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EcoReps Hosts Climate and Politics Debate

Professor Ron Oakerson moderated the Environment and Politics Debate that took place in Schaller Hall last Thursday.  Sponsored by the Eco Reps Club, the purpose of this debate was to discuss issues concerning climate change, fracking, and pipelines.  Sarah Duttweiler 17, Claire Brower 18, and Bekah Potts 17, represented the progressive view, while Alex Conklin 17 and Jonathan Libby 20 represented the conservatives.

Before launching into the debate, Oakerson asked each side for their opening comments.  The progressive team argued climate change is a prevalent issue today.  It affects the most vulnerable people on our planet,argued Potts.  They advocated policy changes and hoped to inspire a personal approach to climate change.  Libby, from the conservative team,  emphasized that  everything scarce; everything has a limit.”  The purpose of their argument was to challenge the notion that policy changes are a serious issue.

Oakersons first asked What policy changes should our political leaders make concerning climate trade?The conservatives argued policy changes are unnecessary, as long as people are doing their part.  In response, the progressives brought to light the fact that, while major companies have acknowledged the problem, particularly with carbons, most consumers prioritize convenience.

The follow-up question asked for thoughts concerning the carbon tax, and if it is politically feasible.Libby stressed a carbon tax would have to be government funded, and stated, We are still paying for it, in some way or another, as a whole, toward the increased payment laws being made toward any carbon based product, as long as consumers are okay with paying for that.  A carbon tax would raise prices on almost everything we buy.”  The progressives agreed a carbon tax is probably notfeasible.

The second topic, hydro-fracking,provoked increased disagreement between the opposing sides.  The Institute for Energy and Environmental Research define hydraulic fracturing as A technique in which large amounts of water, combined with smaller amounts of chemicals and sand, are pumped under high pressure into a drilled gas well.”  The conservative panel cited many instances in which hydro-fracking is detrimental to the environment.  Duttweiler said it releases more methane into the air, which is a leader of greenhouse gasses.”  Additionally, hydro-fracking pollutes drinking water because it leaks into wells, and creates earthquakes,because, as Brower added, the ground is a lot more unstable.”  The conservatives even cited a fact which stated  hydro-fracking causes a 600% earthquake increase, but that the effects are not bad.”  Both sides agreed that pipelines, while they are iffyand prone to leakage, are the safest way to transport oil.”  

Attendee  Vivian Chappell18, who identifies herself as progressive, without reservationsdid not have her expectations met on Thursdays debate. She said, My impression of the debate was that both sides could have more thoroughly researched, understood, and cared about the arguments and the positions they were defending. I was overall rather disappointed by the lack of quality and concern displayed by the participants.”  She found that neither side’s argument was particularly successfully because both sides represented pros and cons that were rather confusing and left one misunderstanding which position was being supported by whom.”  Chappell said she would have also liked to have seen more issues addressed, such as urban sprawl, genetic engineering, water pollution and public health.

However, others attendees thought the debate to be a general success.  Progressive student, Laura Black ‘15 said,Both sides were great, but it seemed like the conservativeswere either more researched or more confident.”  Bonnie Huegel 19, who “leans more progressive,” agreed.The progressive side did argue more clearly, while the conservative panel seemed more well-researched; but I would not say that either was much more or less successful than the other,she said.  Hegel applauded the Eco Reps club for hosting the event and hopes for more similar events in the future.  Caring for the environment is an important and very relevant issue in contemporary politics,said Hegel. I feel like it can’t be emphasized enough.

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Campus News

Changes to Academic Structure in Effect

Last month,  Jack Connell was officially promoted to the new position of Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty.  “Provost” is the abbreviated and more commonly used term for someone in this title.  His new responsibilities embody “the academic functions of the college,” which includes “faculty, academic programs, library, etc,” he said.   Additionally, Connell now oversees the admissions department and is second in command of the college.

Photo courtesy of houghton.edu
Photo courtesy of houghton.edu

Connell was hired in March of this year, according to a Houghton College press release. He served as the vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college for only six months before being promoted. “I continue to have all of those responsibilities in this new structure, but have picked up the additional responsibility for enrollment,” Connell explained “  “The new title of provost is simply intended to reflect those expanded responsibilities.”  Additionally, he said,, “This administrative reconfiguration eliminates that vice president position, and as a result, the admissions office will now report to me and the student financial services office will report to the chief financial officer.”

As President Mullen explained, the reason for structural changes was twofold.  One reason was  a “need for greater dialogue between admissions and academic programming as we seek to connect incoming students with the wide ranging opportunities within Houghton’s academic programs.”  Secondly,

Connell brings expertise to enrollment.  “His dissertation at the University of Rochester (2014) was done in the area of building enrollment within private higher education,” Mullen said.

Connell’s new role brings forth much anticipation regarding the future of admissions.  He expressed excitement about the “opportunity for closer collaboration between our enrollment function and the academic programs.”  Additionally, with the ever-changing higher education marketplace, the faculty and academic programs will be “appropriately responsive,” thus facilitating these new goals of reaching a greater number of potential students.

Mullen added that the new structural changes will bring “greater interaction among the critical areas of admissions, financial aid, academic programs, and budget formation.” She continued, “It is virtually impossible to think about any one of these areas without reference to the others. Reflecting this in our organizational structure seemed to be an important way to signal this reality.”

In addition to all these areas being drawn together to promote greater communication, Connell believes that the admissions office reporting to him rather than a vice president for enrollment will be the most significant change in the work dynamic, as it will alter both the chain of command as well as proficiency of communication. “I hope the admissions office will feel highly supported by me,” said Connell. “And I hope to be able to provide for them the resources, counsel, and connections they need to succeed in their role.”

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Students Celebrate Make-A-Difference-Day

Houghton College, Alfred State College, and Alfred University served the residents of Allegany County by participating in the fifth annual Make a Difference Day (MADD).

Photo courtesy of: Phyllis Gaerte
Photo courtesy of: Phyllis Gaerte

On the nationwide day of service, which happened on October 22, students and faculty from all three schools came together and assisted those in the community with tasks such as making goodie bags, organizing donations, visiting nursing homes, and cleaning.

Among the three schools, Houghton College as has historically had the highest turn-out rate, according to statistics on the Houghton College website. Of the two thousand students that have participated in MADD over the last four years, one thousand of them have been Houghton students.  This year, about seventy Houghton students signed up.  While some sign up as individuals, other groups, such as the Houghton baseball team and the Jet Group signed up collectively.

Melissa Maclean ‘17, Student Government Association’s(SGA) Executive Officer of Spiritual Life, sees the day “as an opportunity for Houghton to employ what we stand for and give back to the community.”  Maclean, along with SGA cabinet member Sergio Mata, ’19, were responsible for coordinating with Phyllis Gaerte in encouraging students to sign up, delegating tasks, and organizing finances.  

While the SGA is concerned with serving locals, they also place an emphasis creating connections with people and businesses in Allegany county, especially those who have not heard of Houghton College.  What is important, Maclean said, is “making ourselves known but not in the tyrannical, ‘let us show you how great we are’ way, but in a, ‘let us humble ourselves and serve you,’ way.”  Mata agreed, “I think Make a Difference Day is another way Houghton reaches out to the county.  Small businesses are really appreciative of us coming out and getting done the tasks they need.”

Laura Cunningham, resident director of Gillette Hall and assistant director of service opportunities, also had a significant role in coordinating the day.  While Cunningham has participated in MADD personally, her role these past couple years have been more logistical, including working with SGA, putting people into service crews, taking pictures, and generally managing.

However, Cunningham has confronted “unique challenges” in organizing and promoting MADD amidst the tumultuous time of the year that the day falls on.  With midterms, events such as Homecoming Weekend, Purple and Gold Week, and October break, it has proved a challenge to generate interest and enthusiasm while students may “not be thinking ahead.”  In previous years, MADD has been required of Transitions 101 students, affecting success and turn-out of the event.

“Overall, people find that Make a Difference Day is a positive experience,” Cunningham says.  “People experience having a one-time, low-commitment way of helping in the community, and visiting places in the community they don’t normally get to go to.”  Despite midterm exams and projects, a few hours of service proves very valuable to both Allegany locals as well as to those who participate.  With the variety of ways to serve, Cunningham cites several students who grew and learned from their MADD experience.  She said she hopes students realize that serving in small ways is very helpful, impactful, and fulfilling.

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Campus News

Transit Offers Houghton-to-Wellsville Connection

Students can now enjoy an afternoon in Wellsville for a small fee by utilizing Wellsville’s ACCESS Allegany transit bus Houghton-to-Wellsville service.

The forty minute drive costs just 50 cents each way, and provides students with the opportunity to partake in an array of activities. Possible activities include eating a meal at one of the many restaurants in town, shopping at local stores, seeing a movie, or visiting the local library.

wellsvilleHoughton College is not affiliated with this new transit service nor does the college contribute any funds; the transit service was founded by and for the businesses in Wellsville.  Consequently, the bus does not only stop at Houghton College at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday afternoons.  In addition to this Thursday evening shuttle, the Service Area Four provides transportation from Houghton College at 3:38 p.m. and 5:50 p.m. going to  Belmont, Monday through Friday.  The bus also makes other stops throughout Houghton and Fillmore, including Subway and Dollar General.  The Service Area 4 schedule can be found at ardentnetwork.org,

Marc Smithers, Assistant Dean of Residence Life and Programming, predicts the variety of restaurants will be most successful with Houghton students.  He recommended The Duke House Tea Room and Bakery on 244 Main Street, which,  serves pastries, cakes, cookies, and more than forty kinds of loose leaf tea.  Among Smithersother recommendations were LItalia, Beef Haus, and Texas Hot, which has awesome milkshakes.

Julia Chamberlain, 18, who rode the transit to Wellsville the first Thursday it was offered, was also very complimentary of Texas Hot.  They cook the food right in front of the window,she recalled. And theyre so fast.  We ordered, and three minutes later they brought the food out.  She and a friend explored some of the other restaurants and shops on main street, including the David A. Howe Library, which Chamberlain described as a big, Greek museum.

While she agreed Wellsville restaurants will play a key role in the success of the Wellsville transit, it is unfortunate some attractions, such as Bowl-m-Over Lanes and the Wellsville Creative Arts Center are not open by the time the Thursday evening shuttle arrives.  Itd be nice if they really laid out everything there was to do,Chamberlain explained. We were searching around a lot for what there was to do.Another student agreed that the transit would benefit from more advertisement.

Smithers added the transit is perfect for those looking to get off campus,not only because the cost of gas will not be an issue, but because of the opportunity it presents for students to journey together, form closer friendships, make memories, or go on dates with boo.

In addition to having fun, off-campus options and boosting the business of Wellsville, the Ardent Solutions website cites several benefits of public transportation, such as its producing 1.1 million jobs annually.  Additionally, economic returns yield $4 for every $1 invested in public transportation.  

Not only does Houghton College have the chance to bolster the public transit economy, but Wellsvilles Chamber of Commerce is in conversation with Allegheny County about potential discounts for Houghton students to make the transit accessible and viable for Houghton students for years to come.

The Thursday evening shuttle leaves Houghton at 5:20 p.m. and returns at about 11:00 p.m.