The Stetson Reporter

Volume 104. Issue 9 Russian Author Toisteya to Speak ... Page 6 November 12, 1991 CUB to Undergo Three-Phase Face Lift ty Alan Shepherd "isfl' Writer In an interview with Assistant director of Campus Life and Mrector of Student Life, Nancy lones, The Reporter has learned hat our Beloved Monstrosity, the ~'UB will be receiving a grand acelift. In following with Stetson's enchant for three-phase plans, Jje University Is looking at renov- tions that will begin in and arou- d the post office, phase one, :ork their way through the Hat tack, phase two, and end up in he student lounge, phase three. These renovations are, as of ■et, without definite form and direction. What is known of these plans so far is that there will apparently be an addition to the Carlton Union Building that will house a new student lounge. Though completion of this three-phase plan should not be expected for a decade or so. These renovations had been planned for a nearer future but as Nancy Jones put it,"Now that our retention is low and our student population is not what we expected, our money is short. So now renovation plans must be pushed back even further." In the interview, Nancy Jones was especially concerned about the present condition of the student lounge. She cited everything from the floor to the ceiling. The lighting in the room is too dim to study by even if there 3oing 'Face to Face: Dn Issues of Race Jy Becky Bridges sews Editor Stetson students will be coming Face to Face" as part of a multi- utturai forum that will be held in he lobby of Chaudoin Hall at 8:15 t.m. tonight, . The forum, which is sponsored >y Residential Life (West Area) ind was organized by residential idvisors Rachel Roach and Muffy -Iimter of Chaudoin Hall and )avid Willis of Stetson Hall, will feature a panel discussion based m questions asked by students. Steven Coleman, a staff member n charge of minority affairs, lelped put together the student ianel, which is made up of stu- ents from various organizations round campus. Students are encouraged to give were desks arid chairs to study at. The furniture is - the furniture it is. The Fioor could some fresh carpeting. The space, as large as it is, could be put to much better use. The list goes on and on. Being third in line for remodeling is not helping the student lounge either. Because plans don't mandate serious hammers and nails in the south end of the CUB for years, Jones suggested the space be put to better use in the best way we can afford. This means the available funds, only $2500 will probably buy new lighting. Carpeting and furniture are financially out of reach. Jones is happy that more students are expressing interest in the student union - and complain- questions to their RA's to be passed along to the panel or to send them to Rachel Roach at Campus Box 7172. According to Roach, the forum will, "promote understanding and allow different opinions and views to be expressed." The program, which will be approximately one hour in length, will also have door prizes and refreshments. Organizers hope that this forum will help address the need of Stetson students to know more about such topics as race relations and social customs. Students are encouraged to ask questions and attend this forum which addresses a subject of much importance on the Stetson campus and in the world at large. ing. The Director of Student Life said she is happy,"Because the more students complain, the more chance I have of saying to the administration that we really need money for the Student lounge." She also added,"The sore thumb gets the attention." Another recent concern regarding the Carlton Union Building surrounds the safety of student in the building after dark. Now that Public Safety has relocated to Minnesota Avenue, patrols are far less frequent in the CUB. Unfortunately this facilitated a spree of vandalism recently when toothpaste found its way into all the locks on the second floor. It was necessary to replace the locks at great cost to the university. Many options are currently being discussed to hopefully make the CUB a safer and more accommodating place to meet. The second fioor exits have been locked since the vandalism, patrols continue, and many recommendations are being looked at to make the lounge a more comfortable place to meet and study. As for the cafeteria and Hat Rack portions of the renovation effort, not much is known. Work is not expected to begin for quite a while yet, though. These decisions about the future of the CUB and our entire University take place daily and are open to discussion. Student involvement is the key to improvement of campus life here at Stetson. Dealing With Harassment By Karen Beckett Staff Reporter Sexual harassment is an everyday occurrence that no one is willing to talk about openly. But, the past few months have brought the issue directly into the public eye. Stetson has had a policy concerning sexual harassment since 1989, bus it has yet to become well-known around campus. In fact, many students are probably unaware that there is a committee to deal with sexual harassment complaints. The committee is devoted entirely to complaints of this nature. The Provost-appointed committee is made up of faculty, staff and at least one student, and is designed to listen to complaints from men and women, staff, faculty and students, as well as to assist them is solving the conflict. Solutions include speaking with both parties, holding an informal or formal hearing, and sentencing if necessary. "Our purpose is to deal with complaints and to first give comfort and support, and second to stop the harassment," said Dr. Earl Joiner, ex officio member of the committee. In the three years since the committee was formed, they have had only a few reports, and none have gone beyond a report and bringing the two parlies together to talk out the problem. Dr. Ellen Smith, coordinator, believes that the lack of reported cases is because few students are aware of the committee's existence. "There are definite instances of harassment, but people are not aware of our existence. We want people to know we're here and to come to us with any problems. This includes women and men," said Smith. Joiner agrees that the committee is not well known, but said that there are other reasons that people do not report harassment. "It is embarrassing (to report sexual harassment) and many feel that they will not be believed. At Stetson, they will be listened to. I will listen to them," said Joiner. Members of the committee are available for talking about the problem as well as helping to solve the problem and advise on any legal action. The Dean of Faculty at Rollins College, Joan Straumanis, conducted a training session for the committee and others interested in the issue. A brochure with Stetson's policy on sexual harassment, as well as what to do if you believe you are being sexually harassed, can be found in the Provost's office and other offices around campus.