a student. Right now, an "I" is assigned when a teacher fails to turn in a grade.
Darrell Gilliland, CSU registrar, said confusion has resulted because the meaning of the "I" grade is unclear. "The "I" can stand for the abscence of a grade, or it implies that the student did not complete the assigned class work," Gilliland said. "The new "N" grade would properly clarify the student's record. It is a neutral grade," he added.
David Friend applies make-up to his face during a demonstration given to a Central State University make-up class Thursday. (Photo by Darrin Presley)