Stetson Commons 1992-4-1

Commons A Newsletter for Parents of Stetson Students Fall 1992 Volume IV No. 1 New members of the Stetson student body get the spirit as they check in for fall semester with FOCUS advisors Proposed change in Baptist relationship would make churches' support of Stetson voluntary A proposed new relationship between Stetson University and Florida Baptists will increase the need for Stetson's alumni and friends to sttengthen their commitment to the univer- sity, President Doug Lee says. A new funding plan, to be voted on during the Nov. 9-11 Florida Baptist Convention, calls fot Stetson to relate in the futute to individual Flotida Baptist churches, not to the Convention. Each church would decide whether to designate part of its Coopetative Program contributions for Stetson. Total annual contributions would be capped at $312,000. Stetson and Convention officials jointly proposed the new plan this summer to replace the 1990 agreement, under which allocations to Stetson were to be reduced $400,000 (from $950,000 to $550,000) over five years. "Stetson has recognized the denomination's need to change its priorities/fund allocations. We continue to seek ways to pteserve the moral integtity of the 1990 Covenant and the historic relationship between the university and Horida Baptist churches," Lee explained. "I hope that any changes in the relationship will be constructive, and that Horida can avoid the turmoil other higher education institutions and theit conventions have experienced." If the new agteement is approved in November, individual Baptist churches would determine whether Stetson University would receive Cooperative Program funds from congregations. The proposal calls for churches to check a box on the state convention's remittance form. The university would receive up to $312,000 per year, if money is received above that amount, it would be returned to the state Convention. "We recognize that many churches wish to maintain the historic relationship between Horida Baptists and Stetson," Lee said. "We wish to make it possible for them to do so." For your calendar Winter Term 1993 — Classes begin Jan. 4 — Exams Jan. 27 Spring 1993 Semester — Classes begin Feb. 1, end May 6 CLASTTest Feb. 20 Spring Holidays March 15-19 Easter April 11 Summer, Fall Registration Apr. 13-15 Final Exams May 8-13 Spring Commencement May 16 U.S. News ranks Stetson fourth Stetson University ranks fourth among southern regional universities and colleges in U.S. New & World Report's 1992 special report, "America's Best Colleges." Stetson is first in its category among Florida universities. In this year's top 15 southern regional universities, based on 1991-92 statistics, Wake Forest University again is first; the University of Richmond second; and Berea College third. In 1991, Stetson and Berea tied for third place. Horida placed three other universities this year in the top 15: Rollins College in Winter Park is fifth; Horida International University, Miami, ninth; and the University of Central Horida, Orlando, 11th. "We are delighted to be near the top of a list of so many fine universities," said President Doug Lee. "While we recognize that numerical listings are not the best way for a student to decide which university to attend, such reports can provide students and their parents with useful information. We don't consider such surveys as a game of 'who's first?*: The most important thing is what we do to improve the quality of the Stetson experience. The rankings offer an opportunity for us to measure ourselves against other institutions like us." Lee is an alumnus of Richmond, and was on the Wake Forest faculty. See you at 1992 Parents' Weekend Don't forget Parents' Weekend is Oct. 23-25. You have your invitation, and you are eagerly expected. Highlights include the Greenfeather Carnival on Emily Field and a performance in newly-remodeled Stover Theatre plus dancing in Night Lites, the campus night club, Friday evening, the 23rd; Dr. Lee's University Up- Date, a campus picnic, and variety of activities, including the Stetson Stars talent show Saturday, the 24th; and a chapel service and afternoon Stover matinee Sunday, the 25th. An added attraction this yean the Monday, Oct. 26, Stewart Lecture by former President Jimmy Carter in Edmunds Center. Students are picking up tickets for themselves and their parents the week of Oct. 5. The former president will arrive on campus around 4*30 p.m., in time for an hour-long question and answer period with students in Elizabeth Hall, and a 6 p.m. reception with student volunteers in the Stetson Room. The doors at Edmunds Center will open at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 8 p.m.