the review washburn university
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Matt Kelly WASHBURN REVIEW
Some Washburn students have wondered how long it has been against regulation to consume alcohol on campus. This curiosity may be partially led by misinformation. Alcohol use has never been regularly permitted on the campus of Washburn; with the fairly recent exception of some special (mostly alumni related) events. It was the General Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches of Kansas that originally founded Lincoln College, which is now known as Washburn University, which partially explains why alcohol has never been allowed on campus. “It’s never been allowed until more recently for special events,” said Martha Imparato, special collections librarian. “That’s mainly because Washburn was founded by the Congregational Church. It was a Congregational private college until 1941 when it was taken over by the city of Topeka.” Students have tried in the past to persuade the school to change its policy, so that they could serve alcohol when hosting student events. “As far as I know the only proposal to serve alcohol was in 1981, by a group of students, the Campus Activities Board,” said Imparato. “It’s my understanding that the students wanted to be able to serve alcohol at student events on campus.” The media played a role in rejection of the proposal by the Washburn Campus Activities Board. Upon reading about the proposal in the newspapers, contributors to the university, set out to shut the proposal down. “The press seemed to have gotten wind of it, and there were articles in the paper, and a lot of alumni, supporters, donors to Washburn wrote in or called in with their opinions, and most of them were of the opinion that they should not serve alcohol on campus,” said Imparato. “I think in order to not jeopardize fund raising in support of the university they decided against allowing alcohol on campus.” In some cases, an event at Washburn may be permitted to involve alcohol. According to the Washburn University alcohol and drug policy, “the sale and/or pos-
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Serving Washburn University since 1873
volume 137, Issue 17 • wednesday, February 9, 2011
session of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on campus except as approved by the Washburn University Board of Regents. (On occasion, state law does permit the University to designate “non-classroom instruction” areas where alcohol liquor may be consumed.)” Although some may take offense to the exceptions made by the Washburn University Board of Regents, some feel that the prohibition of alcohol on campus is for the best, especially because of the complications that alcohol may lead to in the completion of academic goals. “I would say looking back that I was not a competent decision maker, even though at 18 years of age I thought I was a competent decision maker,” said Sean Bird, English professor and instructional librarian of Mabee Library. “With the availability of alcohol, I on more than one occasion chose to consume alcohol with my friends rather than go to the library or study in my residents hall room.” Bird expressed that during his first semester at Emporia State University (before switching to Washburn), his education suffered greatly due to alcohol. At the time cereal malt liquor was allowed in the dorms of Emporia State. Bird went on to speak out against excessive drinking of college students. “I am confident that research will bear this out,” said Bird. “I believe that students who are drinking rather than studying are going to do more poorly than students who are studying rather than drinking.”
WU alcohol free since 1865
Matthew Kelly is a junior mass media major. Reach him at matthew.kelly@ washburn.edu
Graphic by Maggie Pilcher, Washburn Review
Faculty meeting discusses hot campus topics Robert Burkett WASHBURN REVIEW
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with the institution for the students,” said Pembrook. “It will help them develop some great habits in terms of research and studying and personal health and I think it’s an exciting part of the future for Washburn.” Pembrook also expressed his belief in the transformation of the general education curriculum as he equated the program as a foundation and a way to as he termed it, “enrich the major and enrich life.” Pembrook concluded thanking the assembled faculty and stating that he looked forward to working with everyone in the future. Farley then took a moment to recognize Nancy Tate, formerly the interim vice president of academic affairs for her work over the last nine months to help fill until someone new could be appointed to the position permanently. After handling various items of new agenda, Farley then recognized new members of the Washburn community that included Rick Anderson, new vice president for administration and treasury. Following introductions, Farley made a few announcements and the meeting was adjourned.
Robert Burkett is a senior mass media major. Reach him at robert.burkett@ washburn.edu
Photo by Rob Burkett, Washburn Review
Thinking for the future: Washburn president Jerry Farley discusses university issues and plans with faculty members Thursday afternoon. During the meeting, there was also an introduction of Russell Pembrook, the new vice president of academic affairs.
Ludo’s Pizzeria opens in the former location of Giovani’s Pizzeria
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The Ichabods had their six-game winning streak snapped this past weekend in Hays
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The Washburn Study Abroad Fair gives students a chance to contemplate foreign travels
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Lastly the president also addressed an item of the budget that hasn’t seen change in a couple of years. “At this point I have recomLast week Washburn faculty gathered with university administration mended that we have a cost of living as the spring general faculty meeting adjustment since we have not had any kind of salary increase in the last two took place. Among the things that Washburn years,” said Farley. “Cost of living we President Jerry Farley wanted to speak know has gone up...and we have added about was the current status of some to your costs, your out of pocket costs, items that have been underway includ- health insurance costs over the last ing the overall status of the budget so two years.” The president specifically recomfar this year, including the issue of salary increases for faculty and staff as mended a two percent cost of living inwell as addressing the formal arrival crease to salaries. Farley emphasized of new members of the administration that at this point, the recommendation is just that and would need to pass the staff. On the issue of the budget for this Washburn Board of Regents. He also went on to state that he fiscal year, Farley spoke about a few factors that are having an influence still felt it was important to do what the administration could on the budget thus far. With bitterly cold GENERAL FACULTY do to get better benefits for the faculty as weather the costs for MEETING it would have a direct utilities to heat buildimpact on the school’s ings on campus was one of the items that the president ability to hold onto faculty and recruit pointed to as an influence on the bud- new members as needed, staying competitive in the national market. get. After his remarks, Farley turned Another item that was brought up was the recent snow and the costs of the dais over to Randy Pembrook, the keeping the campus clear of snowfall. new vice president for academic afFarley also praised recently in- fairs at Washburn. Pembrook opened his remarks by augurated Gov. Sam Brownback for recommending that state budget for thanking those that had welcomed him higher education not be cut. Farley ex- to campus and reflected on the new pressed hopes that the state legislature first year experience program and his would heed Brownback’s words and take on it. “I think [first year experience pronot create another budget shortfall for gram] will help develop an identity the university.
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