The Reporter

; Wednesday, October 29, 1997 E> FORUM: A.re college Students too old to trick-or-treat? Debate, 5a Volume 110, Issue 9 ;;-'«;tR» -^ §-News-\',.;,'"". - 2'-;3a |; Forum 4-6a I'Et'Cetera "::vV~ ",7a"T [■ Life 1 -4b rSports°;--;{"'' :r6--7b http://the-reporter.horne.ml.org The big scare: How to avoid high party costs during Halloween. Life, page 1b Stetson University, DeLand, Florida Education ■* The contraversial elective course will be offered in Lee County high schools. By ANDY DEHNART Editor-in-Chief A textbook authored by faculty members will be used in a Bible history course that the Lee County school board last week voted to offer. Months of controversy regarding the elective course culminated in the 3-2 vote to adopt a New Testament-based curriculum. Mitchell Reddish, chair of the department and co-author of the 1991 text, said the director of curriculum in Lee County called him about a year ago asking him to "recommend an academic textbook mat would take an objective look at the Bible." Included in that list was Introduction to the Bible, which was authored by members of the Religious Studies department, including Vice President for Campus Life James Beasley, who was previously a faculty member there. According to media reports, the curriculum adopted is used by schools in 22 states and was developed by the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools (NCBCPS). The "textbook was written to try to take an objective, academic approach to the Bible," Reddish said. It does "not take a 'confessional' approach." Reddish will lead a workshop in Lee County on the text and the historical background of the Bible. However, the use of the text "does not indicate our endorsement of the course," Reddish said. The Christian Coalition and other groups threatened legal action if the county were to not offer the course. The issue generated controversy among residents in the Southwest Florida community. Opponents argued that the curriculum violates the establishment clause of the first amendment, which says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." One proposed curriculum would have ignored questionable subjects like Creation and the resurrection of Jesus. The board rejected it in favor of the North Carolina-based NCBCPS curriculum. Beasley said the text is "definitely a middle-of-the-road book—it's by no means a conservative text." SAK full of fun COMEDY: Dr. Ann Jerome Grace's son completes sentences for a member of the SAK improv comedy troupe, who performed on campus Friday. >Story, page 1a. Photo by Paul Davis For December graduates. Sine Is virtually up. Seniors departing In the spring face pressure. And it is on everyone else's mind. If irai ssliiB is out of the picture, how does one figure out what to do with their life? And how much will it |ig? Alookatjob mnds, possible pay?andhowto leal with It all The search o start on a sobering note, college students today are graduating with more debt than ever. This debt has been caused by an increase in tuition and fees at public and private colleges. Now, more often than not, financial aid comes in the form of loans rather than grants. Those students who do not plan to go on to graduate school need to get organized, according to Stetson's Career Services. In order to get a job after graduation, students should prepare to search for jobs now. How do you conduct a job search? "Before you can begin a job search, you have to know yourself,", said Joyce DeLoach, associate director of Career Services. "Know what you're good at, what you need to improve, and what you're interested in." DeLoach says that students need to focus their search on a couple different areas. "It's very hard work. You need to decide where you want to be geographically—are you flexible? What type of job are you looking for? Research different opportunities and set both short-term and long-term goals." "We help with resume development, conduct mock interviews, on-campus recruiting, orientation workshops, opportunity files and graduate school information," said DeLoach. According to The National Association For those getting ready to enter the rat race, time is almost up. of College and Employers 1998 Guide, Job-Search Strategies For The 90s And Beyond, students should conduct their own Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis (SWOT). "This process allows you to conduct and internal analysis of your strengths and weaknesses and then an external analysis to identify opportunities and threats in your future," said Christopher Pratt, director of Career Services at the Atlantic Cooperative Education Training and Resource Center at Seton Hall University. "Some examples that might appear on your strengths list are: relevant work experience, advanced education, recent training, extensive product knowledge, good communication skills, and computer skills." "Networking is extremely important," said DeLoach. By networking, students can make connections with future employers and possible job positions. Career and job fairs are excellent networking opportunities. "Alumni are also valuable resources for students." Employers look at grades, experience, and leadership abilities. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 97, employers rank oral communication skills as the most important followed by interpersonal skills, analytical skills, teamwork skills, and flexibility. Jobs for the future Last week's U.S. News and World Report included their annual report on jobs for the future. Their twenty picks for prospective jobs, and average entry level salaries: By STACEY BASSETT Managing Editor Accounting Arts/Entertainment Banking/Finance Communications Education Engineering Environment Health Care Human Resources Internet/New Media Law Management Medicine Personal Services Public Services Sales Social Work Telecommunications Trades Travel / Hospitality Business Valuator Animator Financial Planner Crisis Specialist Math/Science Teacher Computer Engineer Pollution Fighter Physician Assistant Training Specialist Internet Executive Business Expert Supply Chain/Logistics Cosmetic Dentist Professional Organizer Corrections Officer Electronic Specialist Grief Therapist Wireless Technician Truck Driver Inbound Tour Guide $30,000 v $800/week $20,000 $23,000 $33,900 $55,500 $30,000 ' $52,750 $31,400 $175,000 $82,900 $50,000 $104,100 $25,000 $20,000 $38,400 $35,000 $35,000 $25,000 $20,000 By JEFF HAMRICK News Editor One of the two assistant directors of residential life announced his resignation last week due to a new employment opportunity. Michael Almeida, who is responsible for monitoring the west side of campus, will accept a management position with the Walt Disney Company. "It's an opportunity that I've been looking forward to for a long time," said Almeida. "My experience here at Stetson has been great. There is nothing about my experience here which caused me to leave." Almeida's resignation comes at a somewhat awkward time in the hiring cycle for employees with background in educational administration. There are normally more candidates available from March to June, said Almeida. "This opportunity came up during the middle of the semester. [Higher education] has a late turnover period, but Residential Life anticipates filling the position by the begin ning of the [spring] semester," said Almeida. Almeida is particularly interested in working for the Walt Disney Company because of his prior experience there after completing undergraduate school. He said that his ideal career would involve both "college" students and Disney." "Every summer, one thousand students come and intern at Disney. Eventually, I'd like to recruit those students, [but] before I do that I'll need some management experience," said Almeida. "But higher education will definitely be an option for my future." Almeida does not anticipate a difficult transition after he leaves on Nov. 7. "We have prepared them [the Head Residents] well for the transition that will take place." Almeida, who lives in an apartment at Chaudoin Hall, said that "students have been very respectful of my environment [there]." When asked what the most difficult aspect of his experience here had been, Almeida noted that "the resources at a small, tuition- driven institution are somewhat limited...It's frustrating sometimes." "But the students here...and getting to know students has been the most rewarding aspect of my job here." Dr. James Beasley, vice president of campus life, noted that Almeida was the "third person that we've lost to Disney." "They're obviously looking for individuals from an institution which emphasizes the development of leadership skills, training, and management abilities," said Beasley. "We really hate to lose Michael, though. He has been one of our strongest staff members and he has done an outstanding job. He will be missed, along with his gentle manner which has made him such an important part of our staff," said Beasley. Beasley also said that Almeida's resignation "comes at a very difficult time in the hiring cycle. We'll try to fill the position as quickly as we can." ' "Mr. Valente will, of course, be asked to take on extra responsibilities, but he is experienced with this sort of situation," said Beasley. Aurelio Valente is the new assistant di rector of residential life for the east side of campus (Nemec, Smith, Carson-Hollis, and Gordis). Michelle Espinosa, director of residential life, said that she was "surprised" by Almeida's decision, but that she is "very excited for Michael..! know he's always been very interested in connecting with them [Disney]." Espinosa agreed with Beasley, saying that "[Valente] will take on the supervision of the eight head residents. I'll cover some of the additional logistical problems associated with facilities management." ■ Espinosa noted that Lynn Gentile's support will help Residential Life make the transition. "She has really stepped out of her role as Judicial Affairs officer and helped us out a great deal," Espinosa said. There should be little or no difficulty with the transition, Espinosa said. "Our student staff—the head residents and residential assistants—will certainly make this transition "We really hate to lose Michael. He has been one of our strongest staff members and he has done an outstanding job. He will be missed." easier. They're one of the strongest staffs I've ever seen." The position of assistant director of Residential Life used to be managed by graduate students. For approximately the past decade, Stetson has hired full-time employees for the position. The assistant director serves as a judicial officer and a liaison between the head residents and residential life. According to Espinosa, they engage in community development efforts, staff selection, room distribution, staff training and the coordination of newsletters. inside I FORUM: From graduation to [the unemployment line, Column 4a LIFE: SAK theatre imports impromptu humor from Orlando, 1b SPORTS: Hatters are defeated 2-1 in overtime, 4b