photo by Caileigh Oliver
Members of the Wilson community gather outside Warfield Hall while waiting to hear the Board of Trustees decision
Op-Ed 2 Sports 9
Student Government 3 Arts & Entertainment 10
News 4 Campus 5, 7, 14 Student Voice 6 Labyrinth 14 Kids’ Korner 15 Calendar 16
“A meow massages the heart” -Stuart McMillan
The Wilson Billboard February 22, 2013 Wilson College Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Vol. XXXXVI, No. 5
Board of Trustees Vote on Future of College Vote Includes Decision to Admit Male Residential Students, Changes in Academic Programs
by Jisoo Kim
The winds of change are blowing big ideas around our campus. The gusts began to swell last semester as the Commission on Shaping the Future of Wilson College shared their considerations with the entire community as they prepared to make their final recommendations. They welcomed feedback from faculty, staff and the local community. The result of the Commission’s inclusive efforts is a student body that is very much invested in the final vote made on these proposals by the Board of Trustees. These epochal votes were cast on Sun, Jan. 13, 2013. After delaying their initial vote to further consider the Commission’s find-
ings, the Board of Trustees decided to approve all recommendations presented to them. In doing so, the Board of Trustees plan to upgrade the College’s reputation and create more campus facilities. With increased enrollment a top priority, the Board of Trustees also supports a plan for new programs and a revised curriculum. President Mistick hopes that everyone will understand that the decisions from the Board of Trustees were in the best interest of the college. “If you don’t like co-education, you might like the new programs that we are going to offer. I hope everyone will find something to be excited about,” said Mistick.
The plan for the new curriculum includes programs for health sciences including nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and speech pathology. A survey given to current and prospective students in April 2012 showed that these types of programs are in high demand. The health sciences industry is steadily growing nationwide, but these programs also offer students the chance to succeed in their local community. There are a number of hospitals and other facilities in this area that support these degrees. With increased student enrollment, the school will be able to decrease tuition by 17%. Heather Humwood ’14 agrees
that programs and curriculum are the key to Wilson’s survival. “There are not enough programs to support the current students, and there especially will not be enough when men begin enrolling. They constantly talk about low admission numbers, but they never discuss our poor retention rate. Wilson cannot keep the students that are here in the programs because they are lacking in choices as compared to other colleges and universities,” said Humwood. Although most students will appreciate the benefits that will come with the Board of Trustees vote, there are still some serious
“We come together today to honor our past for what it has accomplished for so many, and to celebrate together how we can grow as a community to retain the traditions as we grow and as we change,” said Mistick. There was a slight commotion when Mistick started to speak. About 10 seniors sitting in the two front rows held up newspapers and read them while Mistick was speaking. According to one senior, the action was to make a point about how several students felt disregarded during the process leading up to the
vote by the Board of Trustees to admit men as residential students. The protesters put their papers away once Mistick finished speaking. Mistick went on to introduce and welcome the guest speaker Ryerson. Ryerson is an alumnae of Wells College, is serving her seventeenth year as President of her alma mater, and was involved in Wells’ transition process from a singlesex to a co-educational institution. Ryerson spoke about the changes Wells underwent during the transition between single-sex and co-educational. The process cre-
ated controversy within the community, but when the college came together harmony was achieved. “The chance to come together in a respectful dialogue helped bring us together,” said Ryerson. Ryerson ended her speech with some advice for the Wilson community. “If I can leave you with just one thought today, it is that if you respect and continue to care for each other, you trust in the integrity of your community, and you continue to speak up for what you believe in, you’ll be fine,” said Ryerson.
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Spring Convocation Focuses on Valuing the Opinions of Others by Caileigh Oliver
Spring Convocation brought the Wilson community together Tues, Feb. 11 in Thomson Hall’s Alumnae Chapel to welcome new members and hear the words of Wells College President Lisa Marsh Ryerson. Ryerson spoke of her personal experiences during Wells College transition in fall 2005 from an all-women’s college to a co-educational institution. Wilson College President Barbara Mistick welcomed the community to convocation.
HIGHLIGHTS Mold Testing in Residence Halls
“We ♥ Wilson” Campaign page 4
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Basketball Team Honors Seniors
The Labyrinth Project page 9
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