Author: Wynn Horton

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Opinions

We’re Just Plain Scared to Be Wrong

In the last year, several important pieces of research have contributed to the idea that the Millennial Generation (that’s us) is full of contradictions and laden with confusion.

First and foremost, is a report from the Pew Research Center titled Millennials in Adulthood. The opening descriptions of the Millennial Generation are appropriately conflicting: “unattached…distrustful…but optimistic about the future.” The survey explains that while a record low 26% of people 18-32 are getting married, almost 42% of children born to this generation are born out of wedlock, and 58% of us believe that being a single parent is, “a bad thing for American society!” We are statistically more likely to engage in activities like hook-ups on Craigslist, couch surfing across Europe, and starting relationships at bars  – yet only 19% of Millennials think that most people can be trusted (the lowest of any generation). More than half of this generation identifies as politically independent though upwards of 65% vote blue. In addition to all of this, almost 30% of Millennials consider themselves free from religious fetters, clinging instead to some form of agnosticism, atheism, loosely defined spirituality, or nothing at all. For a generation repeatedly praised for its activist mindset, we lead the field in supporting gay marriage (68%), while appearing to care little for the environment (32%). How can there be so much confusion in a generation that is the most highly educated?

Wynn HortonAfter the report’s release, journalists and scholars had a field day predicting the impact of the “Confused Generation” upon the great American future. For the most part, these are highly negative – from prophecies regarding the downfall of the American political system to discussions of how mainstream religions might soon face their doom. Some, however, spouted positivity, rejoicing over the Democratic Party leanings of what will soon be the largest voting demographic or praising the “open-mindedness” of this intellectual generation. Christian magazines drafted entire issues discussing how to bring young adults back into the Church or start ministries targeted at the “lost.” We have inspired, in a word: chaos.

So where do Houghton students fit into this picture? Are we chaotic individuals filled with contradictions? For example, as Christian-liberal-arts students do we each have our own version of faith, highlighted by individualized heresies, just to make us more comfortable when we leave and go off into the world? Well – yes.

In the face of this conclusion I would present two responses: first, many of the Millennials’ contradictions stem from a fear of being wrong – a fear inspired by the idea that there is no objective truth. We are afraid of committing to a major because we “might be wrong.” We are afraid of committing to a relationship (much less a marriage) because “they might be wrong.” Graduating seniors are afraid to look for or commit to jobs – their career choice “might be wrong.” The examples are endless and the what-ifs are paralyzing. Secondly, this fear is coupled to a generation who, more than ever before, is more easily polarized by and controlled through informal peer pressure, or rather, the fear of being judged by our peers.

The leading cultural trends of the United States – which are determined in large part by a few powerful individuals and social media – are embraced by a generation hungry for someone else to define them.

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News

Republicans Dominate Midterm Elections

On Tuesday Nov. 4, millions of Americans turned out to vote in the Federal midterm as well as local and state elections. Dominating the mindset of a majority of the voter-base was disappointment in the last two years under the Democratic Party’s majority in the Senate and dismally low approval ratings for President Obama.

LukeLauer_Elections_Horizontal_CMYKAs a result of these ongoing themes, The Republican Party saw a sweeping set of victories in both houses of the United States Congress, as well as in the state governor setting. Already having a majority, the Republicans gained 14 seats in the House of Representatives – most significantly, ousting three incumbent officials in New York State as well as in Texas, Florida, Iowa, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina (among others). John Boehner, of Ohio’s 8th Congressional District, continues his tenure as Speaker of the House and third in line to the Presidency. The current house demographics stand at 243 (R) to 178 (D) with 14 districts undecided (as of Wednesday) due to close calls, run-off elections, or inconclusive results.

The Republicans also managed to pull off a 7-seat gain in the Senate – putting them in the majority for at least the next two years. The incoming Republicans successfully defeated long time Democrat strongholds in Colorado, Arkansas, and North Carolina defeating ex-Senators Mark Udall, Mark Pryor, and Kay Hagan respectively. In addition, the Republicans picked up Montana, Iowa, South Dakota, and West Virginia – and by the end of the week it is predicted Alaska will also be picked up by Republicans.

Senator Harry Reid, a Democrat from Nevada ends a seven year stint as Majority Leader and will pass off his position of control to the Republican’s Mitch McConnell from Kentucky. The current results from Tuesday’s turnout place the Democrats with 45 and the Republicans with 52. Though the races in Alaska, Virginia, and Louisiana have not been decisively announced (as of Wednesday), no possible outcome would change the final count.

Andrew Cuomo was re-elected to as the Governor of New York State, defeating Republican adversary Rob Astorino. However, the Democrat-laden New York State legislature did see some change with the Senate being overtaken by a Republican majority. New York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio teamed up with long-standing U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor Cuomo in an attempt to rally Democratic voters to a victory in the Senate. Despite their efforts, key districts in Long Island and upstate New York swung sharply to the left, increasing the Republicans margin of control.

For Houghton, the reelection of longtime representatives Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, Senator Catherine Young, and U.S. Representative, Thomas Reed, comes as no surprise. A highly Republican region, all three were incumbents and faced little real challenge in getting re-elected (Giglio and Young ran unopposed). Reed faced Martha Roberts from Ithaca, but defeated her.

Though most may consider midterm elections unimportant in comparison with Presidential elections, this weeks results and incoming politicians will determine many of the issues that will be hot topics during the 2016 presidential election. Time will tell if Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren or another Democratic presidential candidate has been handily equipped with a Congress they will need to get elected.

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News

World//Hong Kong Protests Demand Democracy

Hong Kong has a long and unique history. After the First Opium War (1839-1842), the British Empire and China signed the Treaty of Nanking, ceding dominion of Hong Kong to the British. Roughly fifty years later, Britain and China signed the Second Convention of Peking, effectively leasing the UK the territory for 99 years without fee. Acknowledging Japanese occupation during World War II, the UK retained control for the given amount of time, relinquishing power over Hong Kong back to the Chinese government in 1997. Since then, Hong Kong has experienced much turmoil concerning its political relationship with the Communist Party.

Wynn HortonAs it currently stands, Hong Kong is governed by three branches of government as outlined in their constitution, The Basic Law: a judicial structure — which is not so controversial; a legislative council of 70 members, of whom 40 are directly elected (which has caused much anger); and the controversial executive branch. The lead official in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (as termed by China) is the Chief Executive Officer. Currently, the selection of the Chief Executive is an action performed by an electoral-college-style committee of 1200 members. This committee is, according to critics, an instrument of Beijing, inflicting the will of the Party upon the supposedly separate territory.

In response to a recent wave of criticism calling for democratic elections of all elected officials in the Region, China has responded with a concession – they will allow the direct election of the Chief Executive by all legal adult voters by 2017.  However, they said, a nomination committee made of members from the previous “electoral” committee would handpick the candidates. This small deviation from a more true democratic process, is what has garnered so much rage.

On September 22, 2014, a group of university students flooded the streets declaring a week-long boycott of all classes in response to the decision from Beijing. Six days later, an existing protest movement named Occupy Central With Peace and Love, which had been planning a protest anyway, decided to jump into the wave of momentum with the students, which added significant numbers to the crowds in the streets.

Initially a nonviolent campaign organized as a social protest, Occupy Central With Peace and Love was largely ignored by the city and its officials. Soon after, however, the protest stretched into its second and third weeks, with camps of students and other angry civilians blocking the entrances to major government buildings in certain neighborhoods of Hong Kong.  By October 2, the current Chief Executive had given up, offering his resignation – which the student leaders later accepted. The protesters erected barricades to block traffic and a large number have set up temporary camps in the streets and parks around Hong Kong’s central district. In recent days, police have worked to take down the barriers, work which has only led to significant clashes between the city workforce and the protesters. More than 50 people have already been injured in the alterations between police and workers and the protesting students and citizens.

On Tuesday October 12, 2014, five student leaders, wearing t-shirts that read “freedom now” met with officials from the government. Early reports have said that nothing much was accomplished, terms were offered and denied.  The students have a goal they are unwilling to relinquish. For now they will go on, garnering the support of activists from China (many from Tiananmen Square), Russian, Serbia, and other nations around the world. Committed to meeting with the representatives again, both parties are hopeful but determined to reach a conclusion.

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Opinions

Sexual Security and a Bike Lock

In a recent interview with a senior at Stanford University, a key issue in the continuation of violence against women was revealed for the world to see.

“Some men feel that too much responsibility for preventing sexual assault has been put on their shoulders,” said the student, whose name does not deserve to be printed. “While everyone condemns sexual assault, there seems to be an assumption among female students that they shouldn’t have to protect themselves by avoiding drunkenness and other risky behaviors. Do I deserve to have my bike stolen if I leave it unlocked on the quad? We have to encourage people not to take on undue risk.” (Bloomberg)

WynnHortonQuoteFirst off, this opinion should not be generalized as the identifiable feeling of all collegiate aged men about women.  Seriously, this guy compares a woman’s sexual privacy to a bike on the quad – just violate it if you feel like it! I think that if this man is the best an Ivy-League school has to offer – we all have reason to seriously fear for the future of this country. Not all men (whilst conceding there certainly are some) are sexist, chauvinistic, rude, or the other usual condemnations associated with our sex.

However, the statement from this particular student does highlight one of the key issues at large in the battle to stop violence against women – we (men) are still failing to acknowledge our role in the situation at large.  Frat houses, for example, are notorious for their high statistics regarding rape and sexual assault. Yet they, and often their respective university presidents, fail to assign responsibility to the men, choosing instead to back up this ridiculous belief that women need to “just not go to the parties then.”  Along with these foolish ideas come phrases like: boys will be boys, men shouldn’t be expected to control themselves, she shouldn’t have been wearing that, etc.  All of which is trash.

It has been said a million times before and ignored – victims of sexual assault and rape should never be blamed for what happened to them.  I am a man and I am saying this, voicing my support for the reevaluation and reshaping of what it means to embrace masculinity in a modern culture for the sake of changing the status quo.

I do not think that men are designed in any way that could result in them being deemed as mindless brutes or animals.

I do not think that masculinity calls us to embody a sense of superiority over women.

I do not think that the responsibility to end violence against women and lead this world into a new realm of equality lies solely in the hands of women. We have a role to play as well!

So, men at Houghton, I challenge you – be respectful to the women you see everyday. Don’t catcall; don’t stare; set an example for your friends and be a role model at home for your brothers or friends. When a friend makes a sexist joke or comments about girls’ clothes or bodily features – shut him (or her) up! For those of you in relationships – think seriously about how you treat your girlfriends, fiancés, or wives. Do you actually believe that you have unfettered physical rights to her and can call upon them whenever the desire arises? You must be joking! What does that say about her dignity as a human being and her right to be respected? Try to introduce (if you’re in an existing relationship), or commit beforehand to, conversations in which you both agree on mutually self-giving expressions of affection. No-means-no implies the possibility for damaging action before actual communication.  Yes-means-yes (from both people) implies a shift in perspective, a conversation with tangible results that ranks respect for one another above personal desires.

Perhaps, in the age of one-night stands, online hookups, and 24-7 access to porn, masculinity has been too often characterized as a 6’2, macho and muscular sex machine who sleeps with women regardless of consequences and wears a phallic symbol on his sleeve (a.k.a. James Bond). If so, then now more than ever there must be a generation of men who spit in the face of Hollywood and strive to be something new. At the end of the day, you and you alone determine how you will act as a man in your friendships and relationships. I challenge you to set an example that emphasizes equality and embraces a new perspective. You can do it.

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Stories In Focus

Custodian Don Taylor to Retire After Nearly Four Decades of Service

You’ve probably noticed him sweeping the chapel or running a mop across the atrium floor in the music building. If you’re not paying attention, Don Taylor and the work he does for Houghton College might be missed. But, focus in for just a moment, and you get a glimpse of one of the most dedicated staff members that has kept the wheels turning at Houghton for over 39 years.

Born in Butler, Pennsylvania in 1949, Don’s father and mother were camp missionaries in the region. Growing up as middle child on a rural farmhouse near a bible college, he knew his Bible stories from a very young age. They moved north to Little Valley, not far from Houghton, in 1960 when his father became part of an active mission in the area. Don had long hoped to obtain a Bible or religion degree and follow in the footsteps of his father – serving local communities and leading people to the Lord through Sunday schools and camps. In 1973, after completing college work as he’d planned (a degree in Bible and Christian Education from United Wesleyan College), Don moved to southern Ohio to work with a mission project there, but came home because he thought his heart for ministry was in southern New York. “But,” he said, “the Lord seemed to be closing that door and the Houghton door opened up when people didn’t have as many jobs anymore and support for missions couldn’t be raised easily.”  On January 21st, 1975 he came to work on custodial staff at Houghton College. “I was exempted from Vietnam so I came and joined the army here at Houghton,” he said, grinning at the memory of that first day. (President Mullen would graduate a year later in 1976).

Ironically, he recalls, his first placement for cleaning was in the chapel and the old music building. During his first two years or so he was commuting from Little Valley on the weekends and staying in town during the week. “I was a single guy for the first year or two,” he said jokingly, “then some folks on custodial set me up with this girl I’d know in the past who now worked in the library.” He and Darlene, his to-be-wife for over 30 years, were successfully paired by their coworkers and settled in the town for the life. Their two children both graduated from Houghton and he now has six energetic grandsons.

Don“I think over a thousand different students have been my workers over the years,” he recalled thoughtfully.  When asked about his favorite funny or memorable stories, Don grinned cheekily, savoring what is, I’m sure, a mountain of ridiculous memories. “I believe it was a homecoming weekend, I came in early and did some rounds and everything seemed fine. But as the daylight came in, I realized that there were seats missing, just the bottom pieces, in all three sections.”

He paused, laughed to himself for a moment, and then continued on. “After the event we went through and marked all of the seats (which were all different sizes). When we finished the chart, the seats missing spell out GAO – one letter in each of the three sections. This was the old men’s dorm that the college was going to tear down (it stood where Fancher is now). I think it was some kind of protest.” We both chortled for a few moments and commented on the subtle cleverness of the scheme. “I also lived through many floods, particularly in the chapel and Presser Hall.”

Don Taylor will retire in the coming days after almost 40 years of tireless service to Houghton College. He has worked through the administrations of 4 different presidents (Paine, Dayton, Chamberlain, Mullen) and set up the chairs for the graduation of more than 9,000 Houghton College graduates. He is a tireless worker and the oil that keeps this academic machine turning. Thank Don, thank you for everything.

 

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News

Kerr-Pegula Athletics Complex Right on Track

The Kerr-Pegula Athletics Complex project plans were officially drafted in 2011 after receiving a letter of intent for a twelve million dollar donation from millionaire Terry Pegula and his wife Kim (Kerr ‘91) Pegula. By mid-spring 2013, the initial plans were approved by the Board and a timeline set in place. While the timeline has since evolved to reflect weather and fundraising realities, the project has continued forward with due speed. A walk past Shenawana Hall reveals the amount of work that has been completed already, and foreshadows the magnitude of these developments. David Smith, vice president of finance, is assisting in the flow of information to students and community members on behalf of the administration.

Of most pressing importance is the matter of fundraising and supporting this large venture. “The fundraising for this project has reached over $15M including the $12M lead gift by Terry and Kim (Kerr ‘91) Pegula with an additional $3M given by hundreds of donors over the past 18 months,” said Smith, “Individuals, foundations and corporations with affinity, capacity, and demonstrated generosity have been identified and are actively being solicited for this project.”

Ground_BreakingWhile the long-term project costs total more than $25M, the Advancement and Finance Departments seem enthusiastic and optimistic about reaching their goals. In a summary statement concerning fundraising, Smith said that he expects “to reach the fundraising goal by December 2015, which includes additional major capital gifts and endowment gifts designated for upkeep of the facilities, and a range of gifts from hundreds of dedicated alumni and friends.”

Another lurking concern about the complex is if the recent drop in enrollment could affect the finishing or expanse of the project’s plans.  When asked this question directly, Smith seemed optimistic. “The size of the facilities reflects many factors other than just enrollment, and all the factors, when included in the overall strategy, indicate our planning is still appropriate to our needs. For example, the size of this venue will be ideal for large multi-team track meets, concerts much larger than can be hosted currently, and other events that will promote Houghton College in our area/region.”

When asked a similar question, student government vice president and representative to the student athlete advisory committee, Andiana Sidell ‘14, also exuded positivity, “I definitely think that this project will have an impact on enrollment in the fall. Coaches and admissions have been using it as a recruiting tool. The presence of updated or new facilities is good for any type of program especially one that will impact the whole campus.”

Senator for athletics, Michael Bova ’15, also weighed in on the complex’s impact, saying, “I believe it will impact enrollment, especially if we have a multitude of future athletes coming to visit during the later portions of April or during May when the complex is nearing its final state. The complex adds grandeur to the Houghton campus, which is not something individuals expect when they look at the location of Houghton College–it adds to the “wow” factor, in essence.”

Smith holds hopes that the project will be completed very soon.  “The overall project, including the fields and field house, is on schedule to be completed by mid-summer 2014 and the fundraising plan is on schedule to be completed by December 2015.”

 

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News

Athletes Compete in Track and Field Championships

This weekend, Houghton’s indoor track and field team will be traveling to Bourbonnais, Illinois for the 2014 National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) Indoor Track and Field Championship.  Interestingly, Olivet Nazarene University, which is hosting the event, is also fielding a purple and gold team.

After a nine-hour journey, Houghton’s athletes will prepare for a multitude of events including four short distance sprinting events and one hurdle event; 3 long distance races; triple, high, and long jump, and other field events such as the shot put and relays.  Two rigorous and lengthy events round out the meet: the women’s pentathlon (60 meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, and 800 meter sprints) and the men’s heptathlon (60 meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60 meter hurdles, pole vault, & 1000 meter sprints).

trackfield_savannah_doviakSo far this season Houghton’s athletes have been competing well in their events.  Freshman Marshall Brady, once a local high school athlete, set a new school record in a meet this past Saturday in Ithaca.  Scoring 4141 points after his final event, Brady finished tenth out of twenty-three against a field of athletes from St. John Fisher, Cortland, Cornell, and other regional universities.  The week before, Brady was named as NCCAA Track and Field Student-Athlete of the Week.  Another freshman, Joanna Friesen, a native of Pennsylvania, nearly broke the school record with her pentathlon score of 2279 points in five events.  Friesen placed twelfth out of fifteen in her field.  Junior Andrea Melhorn also shattered an old school record in the hammer throw with a score that landed her in thirteenth place in her event.  These athletes will lead the charge for Houghton in their events in Illinois.

Travelling along with the athletes and trainers will be the meet’s Vice Chair Matt Dougherty, a Houghton graduate of the class of 2001, who was named men’s track coach in 2010.  Coach Dougherty provided solid endorsements for the swath of athletes Houghton will be bringing to the event.  “As always, we are looking to improve every chance we get to compete and we look to see how competitive we can be in the team rankings.  The men are fairly low this year with injuries to some key upperclassmen and some athletes who are just lacking their fitness from a year ago.  The women are a good mix of new and experienced athletes. Hopefully our seniors can help our first year runners adapt well to the national championships.”

Houghton’s men’s and women’s track and field team also performed at the Empire 8 Championships in Ithaca at the beginning of February.  While Ithaca ended up sweeping both the men’s and women’s overall titles, Houghton’s athletes successfully finished in the top five in a multitude of events. Friesen placed in the 800 meter sprint, the distance medley relay (DMR), and the 4×400 meter relay, while Figueroa placed in the triple jump and 60 meter sprint events.  Another female athlete, senior Leah Williams assisted in the DMR and ranked highly in the women’s mile race.  For the men, a fifth position in the DMR as well as strong performances by Brady in the long, triple, and high jumps rounded out Houghton’s first round of indoor championship events.

Houghton’s gradual integration into the NCCAA allows for continued involvement in NCCAA championship meets as well as NCAA events.  As a Christian organization, the NCCAA asks hosting universities to develop a service aspect of the event to parallel the athletic events.  This year’s project, sponsored by voluntary donations from participating colleges, is a partnership with an organization called Living Alternatives, a pro-life clinic and assistance program that seeks “to promote life-affirming options 
and provide practical assistance, while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed and to minister restoration to those who have been wounded by the trauma of abortion.”

Houghton’s track and field athletes head into this weekend’s championship events with great determination.  Coach Dougherty, when asked about pre-event jitters, commented, “I wouldn’t say we are nervous. It’s an excited anticipation to test ourselves to find out where we are.  This year’s national championship is as competitive as it has ever been and, as one of the smallest schools competing and the only NCAA DIII competing this year, we try and make our presence known as best we can.”

 

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News

Values Collide During Olympic Games

Last summer, on June 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into a law a piece of legislation banning the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” in regions or areas exposed to minors. Article 6.21 reads as follows:

“Propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors: 1. Propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors expressed in distribution of information that is aimed at the formation among minors of nontraditional sexual attitudes, attractiveness of nontraditional sexual relations, misperceptions of the social equivalence of traditional and nontraditional sexual relations, or enforcing information about nontraditional sexual relations that evokes interest to such relations, if these actions do not constitute a criminal offence, – is punishable by an administrative fine for citizens in the amount of four thousand to five thousand rubles.”

Courtesy of www.theguardian.com
Courtesy of www.theguardian.com

This move sparked an outcry from activists and organizations both inside and outside of Russia.  In the United States in particular, many urban bars and clubs began refusing to sell Russian vodka as a protest against the discrimination happening on the other side of the world.  More public figures–Tilda Swinton, Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Stephen Fry, and others–raised their voices in protest of Russia hosting an Olympic event meant to “unite the world.”

After calls for a boycott of the Sochi games seemed to fade into the background, attention turned instead to the Obama administration and whether or not the United States would make a statement regarding President Putin’s anti-LGBTQ stance. Months later President Obama’s office published the list of his hand-selected delegation to be sent to Sochi to represent the United State’s government. Topping the list were former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Ambassador Michael McFaul, White House aide Rob Nabors, and two openly gay American Olympic Champions – two-time ice-hockey gold medalist Caitlin Cahow, and 1988 figure skating gold medalist Brian Boitano.  In a recent interview Boitano informed USA Today, “Everyone knows why we’re here. We’ve made it obvious and quite public as to why Caitlin and I are supporting the delegation and are here. I think Russians know that and I think Americans know that and we’re proud to come from a country who supports tolerance and diversity and we stand strong.”

Since the Olympic Games began last week, other international athletes have voiced their opinions about Putin’s continued stance against gay rights in the face of Western opposition. “Homosexuality is not propaganda,” writes New Zealand Olympian Blake Skjellerup, “Anyone, no matter their sexuality, religion, or race, can play sports. One facet of who you are does not make you a weaker athlete. Being proud of who you are, and representing that makes you a stronger athlete, and the Olympic Games should be actioned in a place that provides that safety and opportunity.”

Putin, however, staunchly continues to defend the law he signed into effect. In his State of the Nation address this past December, two months before the opening ceremony in Sochi, Putin attacked the “norms of morality” of the West. “This destruction of traditional values from above not only entails negative consequences for society, but is also inherently anti-democratic because it is based on an abstract notion and runs counter to the will of the majority of people,” he said. As the games continue to unfold, it is predicted that athletes of multiple countries will pursue gestures of tolerance, bearing little regard for Putin’s disdain.

 

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News

Pyschology and Sociology Transfer to Three-Credit System

Several years back the College transformed its credits system by implementing a required 4- credit hour structure. One of the leading voices of the new system was Dr. Peter Meilaender, political science. The shift was made in order to fulfill what he described as: “Paired desires, faculty would be able to teach more effectively by teaching one less course simultaneously, and students – also taking fewer courses simultaneously – would be able to learn more effectively.” Dr. Linda Mills Woolsey, Dean of the College, further explained, saying, “A lot of study went into the shift and it did reflect a trend among selective liberal arts colleges. We did the best we could with the information we had and from the outset made some exceptions to the rule.  We have, however, continued to wrestle with issues inherent in any attempt at a ‘one size fits all’ approach.”

SocDept1As of last fall, however, departments struggling with this structuring requirement can freely adjust their courses to better suit their needs.

In November of 2013, the Academic Council approved a motion allowing for departments to freely re-organize their curriculum by whatever structure they feel to be most appropriate for facilitating student learning. The resolution as follows was later approved by the faculty: “The general requirements of a four-credit curriculum are hereby relaxed, permitting departments to propose curricula organized in such a way as to provide the best courses and programs for students.”  This motion opened the door for several departments to restructure their programs using three-hour or two-hour structures or a functional combination of 2, 3, and 4-hour courses.

As of yet, the most significant changes are happening within the Psychology department, chaired by Dr. Paul Young. “Different disciplines organize their content in different ways,” said Young. “Organizing psychology by time period, for example, just does not fit the field – this is a more topically organized field. With the 4-hour curriculum, the majors would have to be very large.”

More than 10 psychology courses will be adjusted to a three-hour system as of the fall of 2014. Young emphasized the “focus of the shift back as an attempt to allow students to be “more flexible in students setting up their own schedules.” So as to further prohibit scheduling complications the Psychology Department is also allowing for a 3 plus 1 option for students who need a 4 hour course. Young hoped that the transition would be smooth and students would be provided with “enough different courses to fill out their majors.”

Not all voices are united in support of these types of changes, however. Meilaender’s original support for the four-hour system has not wavered. “It is not obvious to me why varieties of content organization (historical, topical, etc.) point to one hours system or another.” Concerning the strain on professors, Meilaender continues to disagree, explaining that from his perspective, “There is equal demand on your time with 3 four hour classes or with 4 three hour classes – it is simply easier to give your attention to fewer classes.”

While not in opposition to the recent changes, Mills Woolsey similarly pointed out, “The three hour system tends to mean more separate preparations for faculty, and [in the past] failed to satisfy student and faculty desires to create more in-depth courses.”

Preferences aside, the motion by the faculty has created a more flexible code for departments to determine course designations and semester schedules. Next fall, psychology majors and professors will put the old system to the test. Mills Woolsey, when asked to predict this decisions impact on the campus as a whole, summarized concisely: “At this point I envision a move toward a structure that allows for 1,2, 3, and 4 hour courses. I will be interested to see how students in the psychology major respond to the changes.”

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Opinions

Awkward Couples Aren’t Your Problem

There are times I sit alone and wonder, like, “Why God… Why would you, like, put these people in my life? By people, I quite obviously mean awkward couples! Seriously though, it’s like, OMG the most annoying thing in, like, the entire world totally.  I see them when I eat lunch, when I get my mail from the basement of the CC, when I walk from one small campus building to another, and even when I am in the only coffee shop in Houghton. Like really though? Why are they so much everywhere? Couldn’t they, like not be in relationships or something? Isn’t there like, lots more attractive people who could kiss in public places and cuddle on couches? I would be totes okay with it if they weren’t just so weird looking. Hot people cuddling in Gillette? I don’t think anyone would like, complain about that, like ever.”

 Note: The views above do not reflect the views of the author and are entirely fictional.

wynnI recently stumbled across the Twitter account: @HCawkcouples or HC awkward couples.  To say that I was a little disturbed would be an understatement – disgusted would perhaps be a fitting alternative? As I scrolled down the page, my anger continued to spike as stalker-pictures of said “couples” rolled up the screen of my Mac. Along with the pictures were obnoxious comments pertaining to awkward couple tips and snarky comments designed only to make one’s self feel better at the expense of others. (By others here I actually mean the people whose pictures were taken and posted to social media without their knowledge.)

After my initial disgust wore off, I became sad for my fellow students – that we live day-to-day waiting for Houghton stereotypes to be fulfilled.  However, I was more disappointed that we – a body of students who claim to be followers of Christ – resort to such petty activities. Please understand, I am not a Bible-thumping, fire-brandishing troglodyte come to call God’s vengeance upon you. I am simply another student, another Christian, offering my feelings up (for what will most likely be public rebuke).

Now, let’s be honest, we – including me – have all made sarcastic comments about awkward couples or passing remarks regarding the people whose daily patterns seem to never differ. This established, my response to this Twitter page is this – SO WHAT? Why do you care enough about who dates who that you put the effort into maintaining a Twitter feed about the topic? It is, to put it plainly, entirely un-Christ-like. What part of “loving others” can be translated into “Tweet about those who are different than you?”

When we all leave Houghton and go out into the real world (and yes that is a thing), we are going to be confronted routinely by people who are different than we are.  More often than not there will be people who view us the same way. How would you feel if it were you? How would you feel knowing that entire conversations are taking place online about the habits of you and your significant other? Just get over yourselves people.  There are times when the Grandma Rule needs to be applied: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. In the words of Mean Girls: “Calling somebody else fat won’t make you any skinnier. Calling someone stupid doesn’t make you any smarter… All you can do in life is try to solve the problem in front of you.” Seriously, people, if this type of moral can be presented in such a vapid movie, then can’t we figure it out too?