Category: Campus

Houghton College’s disciplinary policy regarding alcohol use is continually on the table for discussion among students and other community members. As stated in the 2015-2016 edition of the Student Guide, “The normal sanction for a first offense involving purchase, distribution, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages…is disciplinary probation. A second offense normally involves suspension from the college.”

This “hard line,” as Vice President of Student Life Rob Pool called it, serves to make clear Houghton’s stance on alcohol use in the Christian learning environment. Yet there is question as to whether this “hard line” may also be heavy handed and conducive to the inequitable treatment of involved students, particularly athletes.

Disciplinary probation in is the removal of most co-curricular opportunities beyond the “core” of a Houghton education for at least one semester, according to Pool. Specifically, a student on disciplinary probation may not participate in intercollegiate sports, theatre, music ensembles, nor lead a student club or organization.

“Certainly,” Pool admitted, “ if you take a student who is not involved at all, versus a student who is involved. . . disciplinary sanctions would affect them more broadly than a non-involved student.” Pool also noted that as of last year, athletes in particular were reported for violations at a rate disproportionate to their presence in the student body, which is roughly 23-25%.

Maisie Pipher ‘16, a forward on the women’s basketball team, said that while the repercussions for alcohol use and other infractions may be tougher on student athletes, “I see why…it is a privilege to be an athlete and we are kind of representing the school. We are forewarned about it plenty of times,” at mandatory meetings at the beginning of every academic year. While Pipher admitted to the appeal of shorter suspensions from co-curricular activities for first time alcohol infractions, she also expressed hesitance, as such a policy could lead to arbitrary application.

In response to this issue, Athletic Director Harold “Skip” Lord stated, “To whom much is given, much will be taken away. Athletics and other co curricular activities are a privilege, not a right. The athletic department may implement discipline aside from Student Life procedures, including reprimands and suspensions.”

Taylor Button ‘16, student assistant coach of women’s basketball fell in line with Lord, stating, “We [as athletes] put ourselves in the position for the athletic department to hold us to a higher standard.”

Houghton College is not the only Christian college with a strict no-alcohol policy. Messiah College, a familiar face in athletic competition and musical events, is, like Houghton, alcohol, drug, and tobacco free. According to the Messiah College Student Guide, the exceptions to this policy are slim, the partaking of communion wine and the consumption of alcohol by of age students in the presence of parents and/or during breaks are among them.

Unlike Houghton, however, violations of this policy induce a range of disciplinary procedures, ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion. Steve King, Messiah’s Associate Athletic Director for Communications and Compliance stated, “Our Athletics administration and our Student Affairs administration tries to treat both non-athletes and athletes as students first. Banning student-athletes from teams is more likely to result from a violation of that team’s expectations rather than College policy.”

King continued, “Discipline, especially within large communities like Messiah and Houghton, is hard. Often we, in our human nature, I think, want things to be really obvious and equal with regard to disincline. ‘X violation always equals Y penalty’ is an attractive approach because it seems fair.” This view has led to an updated model of discipline at Messiah College, in which King said “the consequences may vary depending on the context of the situation.”

Pool emphasized that the implementation of disciplinary probation depends on the “severity, frequency, and [negative] impact” of an infraction. He said, “it’s not just Student Life asking ‘did you have a beer?’ and then putting a student on disciplinary probation.”

“The spirit behind disciplinary probation is ‘ok, you’ve been given freedom, and you’ve violated the trust of the community, and we’re taking some [of that freedom],” Pool said. “It seems heavy handed, perhaps, but we always look at various factors of severity, frequency, impact” which warrant the immediate severity –“the student guide states that one [drug or alcohol violation] will result in DP…that’s the hard line. However, [the Student Conduct Committee] has latitude in applying sanctions.”

However, not all students may find this satisfactory, and some may prefer Houghton to implement the contextualized approach of Messiah College as described by King. In the meantime, Pool said, ““I think it’s helpful for students to get to know the student guide. Students should know their rights and ask questions, and if students are unsatisfied with the current policy, [they should] recommend change to their student government association (SGA) and see where that process leads us.”

With the commencement of a new semester came a new theme for chapel. This semester’s theme of reconciliation prefaced the focus of the spring 2016 Praxis week, which was dubbed by Dean Jordan as “a week of listening.”

Throughout the week, chapel speakers and panel discussion leaders from diverse African-American and black backgrounds facilitated this listening. Jordan shared how the influence of the black church in his personal spiritual development contributed to his decision about the focus of Praxis week. Joe Miner ‘18 a panelist from last Tuesday’s discussion, shared, “It was encouraging for me to hear other black speakers come to Houghton to hear about their experience as well as hear the concerns of my white friends.”

Meredith Griffin, pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, stated on Friday that an attitude of listening in transition periods is crucial for understanding how to serve one another when it is least comfortable. Travis Trotman ‘17, a panelist last Tuesday, reiterated the importance of “multicultural sensitivity.” He identified this idea as central to listening and speaking with care. Miner added, “We should be looking for ways to grow and love each other.”

On Monday, Tali Hairston, director of the Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership and Community Development at Seattle Pacific University spoke to this. He explained that in order for Christ to live through us, He must live through our actions. This incarnational attitude points the listening back to Jesus and the humanity that He embodies in order to love us in our humanity. Dean Jordan posed the question, “When we’re done listening and trying to act, what will that look like?” He added, “It’s not just about being nice.” Miner echoed this statement and stated, “Racism isn’t just a mean word, it’s a mentality and a system. It’s not something that changes overnight.” With this in mind, sensitivity and understanding were common themes from this past week.

How can Houghton continue this conversation? Trotman suggests that Houghton provide a trained diversity counselor for the Houghton community. He described how this service would give students a safe, comfortable place to continue to ask questions and learn from one another.

Dean Jordan has assured chapel-goers that Praxis week is not the end of the diversity conversation. The first and last chapel speakers of February, Black History Month, will be dedicated to pastors who lead intentionally multicultural congregations.

Under the coordination of psychology professor Richard Stegen, Houghton Student Enterprises (HSE), and Psi-Chi (the National Honor Society in Psychology), the film Inequality for All will make its debut at Houghton College on February 11 at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Recital Hall. Following the film, there will be a panel discussion among four members of the Houghton community.

The trailer of the award-winning documentary states, “Of all developed nations, the U.S. has the most unequal distribution of income, and we’re surging toward even greater inequality.” Activist Robert Reich, former United States Secretary of Labor is featured, promoting a left-leaning solution to income inequality in the United States and possible solutions toward greater equity.

Representing the right wing of the debate on income inequality will be professor of economics, Robert Black. Representing the left wing on the panel will be Rodney Glasspoole, an Allegany County probation officer. “Rodney has the most liberal viewpoint on the panel,” Stegen said. “ I believe what he has to say will be very provocative.”

Representing the moderates are right-leaning Joseph Gilligan ‘17 and left-leaning theology professor Richard Eckley.

Stegen stated he is “passionate” about the issue of income inequality, which led him to organize the event. As the moderator of the debate, he will explore each of the candidate’s ideas and proposed solutions to the issue from an economic, political, and Christian perspective.

Gilligan, however, stated he believed the film is a “neo-Marx presentation of income inequality” in the United States, an idea which he plans to expound upon, “when the debate happens.” Gilligan also offered his thoughts on how to discuss this polarizing issue well, and stated media, such as student newspapers, are a good outlet for students to encounter various opinions and viewpoints. He also suggested that everyone, particularly students, stay politically informed by reading a variety of news sources, such as the Washington Post and the New York Times. “Try to read from people who have different viewpoints than you,” he said.

As a theologian, Eckley said he frames his thoughts on income inequality around the Bible, which, he said, “supports preferential treatment of the poor.” He continued, “In the Bible, the poor are always given hope. I have no problem with [economic disparity] until it gets to the point where there is despair and hopelessness-when the rich pull the ladder up with them.”

The event, which is expected to last roughly three hours, is expected by the coordinators and panelists to spark lively and, hopefully, constructive discussion about economic justice and income inequality in the United States. The film and debate are free of charge and open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Longtime professor, Gary Baxter, will be retiring from his position as professor of art  as he decreases his teaching load over the next two years.

This decision is part of the new Retirement Incentive Plan now offered by the college. “The plan was offered to tenured teaching faculty meeting a minimum age requirement,” said Dale Wright, Executive Director of Human Resources.

According to Wright, participation in the program is voluntary and candidates have two options. The first option is to retire at the end of this current academic year; while the second is to phase into retirement with reduced teaching loads over the next two years.

The plan was offered with two main goals. The first being to give long-serving faculty members who chose to, an opportunity to retire or to reduce their teaching load earlier than they might have otherwise been able to. The plan also hopes to assist the institution in aligning faculty resources with the current size and distribution across academic programs. Wright confirmed that the plan has been well received by the college and participating faculty.

For Baxter this plan was exactly what he wanted. He said, “The work I’ve been doing for the college and in the ceramics studio is pretty physical, so it would be nice to slow down the pace a little bit.” Baxter currently teaches art classes in ceramics, three-dimensional design, and sculpture. Carrolin Jackson, a senior art major, described Baxter saying, “He has always found a way to see beauty and merit in nearly every one of his students’ endeavors, encouraging and provoking in such a way that always brings their projects and ideas to a great completion

than before.” The plan is for Baxter to only teach ceramics for the next two years and for the college to hire a new professor within that period.  In the meantime, they may have to hire an adjunct professor to teach Three-Dimensional Design and Sculpture.

The transition of older professors into retirement allows for younger professors to transition into the department. Baxter said, “I think for a lot of students there’s a great deal of appeal to having young faculty members.”Baxter continued,, “I think it’s good to have balance, with some older and some younger faculty. But I think it’s good to have some new blood. With new blood comes new energy for the department.”  

After retiring, Baxter will continue making art. At his home he has a studio with both a wood burning and gas kiln. “I am planning to continue to produce ceramic art and continue working for as long as my health allows me to,” he said. Baxter continued, “I have a pile of books to read that I haven’t been able to get around to, and it’d also be nice to travel.” While he has been on several trips to Europe with students, those trips always take place in the summer during high tourist season.  Baxter expressed excitement to be able to travel to places like Greece, Turkey, and Japan during the off-season when it is less touristy. She continued, “While his absence will be sorely felt, his impact and influence in his students’ lives will only continue to bloom and resonate for many years to come.”

This March, a group of Houghton students will travel to Washington, D.C., to lobby on the issue of mass incarceration.

“America has the highest incarceration rate in the world,” Stephanos Bibas writes in his article, “The Truth about Mass Incarceration,” published in the National Review. He added that the United States houses almost one-fourth of the world’s prisoners, despite the fact that our country constitutes only one-twentieth of the global population.

Lauren Bechtel ‘16  is organizing the trip to Washington, D.C. “I’ve spent a lot of time studying injustice in other cultural contexts and in other countries,” said Bechtel, who is an international development major. “From that experience I’ve really started to realize how much work needs to be done in our own country,” she stated.

Bechtel commented on the challenges that former inmates face when they leave prison, “If you take someone out of a place where they have family, friends, relationships, that depend on them, and you take them out of that context and put them into a place where they don’t make any money, they don’t have a real sense of purpose … and then you isolate that person from those that they care about the most, what’s supposed to motivate them to be a positive contributor to society when they get out?”

At a four-day event called the Spring Lobbying Weekend, Houghton students and other young adults will work with the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker group which has lobbied on a number of issues including sustainable energy, the Syrian refugee crisis, and campaign finance reform.

According to Bechtel, participants will spend the first day of the Spring Lobbying Weekend learning about the issue of mass incarceration, the second day learning about the policy surrounding mass incarceration, and the third day learning about the mechanics of lobbying. On the fourth day, participants will have the chance to put what they have learned into practice by lobbying for The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015, a senate bill introduced by a group of bipartisan senators.

A summary from the Friends Committee’s website states that this bill “focuses on non-violent drug-related crimes, separating them … from violent crimes and the more serious drug trafficking crimes.” Despite this, the bill proposes reducing mandatory minimum sentences not only for second and third convictions of drug possession, but for certain violence-related felonies and crimes of violence. The intent of these reductions, according to the Friends Committee, is not simply to reduce sentences, but to allow judges to exercise more discretion in sentencing, giving them the opportunity “to take into account the criminal history of individuals being charged … and the relative level of their involvement in the crime.”

Emma Brittain ‘16 said she is interested in going to D.C. for the lobbying weekend “because I know that as a Christian I need to be caring about justice and that means even caring for those who have done something wrong.” She also commented on issues of corruption and discrimination in the criminal justice system, “[T]here has been data that suggests racial profiling and monetary incentives cause more people to be sentenced to jail for longer, harsher terms than what is probably fair.”

Jackson Wheeler ‘17 said participating in the lobbying weekend will give him the opportunity to see how he can apply his education to the sphere of American government. “The U.S. justice system, of course, does plenty of good,” Wheeler said.  He added that it then becomes “our goal as citizens, as voices in our communities, to do our part in trying to highlight its facets that are in need of reform.”

Bechtel echoed this sentiment and stated, “If you have a voice, and you don’t use it, you’re wasting your opportunity to speak out against injustice. If you have a voice and you do use it, that’s not only empowering for you as an individual, but it also is a part of a way to enact real change.”

The trip to D.C. runs March 11-15. Those interested in learning more may contact Lauren Bechtel at lauren.bechtel16@houghton.edu.

With Purple and Gold Week now taking place during Homecoming week, a new event Hall Brawl, will take place in the spring semester. This year, Marc Smithers came up with the alternative of Hall Brawl, a week of competition between the four residence halls. Krista Maroni, Residence Director (RD) of Lambein Hall, described the event as “Harry Potter” style, with opportunities for students to earn points for their affiliated hall in events ranging from “funny” to “strategic.”

Smithers’ idea “is a blend of what many other institutions are currently doing,” explained Shenawana Residence Director, Jason Stephens. Houghton’s Hall Brawl event will borrow from what other colleges and universities have successfully done, combining it with the creative ideas of Smithers and the campus RDs. “With RDs coming from various institutions, we have been able to take many of their ideas to come together and make it fit within the Houghton context,” Stephens said. “Other campuses have class competitions,” Smithers said, but at Houghton he feels students have greater affinity with their residence halls.

With the competition occurring between the four residence halls, each RD will oversee an activity. “The activities are touching on creativity, trivia, adventure,” said Smithers. Stephens described Shenawana’s event as “a challenge between the different buildings to protect your RD while attacking other RDs and trying to get them out.” Stephens noted “all my RA’s are really excited about it.” Maroni, noted the various “active events,” and explained Lambein’s trivia night, which she hopes will attract students “who wouldn’t come to the active events.” Maroni noted that Lambein’s event will not only award points for the overall Hall Brawl event, but have separate awards as well. Gillette will be hosting a game of human checkers, and Rothenbuhler will host a box sledding event down Roth hill.

Not all students, however, live in one of the four residence halls. The townhouses play a large role in Houghton’s residence life and though they are not part of the main competition, they will be hosting their own event. They will hold a knock-out competition during the halftime of the men’s basketball game that week. The townhouse residents themselves will participate by competing for the residence hall with which they most identify. In addition to the evening residence hall events, Smithers himself will be in charge of what he calls the daily “ Hall Brawl Hunt.” The hunt is an opportunity for students to earn 60 points for their residence hall by answering a question.

Maroni said the intention of Hall Brawl is “healthy, friendly competition that brings students together,” as “a positive way to build identity.” Stephens noted, “We are hoping to allow students to feel more connected to the building,” and in effect, be more connected to Houghton. “I’m excited to see how interested students are in it,” Smithers said. He explained that events such as SPOT have been propelled by student interest. He and the residence directors hope the event will become a tradition. Smithers said “The biggest thing is to help students feel more connected to this place and each other.”

With the spring semester underway, Houghton College’s Vocational Opportunities and Career Advising (VOCA) center will host the Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Now is the time for seniors to begin thinking about their plans for after graduation and for underclassmen to think about their plans for the summer,” VOCA director Kim Pool said.

According to Pool, there are three general guidelines for students beginning the job search. First, a significant factor for a potential employee is an online presence. Pool stated, “VOCA can help you set up your LinkedIn profile and make sure you have a professional online presence.” Aside from this service, VOCA offers resumé critiques and workshops, as well as assistance connecting current Houghton undergraduates with alumni. The VOCA center will even help prepare students for job interviews, according to Pool.

While these services are offered throughout the academic year, the Spring Career Fair will likely be the best opportunity for students to connect with potential summer or full time employers. Over 40 employers will be present at the Career Fair. “Twenty-five of the business or entities will be camps seeking college students for summer positions,” Pool said. “16 are non-camps with both internship and full-time positions”.

Students are also invited to visit the LinkedIn photo booth, which will be in the same area as the Career Fair. Students can have a professional headshot taken for their LinkedIn profile on Wednesday from 12-2 p.m. The Spring Career Fair will be held in the Van Dyk Lounge in the Campus Center.

Although only in its third year at Houghton, the tennis program hosted its second annual tennis tournament the first weekend in December. While members of the Houghton tennis team could not participate because of National College Athletic Association (NCAA) rules, the tournament was “open to the general public,” Coach Charlie Ellis said. Through an advertising system of emails and communication “kind of like a pyramid” as well as “word of mouth,” participants came from towns, communities, and high schools all over the Western Tier. Ages ranged between 14 and 62.

As the tournament’s director, Ellis structured it as a round robin tournament, divided between doubles and singles. The doubles tournament was won by Brennan Campbell, a tennis team graduate of the previous year, and Ellis, who substituted for a player who failed to come. Bill Stives, the Wellsville coach, and Ben Wright, the Olean High School coach, were the runners up. Houghton Academy student Tom Kawamura won the singles tournament, with Jason Cui, also a Houghton Academy student, as runner up. Ellis noted that both the Academy students were “very excited about tennis and also interested in Houghton College.”

The turnout for this year’s tournament was about 20 people, an unexpectedly good turnout. “We were actually not going to have it until four or five days before they started advertising,” Ellis said. “We decided to go ahead and have it at the eleventh hour.” Participant Andrew Oden noted that the tournament “ran very smoothly.” As the varsity boy’s tennis team coach at Fillmore Central School, Oden said, “It was a lot of fun meeting people from the surrounding area, of various ages, that are passionate about tennis.” He appreciated the ability to play tennis in the Kerr-Pegula Field-House (KPFH). “Before the field house existed, tennis players would be in hibernation for about five months; now we can play year round.”

Beyond being a great opportunity for tennis players around the area to play together, Ellis emphasized the tournament’s ultimate intention. Last year’s tournament served as a fundraiser for the tennis team’s mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Ellis affirmed the success of the trip, describing the tennis team who went as “a powerful group of men and women” and commending their Christ-like attitude. “When we took off to go to the Dominican Republic I was fearful because hardly anything was planned, but they just stepped up and took over.” Ellis said that the intention for this year’s tournament is to “archive money for future mission trips this year,” based on last year’s successful trip. Referencing the deep impression of that trip, Ellis said, “That’s why we started the tennis tournament. That’s what its purpose is.”