THE
October 4, 1988 Vol. 87,No. 11
VISTA
Tuesday Edition
Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma
Plans developed for Centennial
Cheerleaders Christy Estes, Joel Faulk, Michelle Rippetoe, Robert York, Michele Umdenstock and April Spring participate in Tug-of-war during University FEST activities. Please see photo feature on pages 4 and 5. (Photo by Chris Rush)
, • , • Brisch questions meeting
By Tim Earley Student Writer An organizational meeting of Oklahoma college and university presidents was called off last week after Higher Education Chancellor Hans Brisch expressed concern that the meeting may be illegal under state law according to Jeanie Edney, director of communications for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The meeting of the proposed Association of Oklahoma State Colleges and Universities was abruptly called off after Brisch sent a memorandum to state college presidents expressing his concern that the meeting may be in violation of the state's open meeting law, Edney said. The Sept. 26 meeting of college presidents, who had gathered at
Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma, will be rescheduled at a later date in order for the group to research the legality of the meeting, according to Dr. Larry Nutter, president of Rose State College. "We just want to be sure before we go ahead with this," Nutter said. "Only by chance did I find out about this meeting and organization," the chancellor said in a memo sent to the college presidents. "It is clear to me that the purpose of this organization is to circumvent the oversight of Oklahoma's colleges and universities by their governing boards. It clearly defies the wise tradition of governance of the educational system by private citizens," Brisch said.
Accounting system approved for CSU By Tia McElvany Student Writer Central State University may soon be "operating in a paperless environment" according to Phil Arnold, assistant to the vice president of administration. He said that a new accounting system has been approved by the regents, and CSU is currently taking bids. The current system is a cornputerized batched accounting system that was developed over twenty years ago and incorporates various individual programs. This means that everything is first done manually on paper and then is batched (put into the cornputer) on a monthly basis. Arnold said that CSU is looking
at installing an on-line, integrated, real-time accounting and reporting system. This means that everything would be put directly into the computer by way of the terminals in each department on campus. Rather than having to wait until the end of the month to check the status of something, the system would always be current. Bids for the system are in the $200,000 range but Arnold said that it would save money in the long run. He said there would be savings in personnel and in not having to write the programs. Although the new system will probably take more than a year to install and implement, Arnold calls it "one of the most significant steps for the university."
"I am disappointed that you called this meeting. Establishing this organization without the approval of the attorney general....may be illegal," he said. Central State University President Bill Lillard said there is some question whether the chancellor has the authority to keep people from meeting and discussing. "It was presumptuous of the chancellor to assume what the purpose was because according to the United State Constitution and the Oklahoma Constitution we are guaranteed the right to assemble and discuss," Lillard said. Brisch has been under fire for a month after 18 of 26 Oklahoma college presidents declared that the Higher Regents 1988-89 budget allocations were grossly inequitable and should be changed. Distribution of $29 million in new state aid, the presidents charged, was weighted too heavily in favor of a few schools, particularly the University of Oklahoma in Norman and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Lillard said the memo may have been a tactic to keep the presidents from meeting to discuss the allocation of funds controversy. "When you quote something you need to know is it in violation of the open meeting law or is it not. To say it may be gives the appearance of a scare tactic," Lillard said. Lillard said it was not the intention of the meeting to discuss the matter because the presidents have already openly expressed their concern to the chancellor. They were not attempting to go behind anyone's back, he added, Lillard said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss and adopt Please see Regents on page 8.
By Martha Giglio Editor Wide ranging plans for the Central State University Centennial celebration were shared Friday during a Centennial Commission meeting coordinated by John W. Simmons, Jr., chairman. Deans of each of the four colleges have formulated plans for the upcoming celebration. Dean Joe Kinser of the College of Business will invite major speakers to coincide with Career Day and the College Symposium. Also, landscaping projects are underway, including brick walkways by the Business Buildings, said Linda Jones, director of communications and publications. Flower planters will be added as well as a park where students may study. Work is being done by CSU maintenance workers with the advice of an expert brick layer, and funds have been donated, Jones said. A history of the College of Business is being written by Dr. Howard Clark, professor of marketing. The College of Education is creating plans for a victorian garden to be built in front of Old North, said Bill Wallo, associate professor of art. A mirror pool, rows of crab apple trees, a President's Rose Garden, a Governor's Garden and lighting have been planned for the area. Ceramic children playing in the fountain will be sculpted by the art vor--
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department. Estimated cost of the landscaping and fountains is $60,000. The university will provide grading and a drainage plan. Vice president for administration Joyce Mounce said sidewalk repair is planned near Old North, Evans Hall, the Library and in front of the President's Home in conjunction with work already completed in front of Mitchell Hall Theatre. Dr. G. Kay Owens, dean of the College of Math and Science said the history of the college is being written by Dr. David Hart, professor of chemistry. Also, Dr. Herbert Haughtman, Nobel Prize winner, will be invited to speak on campus. Dr. Clif' Warren, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said an original play will be produced about the history of the area. The play will be performed by members of Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park. In the spring, James McGregor Burns, a leading authority in political science in the United States, will speak on campus. Also, an original play will be written about the U.S. Constitution. Work is progressing on Pegasus Theatre located in the Liberal Arts Building, and plays will be performed there in the spring. Warren also said major work on the CSU Art Museum is being planned by Wallo.
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Jalal Daneshfar of East Hall spikes the volleyball during a match in the Mud Volleyball tournament. (Photo by Chris Rush)